Air pollution slows brain development: study

Air pollution takes a double toll on babies' brains

Studies have tied air pollution to a wide range
of problems in children.

A common pollutant in vehicle exhaust, power plant emissions and cigarette smoke can shrink white matter in fetal brains and cause developmental damage during the toddler years, a new study suggests.

In 40 children examined by researchers, prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was correlated with reduced white matter on the left side of children's brains during their early childhood.

Those physical changes in the brain's internal wiring also were correlated with slower cognitive processing and with symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity, according to the study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

“They tend to be fidgety and hyperactive and very impulsive, so they leap before they look,” said Dr. Bradley Peterson, director of the Institute for the Developing Mind at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the lead author of the report.

The researchers had previously tied behavioral and cognitive problems to eight common types of these pollutants, which are a product of incomplete combustion of organic materials.

The new study now suggests those problems have a biological root in the altered architecture of the brain.

The research involved 655 New York City women of Dominican and African American descent who gave birth between 1997 and 2006.

During late pregnancy, the women carried detector backpacks that measured exposure to PAHs over 48 hours. Their children later were tested for exposure and underwent several rounds of cognitive and behavioral testing.

For the JAMA Psychiatry study, Peterson and his colleagues selected a representative sample from the original study group: 20 children whose own PAH readings were below the median and 20 whose PAH levels were above it.

All the children were about 8 years old when they underwent magnetic resonance imagery scans.

Those scans showed that white matter was significantly reduced from normal volumes throughout the left hemisphere, an area that controls language and cognition, among other higher functions.

In fact, the higher their prenatal exposure to PAH was, the more white matter was reduced and the more acute the behavioral and developmental problems were, the study found.

Scientists don’t know why the left side seemed to be affected more, but they suspect the compounds interfere with an early biochemical process that helps the fetal brain divide into slightly asymmetrical hemispheres.

The damage, however, is not isolated to prenatal stages, or to the left hemisphere. Postnatal PAH exposure, measured at age 5, correlated with diminished white matter in areas of the prefrontal cortex of both hemispheres, the study found.

“It’s a double hit,” Peterson said. “They have the abnormality from prenatal life throughout the left hemisphere and then on top of that they have this bilateral frontal hit from exposures around age 5.”

The 40 children were from nonsmoking homes and had little or no exposure to lead or insecticides that likewise have been linked to developmental and behavioral problems, according to the study. All were right-handed.

Although it remains possible that other pollutants could be affecting the results, the researchers said their sampling methods eliminated the major contenders, helping to isolate the effects of the PAH compounds.

Numerous studies have linked air pollution — especially particulate matter — to respiratory and cardiac problems. But over the last decade, researchers have accumulated more evidence that particles and other types of airborne pollution can affect brain development.

A 2012 study using a database of 19,000 nurses found greater cognitive decline among older women exposed to high levels of particulate matter.

A 2011 Boston study involving 680 men showed similar results. A series of studies involving children in Mexico City linked air pollution with the brain inflammation that is typical of diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

“It is worrisome,” Peterson said of the latest findings. “California has gone a long way toward improving and cleaning up the air, but there’s a long way to go. Future generations depend on it.”

Source: LA Times

Are you concerned about air pollution where you live or work? AllerAir has designed a wide range of powerful air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA air filters that remove airborne chemicals, particles and other contaminants. Contact AllerAir for more information and a free consultation. Call 1-888-852-8247 or write to sales@allerair.com.

Video: Indoor air concerns in baby rooms and nurseries

The arrival of a new baby prompts periods of extreme happiness - and stress. Keeping babies safe and healthy is paramount, but the advice new parents get is often conflicting.

One thing is for sure: Newborns and babies are among the most vulnerable when it comes to polluted air and exposure to airborne contaminants.

Watch this video courtesy of Cochrane & Associates for more information:



Concerned about the air quality in your home?

AllerAir offers a wide range of air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA air filters that can help remove airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses.

Contact AllerAir for a free consultation by calling 1-888-852-8247 or write to sales@allerair.com.

Greenest neighbourhoods produce bigger babies

Expecting mothers with access to trees and
grass delivered heavier babies: Study

Mothers who live in Metro Vancouver’s greenest neighbourhoods tend to deliver bigger babies and are more likely carry a baby to term than those who live in less green parts of the city, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Using data from more than 64,000 births and analysis of satellite imagery, researchers found that babies from the greenest residential spaces ­­— those with access to trees and grass within 100 metres — were up to 45 grams heavier, had a reduced likelihood of preterm birth and were less likely to be small for gestational age, according to the lead researcher Michael Brauer, a professor in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia.

The positive effects of greenness persist even when the researchers control for other factors known to influence gestation and birth weight, including air pollution, noise, income, access to parks, opportunities for physical activity and the walkability of the immediate neighbourhood.

“We know from other studies that birth outcomes are influenced by pollution and noise in a negative way, so we went looking for something (in the urban environment) that is healthy,” said Brauer.

Cities in most of the developed world are designed to accommodate the automobile, which usually results in relatively barren, noisy and polluted environments. Brauer’s study seeks to quantify the benefits of a different approach to urban planning.

“If we didn’t design for automobiles and instead designed for people, the hope is that we would be healthier,” he said. “With the high cost of health care, modifying urban design features such as increasing green space may turn out to be an extremely cost-effective strategy to prevent disease.”

