5 easy steps to a healthier home renovation

Non-toxic materials and products can help improve
indoor air quality in the home, experts say.

Every home is in need of an update or renovation at some time – and making the right choices can be one of the most important factors for providing a healthier environment for the entire family.

Building materials and finishes are major contributors to indoor air pollution for years after they were put in or applied.

And with so many people spending more than 90 percent of their time indoors, it is important to limit risks as much as possible.

Luckily, there are healthier alternatives out there.

Here are some tips compiled by green experts:

1) Take care when selecting materials
Try to use natural materials whenever possible and educate yourself about possible chemical hazards and precautions when installing them. Use low or zero-VOC materials such as paints, adhesives, glues and floor sealants. Avoid pressed-wood products, if possible, since they emit formaldehyde into the ambient air. Look for materials that have been certified by Greenguard or Green Seal.

2) Pay attention to the ventilation system
Strict energy codes and more airtight homes often fail to address indoor air concerns and can lead to higher indoor air pollution. A HVAC contractor can include a fresh-air ventilation system to improve IAQ in the home. During home renovations, HVAC ductwork can become contaminated with dust and other particles, so sealing them off and cleaning them after the work is done may be a good idea.

3) Control moisture
A good ventilation system will help, but it is important to also monitor the home’s humidity levels to control moisture. High humidity levels can lead to building structure problems and mold growth. Any water infiltration problems need to be fixed immediately and moisture buildup can also be prevented by venting clothes dryers, kitchen range hoods and bathroom fans to the outdoors.

4) Test the air
One of the most important tests in any home is the radon test. A home renovation in the basement can easily accommodate a soil vent system to prevent gases from entering the home. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoke.

5) Replace carpets
New carpets can emit VOCs, and older carpets often trap dirt, dust mites, molds and other contaminants. The best alternative may be natural hardwood flooring finished with a non-toxic low-VOC sealant. Smaller carpets that are made of natural fiber and washable are also good options.

Whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor, make sure you do your research into the materials, possible hazards and health effects first and ask the right questions.

Source: Healthy Child, Healthy World

Air purifiers for cleaner, healthier air

Before, during and after home renovations, a portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA filters can help remove toxic chemicals, fumes and particles from the ambient air.

AllerAir has developed versatile