While 45 grams isn’t a lot of extra weight for one healthy infant, the effect of increased birth weight across the entire distribution of births moves thousands of babies from birth weights that are dangerously low into a healthier range.

“From a medical standpoint, those are small changes in birth weight, but across a large population, those are substantial differences that would have a significant impact on the health of infants in a community,” said co-author Perry Hystad, assistant professor in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University.

Even in an urban area as rich in green space as Metro Vancouver the benefits conferred by the very greenest neighbourhoods compared with the least green neighbourhoods were substantial, including a 20-per-cent reduction in severely premature births and 13 per cent fewer moderately pre-term births.

The mechanism by which greenness translates into healthier babies is not exactly clear, but greener environments are known to facilitate social connectedness and reduce blood pressure, heart rate and stress-related hormones, according to the study, the third in a series of similar inquiries on the health impacts of urban spaces.

“Even when we eliminate the noise and the pollution and (a measure) of physical activity, we still see this benefit of green space,” he said. “What we don’t know is whether it is enough to see a tree out your window or do you have to have a park across the street where you chat with your neighbours.”

Source: Vancouver Sun

Concerned about poor air quality in your neighbourhood? When the air outside is polluted, the air indoors can become a health concern as airborne contaminants are trapped inside and accumulate. AllerAir offers customizable and affordable air purifiers with activated carbon + HEPA air filters that help remove dangerous pollutants such as chemicals, VOCs, odors, particles, allergens, asthmagens, mold, bacteria, viruses, fumes and vapors. Contact AllerAir for more information and a free consultation.

Pesticide exposure affects boys more than girls

Chlorpyrifos is still widely used
in the agricultural industry
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

On August 3, 2012, we posted a blog entry on how exposure to pesticides during pregnancy can affect fetuses.  A new study now reveals more details on the side effects of these toxic chemicals.

The Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) has found that the insecticide chlorpyrifos affects boys and girls differently.

When comparing seven-year old boys and girls, the CCCEH determined that boys had more difficulty with their memory, which inevitably affected their IQ levels.

What it does

Chlorpyrifos was widely used in pesticides within the home until 2001, when the EPA restricted indoor use. 

This chemical is an endocrine disruptor, which interferes with the body’s hormones. The most common side effects of endocrine disruptors are developmental disabilities, such as attention deficit disorder, learning difficulties and even physical birth defects.

This study has been carried out at a few different levels. Earlier this year, it was shown that even low to moderate exposure to chlorpyrifos could have irreversible, adverse effects on babies’ brains.

The most recent study has focused on how different genders react to the same chemical. Dr. Megan Horton led the study where 335 mother-child pairs signed up to partake in the research.  After testing their home environment at age three, researchers tested the kids’ IQ at age seven. The boys’ IQ were, on average, three points below the girls’.

Chlorpyrifos’ reach

Though the EPA restricted the use of this chemical within the home, it is still widely used in commercial and agricultural sectors.  Farmers continue to use it for food and feed crops. Some parks and golf courses also use it. The lumber industry sometimes uses chlorpyrifos to treat wood.

People living in agricultural areas may be at risk of inhaling this chemical, thereby potentially affecting their unborn children. It is also possible to ingest it while eating fruit that have been sprayed with the insecticide, so caution is strongly advised.

Do you still use pesticides in your home? If you do, does this article change your mind about using them? If you no longer do, share your alternative solutions with us!

Source: Science Daily

In search of cleaner air

 

AllerAir's air purifiers
Speak to our IAQ experts
to find the best unit for you.

Though there is not too much to be done about your exposure to chemical substances out in the open, there are ways to limit how these chemicals can affect you within your home.   

If you live in an agricultural community, where a lot of pesticides are used, it is a good idea to invest in an air purifier to improve your indoor air quality. 

Even when windows and doors are kept closed, toxins get trapped inside the house, resulting in poor indoor air quality.

AllerAir provides you with different air purification options. All our units can be customized with specially blended activated carbon filters which help remove chemicals and odors from the air. Our HEPA filters also clean the air by absorbing particles, such as dust, pollen and pet dander, which are known allergens..

To learn more about our air purifiers, contact AllerAir.

Show your support for greener and healthier living by becoming a follower of this blog.

Study shows high levels of pesticides in pregnant women’s homes

Indoor pesticide use can
affect a baby's development.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A Texas-Mexico border study of indoor air found multiple pesticides in a majority of homes of Hispanic expectant mothers.

When women are in their third trimester of pregnancy, the baby’s body and brain undergo a growth spurt.

Pesticides have previously been linked to adverse effects in mental and motor development in infancy and childhood. They may also cause disorders such as autism and ADHD.

In two thirds of the households tested in the study, pesticides were used to control cockroaches, rodents and other pests indoors. Only 12 percent of the homes tested positive for agricultural pesticides that could have been used on nearby fields.

Poor IAQ a concern for mothers-to-be

Indoor air quality is a major concern for pregnant women and infants, since they often spend 90 percent of their time indoors.

Experts suggest integrated pest management (IPM) as an affordable and less toxic alternative to residential pesticides.

IPM stresses the importance of prevention of household pests by installing screens, caulking doors and windows, putting away food and using boric acid in walls.

The study was conducted by the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.

Source: Science Daily

Remove indoor air pollutants with air filters

The 5000 series and 6000 series
air purifiers can remove chemicals,
odors, particles and other pollutants.

Whether it’s for households with expectant mothers, young children or older residents, better indoor air quality is a must for those who spend most of their time at home.

A portable room air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses.

AllerAir offers some of the most efficient and powerful air purifiers for general purpose air cleaning as well as for specific indoor air quality issues such as chemical and odor control, mold, allergy and asthma as well as multiple chemical sensitivities.

Are you worried about your home’s indoor air quality?

Show your support for a green and healthy living environment by following this blog.

Contact AllerAir for more information on air purifiers and better indoor air quality.

FDA bans BPA in baby bottles and cups

The FDA ban makes a voluntary industry ban on
BPA in baby bottles and drinking cups official.

It was about time: The Food and Drug Administration recently announced that baby bottles and children’s drinking cups could no longer be made with bisphenol A (or BPA).

BPA has received lots of negative press because research has shown that the industrial chemical used in plastic bottles and food packaging is an estrogen-mimicking substance that can affect development.

Growing consumer concern already prompted the industry to stop using BPA in baby products, but the FDA’s decision is making it official.

Industry experts hope the decision will boost a shaken consumer confidence.

About BPA: Endocrine disruptor

The FDA declared BPA safe in 2008, but has voiced concerns about the chemical’s safety since 2010, saying it might affect the brain, behavior and prostrate gland of fetuses, infants and children.

The ban does not extend to BPA in other containers. Plastic items containing BPA are usually marked with a 7 on the bottom, for recycling purposes.

BPA exposure is common – traces of the chemical have been found in urine, breast milk, the blood of pregnant women and umbilical cord blood.

BPA already banned in Canada

The potentially negative health effects have led to official bans of BPA  from children’s products in Canada, Chicago and Suffolk County in New York State.

The FDA ban is a nice gesture, but it doesn’t include the containers of baby formula and many other containers that can expose pregnant women to the chemical, who can pass it on to their babies.

Maybe there will be a more comprehensive ban in our near future.

Source: New York Times

Remove airborne chemicals with carbon + HEPA air purifiers

Avoiding chemical exposures is a priority for many mothers-to-be and health-conscious individuals in general.

Many of the chemicals and volatile organic compounds are in the air we breathe. In order to take these toxic fumes out of the ambient air, an air purifier needs a deep-bed activated carbon filter.

AllerAir air purifiers consistently feature the most activated carbon at the best price, and the air purifiers also come with HEPA and pre-filters for the best overall protection.The most popular general purpose room air purifiers from AllerAir include the AirMedic series and the 5000 series. For baby's rooms and nurseries, the AirTube series has become a favorite.

Not sure which air purifier to choose? Consult our sizing and model selection guide or contact an AllerAir IAQ expert.

Show your support for greener and healthier living by following this blog.

How to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Researchers suggest a simpler lifestyle could be the answer

A small population study shows that lifestyle could be one of the most important factors to curb exposure to endocrine disruptors such as BPA and phthalates.

The lifestyle with the best results focuses on fresh foods and limited use of products likely to contain environmental chemicals.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been linked
to adverse health effects, researchers say.

The researchers examined urine samples and individual lifestyle choices of a group of Old Order Mennonite (OOM) women in mid-pregnancy and found that they have much lower concentrations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) than the general population.

The Mennonite community provided a good control group because their lifestyle includes mostly fresh foods, farming without pesticides, no cosmetics and limited use of personal care products.

The scientists compared the data on 10 OOM women in mid-pregnancy with pregnant women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

While more research is needed to confirm their findings, the researchers say that the results show how important lifestyle factors and the home environment are when it comes to chemical exposures.

Why avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals?

Endocrine disruptors interfere with the body’s hormone system.

Recent studies have linked EDCs to adverse health effects such as neuro-developmental delays, behavioral issues and fertility problems.

BPA and phthalates have also been associated with obesity, asthma, allergies and heart disease.

It is next to impossible to completely avoid exposure, since these chemicals can be found in a wide range of household products that contain certain plastics, including

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Toys
• Medical supplies
• Cosmetics

Adopting a simpler lifestyle similar to the OOM women may help reduce exposure, the researchers say.

The study appeared in the journal NeuroToxicology.

Source: The Mount Sinai Hospital

Air purifiers for chemicals and more

The air in homes and offices is often contaminated with chemicals (especially volatile organic compounds, or VOCs), odors and other pollutants such as dust, pollen and mold.

Conventional air purifiers with a HEPA filter are incapable of removing those potentially harmful chemicals and gases, since they can only filter out particulate matter (dust, biological particles, etc).

The best air filtration media for chemicals and gases is activated carbon – and the more carbon there is, the better the filter will be and the longer it will last.

AllerAir specializes in air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA to bring the most complete filtration systems to people’s homes and offices.

By offering different carbon blends and countless options as well as other features (including optional UV germicidal filtration for the neutralization of bacteria, viruses and mold spores), AllerAir promises to deliver a custom-fit solution for virtually any indoor air quality concern.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Infants take up chemicals in PVC floors: Study

Children absorb phthalates, a softening agent in PVC floors, through ingestion, inhalation and contact with skin, researchers warn

Infants can absorb chemicals through
house dust and other sources.

PVC floors tend to be a popular choice in many households because of perceived durability, resistance and affordability. But the chemicals in the flooring materials may be absorbed by our bodies and they may pose a significant risk to children in particular, researchers say.

A new study at the Karlstad University in Sweden shows that children can ingest the softening agents with food, by breathing and through the skin.

Phthalates are suspected of disrupting hormones and causing asthma and allergies as well as other chronic diseases in children.

Flooring materials using softened PVC are a major source of phthalates in indoor dust, but phthalates can also be found in construction materials, toys, cleaning solvents, packaging and other sources.

The researchers examined urine samples from 83 randomly selected children between the ages of two and six months in western Sweden.

They measured the prevalence of four types of phthalates in the urine and collected data on the home, the flooring materials, family lifestyle and individual factors for each infant.

The study shows that the uptake of banned chemicals is dependent on a variety of factors, not only food, which should be taken into account when examining toxicity or health effects.

Source: Swedish Research Council

Air purifiers for cleaner air

Young children are part of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to indoor air pollution – and chemicals as well as their possible cumulative health effects over time have become a major concern for health professionals and researchers alike.

Parents can help reduce exposure by choosing more natural and greener products and materials, cleaning regularly (with non-toxic cleaning products), ensuring adequate ventilation and providing cleaner and healthier air throughout the home.


AllerAir has developed air purifiers for the home and office that can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants, including airborne chemicals, gases, odors, fumes, particles and biological pollutants with a proven activated carbon + HEPA filtration system.

The air purifiers can be stand-alone units or attached to existing ventilation systems (whole home air purifiers).

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.
 

Researchers blame autism rise on industrial chemicals

The rise in autism cases has researchers looking for
possible causes, including environmental pollution.

More and more children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and most school districts nowadays have a team dedicated to autistic students to offer the right care and support.

The condition is hard to ignore: One in 88 children may now be diagnosed with autism by the age of 8, a 77 percent increase since 2002.

The numbers are shocking and have researchers, parents and teachers scratching their heads as to why autism has become such a widespread concern.

Of course, more awareness and better spotting methods could also contribute to the higher numbers, and other factors may be obesity and age of parents, but the scientific community is most divided over the question of genetics vs. environment.

Environmental factors have been disregarded for a long time, but new research from San Antonio and elsewhere are increasingly putting the blame on chemicals in the environment.

Ambient mercury emissions (close to coal burning power plants, for example) as well as poorly regulated common chemicals in households and workplaces have been pointed out specifically, although it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which chemicals may be to blame because of a lack of information.

More research is needed, but the shortlist of possible chemicals to blame includes

• Lead
• Methylmercury
• Organophosphate insecticides
• Polychlorinated biphenyls
• Arsenic
• Manganese
• Ethyl alcohol

Researchers warn that is it likely just the tip of the iceberg, as children can be exposed to 3,000 synthetic chemicals produced in quantities of more than 1 million pounds per year.

Even before children are born, they are exposed to hundreds of chemicals from cosmetics, building materials, polluted air, food and drinking water. Many of these chemicals are neurotoxic to adult brains and they have only come onto the market in the past few decades.

Avoiding chemicals as much as possible, especially during pregnancy and early childhood may be one of the best ways to reduce risks at this point in time, researchers say.

Source: The Current

Air purifiers for chemicals and environmental pollutants

Household products and materials are a major source of exposure to chemicals and other toxins.

Choosing more natural alternatives, providing good ventilation and cleaner air will help reduce the risks at home and at the office.

AllerAir has designed portable and powerful general purpose air purifiers with the most trusted and effective air filters for maximum air cleaning capabilities.

The air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon and HEPA filter system, plus optional UV germicidal filtration to remove airborne chemicals, gases, fumes and odors as well as particles, dust, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses.

AllerAir offers air purifiers of different sizes, including the AirTube series for nurseries and baby rooms.

Contact AllerAir for more information and personal recommendations.
  

Ban toxins from the nursery and baby's room

Green nurseries can help reduce exposure to environmental pollution

Many commercial baby products (incl. mattresses,
pajamas, toys) contain harmful chemicals and toxins.

Environmental factors are thought to play a role in the growing asthma and allergy epidemic in North America.

Almost 7 million children in the US have asthma, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, and many environmental toxins can cause or aggravate those symptoms.

A green nursery may help provide safe haven for babies and allow them to rest their developing immune system.

Parents who are concerned about their baby’s environmental health should try to protect their newborn from toxins and harmful chemicals, choose environmentally friendly and healthy products and provide cleaner air to breathe.

Some chemicals to avoid in the baby’s room:

• Vinyl
• PVC
• Phthalates
• Bleach
• Formaldehyde
• Lead
• Pesticides

One of the most important choices you can make concerns the mattress, since babies spend so much time sleeping on it. Organic is the best choice, or mattresses free of vinyl, PVC, phthalates, pesticides and bleach.

When painting the nursery, opt for zero-VOC paint to prevent volatile organic compound emissions for years after the application of the coat.

An air purifier will help provide cleaner indoor air, which can be more polluted than outdoor air.

Look for air purifiers with the right air filters that not only filter particles and dust (HEPA) but also chemicals, gases and odors (activated carbon filter). A combination of activated carbon and HEPA offers the most complete protection.

Open windows regularly and replace HVAC filters as needed. Do not clean with bleach or other cleaning products that contain harmful chemicals and fumes. Opt for non-toxic or greener alternatives instead.

Go for flooring that is free of formaldehyde and VOC finishes.

Choose toys wisely, and opt for organic, wooden or washable toys.

Source: Bend Bulletin

Big and small air purifiers for nurseries of every size

Not every air purifier is made the same - only the right filtration combo will remove harmful toxins.

An air purifier can help keep indoor
air clean and healthy.

AllerAir air purifiers contain a multistage filtration system with activated carbon, HEPA and optional UV for all-around protection from contaminants such as chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, allergens, bacteria, viruses and mold.

From small and compact models like the AirTube Series for small baby’s rooms to full room air purifiers like the 5000 Exec or AirMedic Exec, AllerAir’s complete product line of home and office air purifiers promise to deliver the right unit for every need.

Contact AllerAir for more information and personalized recommendations, based on the room size, IAQ concerns and budget.
  
Related posts:

• Pretty in pink: Air purifiers for the nursery, baby's room, or child's bedroom
• How safe is your baby's crib?
• Indoor air pollution in the nursery includes chemicals, fumes

 

Experts probe possible link between asthma inhalers and birth defects

An inquiry will look at prescription
drug usage during pregnancy.

A Europe-wide study will be following thousands of pregnant women taking prescription drugs for asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and depression to see if there is an increased risk of birth defects and health problems in babies.

The study will examine nearly four million births and concentrate in asthma inhalers, man-made insulin, new anti-epileptics and Prozac-style anti-depressants called SSRIs, which many pregnant women with chronic conditions need to take even during pregnancy.

The researchers urged pregnant women to keep taking their medications and to talk to their health care providers if they are worried.

Traditionally, women have been cautioned to be careful with drugs during pregnancy because it is very difficult to establish safety in pregnancy.

Some prescription drugs have already been linked to birth defects or health problems, including preventive asthma inhalers, which can increase the risk of hormonal and metabolic disorders in infants.

Doctors say that risks need to be weighed with the benefits of taking medications and that more research is needed to determine the risks.

Source: The Daily Mail

Find relief with better indoor air quality

Women and others suffering from asthma and respiratory diseases can benefit from breathing cleaner and fresher air.

AllerAir air purifiers clean the air with activated
carbon and HEPA air filters.

The best ways to improve indoor air quality are source control (avoid adding pollutants to the indoor environment as much as possible), ventilation (open windows, maintain ventilation system) and air cleaning (a high-quality air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can remove the widest range of pollutants).

Many indoor air contaminants are known to cause or aggravate asthma symptoms as well as other health effects.

AllerAir offers the most efficient and long-lasting air purifiers for asthma and allergies with a deep-bed activated carbon filter as well as a HEPA filter and optional UV germicidal filtration.

The AirMedic Series includes AllerAir’s best air purifiers for particle concerns, while the 5000 Exec also provides superior protection.

For more information, contact AllerAir.
 

Indoor air pollution in the nursery includes chemicals, fumes

The average "new" nursery can expose babies to 300
different chemicals and gases.

It’s often the invisible threats that are the scariest.

When the popular TV show “Good Morning America” with the help of Greenguard Environmental Institute (part of Underwriters Laboratories) started investigating what kind of air pollutants people are exposed to in the average home, no one thought the results would be this shocking.

They set up a room with a new crib, changing table, rocker and decorations and then they tested the indoor air quality for seven days.

The results: The indoor air in the new nursery contained 300 different chemicals. A test of the air just outside the home revealed only two chemicals.

The fact that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air is not that shocking, especially for regular readers of this blog. But 300 different chemicals? Ouch.

It is concerning because young children are most at risk from environmental pollution, since they breathe more and ingest more in proportion to their body size.

A big pollution culprit was the new crib mattress, which emitted more than 100 different chemicals.

The new furniture shared formaldehyde fumes and the new paint (I guess they didn’t go for the low-VOC version) contained chemical gases five times the recommended limit.

Source: ABC News

Bring home baby to a healthy nursery

It is rather disconcerting to know that these products are so easily and legally available and that too many people just don’t know about the importance of good indoor air quality in the home.

Especially expecting parents need to be vigilant about the types of products they use. The key to the best indoor air quality lies in a 3-pronged approach:

1. Source control – Avoid adding contaminants into the ambient air. Be careful about new furniture and pressed wood products, fragrances and scents as well as high-VOC products.
2. Ventilation – Open windows regularly to let fresh air in and inspect and maintain the ventilation system. Schedule renovations and paint jobs for fall and spring when windows can stay open for a longer period of time.
3. Air filtration – A newborn’s immune system is still developing, but it doesn’t mean a baby should be bombarded with hundreds of chemicals. Use a multistage filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA in the room (the activated carbon removes chemicals and gases, HEPA filters out particles)

Air purifiers with activated carbon & HEPA

AllerAir specializes in superior air purifiers for the home and office that offer the most activated carbon in their respective price classes and the safest and most trusted filters and materials.

For small nurseries, try the AirTube Supreme with a 10 lb. carbon filter and medical-grade HEPA.

Other popular air purifiers for nurseries include the 4000 Exec and the AirMedic Exec.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.
  

Household chemicals impair children’s immunity: Study

Exposure to chemicals in early childhood
may affect a kid's response to vaccinations.

A new study records a poorer response to vaccines in children with higher levels of PFCs in their blood.

PFCs is short for perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), a group of synthetic chemicals commonly used in nonstick cookware, carpets, upholstery, food packaging and more. Previous studies have shown that the chemicals are present in most people’s bloodstreams.

In the first study of its kind on humans, researchers from the United States and Denmark found that high levels of exposure to these chemicals in early childhood may be associated with a reduced response to two routine immunizations.

They followed 587 children in the Faroe Islands (between Iceland and Norway) between 1999 and 2001, where a high intake of seafood is linked with increased exposure to PFCs.

The two vaccines in question are the tetanus and diphtheria immunizations that are given at 3, 5 and 12 months of age and a booster shot at age 5.

The study shows that all five PFCs in the study appeared to be linked to lower antibody levels. The children’s response to tetanus and diphtheria vaccines at age 7 was only half of what it should have been if they showed high levels of PFCs in their blood.

The next questions the researchers need to answer are:

• Does this link point to a general immune system dysfunction and 
• Could this also affect their risk of infections, allergies or cancer?

The findings appear in the Jan. 25 issue of the Journal of the Medical Association.

Source: HealthDay

Reduce your chemical exposure at home

Experts suggest avoiding products made with PFCs as much as possible, including nonstick cookware and microwave popcorn.

The 5000 Exec is a powerful
general purpose air purifier.

Homeowners should also vacuum their rugs and upholstery often to reduce household dust levels.

A portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA air filters can also help in cleaning the air and controlling the levels of chemicals, gases, odors and dust.

AllerAir’s general purpose air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter that can remove the widest range of gaseous pollutants. They also feature high efficiency particle filters for dust and other particulate matter, pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration for extra protection against biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.

Every household is different and every indoor air environment may require a slightly different solution, which is why AllerAir offers one of the most extensive product lines and customizable options on the market.

You can even remove odors and chemicals from small, enclosed spaces like drawers, cabinets, closets, refrigerators, litter boxes and more with AllerAir's Air Purifiers for Small Spaces.

Contact AllerAir for more information and assistance in picking the right unit for your unique circumstances.
 

Chemical exposure a growing concern among researchers

BPA in baby bottles is one way of exposure for infants.

The industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA) has been the subject of many studies lately – and the findings have researchers ringing the alarm bells.

The estrogen mimicking chemical was widely used in hard-plastic baby bottles, water bottles and the lining in food and beverage cans, and its widespread use since the 1960 means people have been exposed to it for a long time at low levels.

A 2010 report by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.

Canada was the first country to ban BPA use in baby bottles, and several U.S. states have followed suit.

Behavioral issues and BPA exposure

In an ongoing study funded by the National Institutes of Health at the Harvard School of Public Health, researchers are examining the effects of low level exposures on young children.

They assessed the exposure to BPA by taking urine samples from mothers during the pregnancy and from the children at ages 1, 2 and 3. They then assessed the children’s behavior and executive function according to accepted scales.

The researchers found an association between levels of BPA concentrations during pregnancy and neurobehavioral measures at age 3. The children had higher risk of anxiety, hyperactivity, emotional control and behavioral inhibition.

The researchers were quick to say that there are limitations to the study, including a small sample size, and that the clinical relevance of these findings is unclear at this point.

Still, they advised doctors to tell concerned patients to reduce their exposure to the chemical.

The chemical industry, on the other hand, questions the study’s relevancy and says that realistic exposure levels should not pose a risk because of the way the chemical is processed in the body.

Source: Psychiatric News/ American Psychiatric Association

Chemical exposure at home and at the office

Whether it’s during pregnancy or in everyday life – we are unwillingly exposed to a wide variety of chemicals emitted by common household products and building materials.

Experts are worried that even low level exposures over a long period of time can lead to serious health consequences.

Reducing the level of exposure is important, by choosing more natural products over chemical-laden ones, making sure the home is well ventilated and running an air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA.

The filtration combination of carbon + HEPA can help remove indoor air contaminants such as chemicals, gases, odors, fumes, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and molds.

With general purpose air purifiers and specialized air purifiers for MCS, mold, tobacco smoke, volcanic smog, allergies and asthma as well as chemical and odor control, you can be sure to find the right air purifier for your specific concerns.

Contact AllerAir for more information and recommendations.

How safe is your baby’s crib?

Sweet dreams? Crib mattresses can
contain toxic chemicals.

When it comes to babies, new parents often turn into serious health nuts in order to protect their loved ones from environmental exposure (as much as possible).

But what if they don’t have much of a choice?

Case in point: Crib mattresses in the United States.

A new report by Clean and Healthy New York entitled “The Mattress Matters: Protecting Babies from Toxic Chemicals While They Sleep,” found that while some crib mattress manufacturers have made products less toxic, most commercially available cribs still contained at least one chemical of concern.

According to an article by OMB Watch, The researchers found that most mattresses contained polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and additives called phthalates.

Phthalates are not chemically bound to the products and can easily be released into the ambient air.

Health authorities have expressed concern about phthalates because of their toxicity and because of high exposure levels in the public.

Phthalates are often used to soften PVC products and they can be found in adhesives and glues, electronics, building materials, personal-care products, medical devices, detergents and surfactants, packaging, children's toys, modelling clay, waxes, paints, printing inks and coatings, pharmaceuticals, food products, and textiles.

Becoming more aware of the health risks is one of the first steps to promote change. As demand for safer baby’s toys and products such as cribs increases, more manufacturers will respond and use non-toxic products.

In the meantime, parents can make other changes to reduce their children’s exposure to environmental pollution, including buying organic foods whenever possible, using natural cleaning products, opting for low or zero-VOC paints and products and using a room air purifier to remove airborne pollutants.

Room air purifiers with many pounds
of activated carbon and HEPA.

AllerAir delivers powerful, portable air purifiers with activated carbon + HEPA filters to remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants, including chemicals, odors, gases, particles, bacteria, viruses and mold.

With highly efficient general purpose air purifiers, air purifiers for baby’s room or nursery and other specialized air purifiers, AllerAir can solve virtually any IAQ concern.

For more information, contact AllerAir.

Study eases concerns about flame retardants and health effects on newborns

Study examined the effects of fire
retardants on newborns' thyroids.

Study after study seems to find links between chemicals and potentially major health effects, but now there is some good news: A new study found no link between thyroid hormone levels and flame retardants in the blood of newborn babies, according to a Reuters report.

The study focused on PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) that are used in common household items such as carpets and furniture and easily off-gas into the rooms.

Flame retardants can be detected in the blood of 97 percent of Americans, and previous studies have linked them with a wide range of complications, including disrupted thyroid function in pregnant women.

In this new study by California researchers, nearly 300 pregnant women were examined as well as their babies after birth.

The researchers found no link between the mothers’ chemical exposure and the newborns’ thyroid hormone levels.

Still, the experts warn that pregnant women in other parts of the country may be exposed to higher levels of flame retardants, and that these may affect their newborns.

Animal studies have suggested as much, and the researchers have warned that timing may alter the results. They examined the newborns’ blood one day after birth, but results may be different in older children, they say.

Health effects of flame retardants

Older children may be affected more,
study authors say.

Even though many flame retardants are being phased out, experts still worry about high levels of exposure, since many common household products are currently impregnated with the chemicals.

While most people today absorb the chemicals by ingesting household dust, once these products land in a landfill and start breaking down they can enter the environment and become part of the food chain.

See also our previous post, Growing Concerns Over Flame Retardants.

Exposure to environmental pollutants

Reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants is easy with an air purifier that contains the right filtration media: Activated carbon and HEPA.

AllerAir specializes in room air purifiers for odor and chemical control with superior particle removal as well.

The complete air filtration systems can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds), odors, gases, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

Contact us for more information.
 

Doctors to expose babies to dust mites to stop rising allergies

Young babies have developing immune
systems and early exposure may help
prevent future allergies, doctors say.

Medical history has shown that sometimes bold steps are needed to bring about change. 

The doctors at Southampton’s teaching hospitals are planning a new radical investigation to try and stop the rising allergy epidemic that has swept the globe.

Their plan is to expose babies under the age of one to dust mites. 

Since the babies’ immune systems are still developing, the early exposure should help prevent them from developing an allergy in the future, according to their theory.

Dust mites are one of the most common allergens in people’s homes, living in mattresses, carpets, pillows and upholstered furniture.They are the most common trigger for allergies and can produce at least 15 different allergens each. 

Exposure to dust mites has also been linked to aggravated asthma symptoms in children. 

The study is carried out at the respiratory biomedical research unit at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Center at St Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight.

A total of 120 babies aged between five to nine months who have a family history of allergy will be participating.

Just like in other parts of the developed world, allergies have been on the rise in the UK and affect as many as one in four individuals at some point in their lives. 

Source: Medical News Today

Control the allergens in your home

AllerAir's AirMedic Series
provides quick and efficient
air filtration.

If you are already suffering from allergies or asthma, you might find some relief by controlling the level of allergens and particulates in your home.

AllerAir has developed highly efficient air purifiers forallergies and asthma that feature a multistage filtration system to offer the most enhanced protection possible.

You can remove up to 99.97% of particles and allergens at 0.3 microns with a medical-grade HEPA filter and literally trap airborne chemicals, odors and gases with a deep-bed activated carbon filter. 

If you opt for a UV lamp, you can neutralize even more biological contaminants such as viruses, molds and bacteria, and the units also feature a pre-filter and other filter options.

Contact AllerAir for more information and a personalized recommendation.

Doctor advises pregnant women to reduce chemical exposure

Exposure to chemicals during pregnancy
can affect the developing fetus, experts say.

When you’re pregnant, you’re not just eating for two – you should be health-conscious enough to give your unborn child the best possible head start.

This includes all the common-sense steps pregnant women are taking, including eating right, taking vitamins and folic acid as well as eliminating alcohol and tobacco.

But it should also include steps toward better environmental health, says Dr. Doris Rapp, an experienced physician and expert on all the hidden household and environmental hazards in a recent article on HealthNewsDigest.com.

While everyone is exposed to certain chemicals and environmental pollutants on a regular basis and may not show any signs or symptoms, the same exposures can be harmful to a developing fetus in the womb, Rapp says.

Bad for you: PCBs
Rapp is especially warning against exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, that are commonly used in industrial pesticides and could be present at the office, in the water or food. These pesticides have been linked to birth defects, lower birth weight, developmental delays and many other health effects.

Bad for you: Bisphenol-A and phthalates
These chemicals are derived from World War II nerve agents and are highly toxic.

Tips to limit exposure:

• Stay away from pesticide treated areas
• Eat organic foods and avoid pesticide-laden foods (consult EWG’s dirty dozen list)
• Use natural cleaning products such as white vinegar and baking soda
• If you buy new furniture or products, let them off-gas before using them
• Use a portable air purifier to remove airborne chemicals, odors, gases, particles and biological contaminants - it needs an activated carbon + HEPA filtration system for best results

Contact AllerAir for more information on our air purifiers for the home and office, air purifiers for the baby’s room or nursery and many more options.

Keep your baby safe from hidden toxins in the nursery

Exposure to indoor air pollutants may affect babies and small
children most, experts warn.

Almost every home features some building materials, furnishings or products that will off-gas dangerous toxins into the home.

While adults may not be immediately bothered by them, they can affect newborns and small children, who belong to the most vulnerable groups of indoor air pollution, experts say.

The concerns center most on BPA (bisphenol A) exposure and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and more, which come from everyday products such as paint, furniture, adhesives and petroleum-based products.

BPA is a toxic chemical found in plastics, which can be found in baby bottles and toys. Many states and countries have moved toward a ban of the chemical in baby products.

Pediatricians and researchers worry about the effect these chemical pollutants may have on developing bodies, since many of them may mimic hormone functions.

Exposure to VOCs in babies, for example, can change how your body makes blood, cause rashes and respiratory ailments depending on the exposure level.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has warned that VOC levels indoors can be two to five times higher than outdoors.

How to protect your baby from chemical exposure

• Do your research on products and choose natural products as much as possible

• If you need to redecorate the nursery, choose low-VOC or zero VOC paint

• Invest in a high-quality crib mattress – Traditional mattresses are filled with polyurethane foam covered in flame retardants, which are both toxic and off-gas.

• Open windows regularly, one hour at a time, to get rid of unwanted toxins

• If opening windows is not always practical (due to long, harsh winters or outdoor air pollution, for example), use a serious air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA filtration to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants. The carbon removes dangerous chemicals and odors, while the HEPA takes care of particles and dust. AllerAir offers small, compact air purifiers for baby's room and small nurseries.

• Beware of brand new items. The “new-car” smell on brand new items is actually an indication that it off-gases toxins into your ambient air. Experts recommend keeping new items in the garage or other place to air out for a while before using it.

• Ban smoking indoors – smoke contains thousands of chemicals and the toxins tend to cling to surfaces, where they pose an exposure risk later, especially for babies and pets who are close to the floor. You can also remove stale odors with one of AllerAir's air purifiers for tobacco smoke.

• Replace harsh chemical cleaning products with natural alternatives. You don’t need toxic chemicals to clean your home. A regular cleaning schedule and natural ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda will do a great cleaning job as well. The smell of vinegar quickly disappears.

AllerAir specializes in room air purifiers that remove airborne chemicals, odors, VOCs, particles, allergens and biological contaminants quickly and efficiently.

Find out more about our

1. General purpose air purifiers like the popular 5000 Exec
2. Air purifiers for allergies and asthma
3. Air purifiers for mold

Not sure about what you need? Check out our sizing guides or contact one of AllerAir’s air quality experts for a personalized recommendation.

Source: ABC7 Denver News

EPA wants your input on BPA testing and sampling: Deadline Sept. 26th

They don't make it easy, but if you can manage to wade through the bureaucratic mambo-jumbo, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like your comments on possible toxicity testing and environmental sampling to study BPA’s potential environmental impacts.

BPA (Bisphenol A) has been shown to cause reproductive and developmental effects in animal studies. In 2008 Canada banned the substance from baby bottles and then became the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance in 2010. 

The European Union also banned BPA from baby bottles in 2011. The U.S. has subsequently been accused of lagging behind in the BPA debate, potentially putting Americans at risk.

BPA is used in the manufacture of a wide range of consumer and industrial products including food-can liners, hard polycarbonate plastics, epoxy paints and coatings, and thermal papers, even cash register receipts.

Releases of BPA to the environment exceed 1 million pounds per year.

“A number of concerns have been raised about the potential human health and environmental effects of BPA,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

“The data collected under the testing EPA is considering would help EPA better understand and address the potential environmental impacts of BPA.”

In January 2010 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it would further examine potential human health effects and reduce exposure to BPA in the food supply, which represents the greatest source of exposure to people.

EPA is working with FDA, Centers for Disease Control, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences on research under way to better determine and evaluate the potential health consequences of BPA exposures. At the conclusion of that research, EPA will determine if additional actions may be needed to address human health concerns from non-food use exposures.

EPA issued an action plan on BPA in March 2010 outlining possible steps the agency might take to address risks presented by BPA, including testing procedures. EPA’s BPA action plan is available at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/bpa.html.

Comments on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) must be received on or before September 26, 2011. The ANPR and supporting information can be found in docket number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2010-0812 on the Federal eRulemaking Portal, http://www.regulations.gov/.

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Would you like to learn more about chemical exposure and how to remove airborne chemicals and odors from your indoor air? AllerAir air purifiers are among the only air cleaners that effectively target airborne chemicals, gases, odors and particles with the same machine. We use deep-bed activated carbon filters and HEPA filters to remove more airborne pollutants than traditional air cleaners.

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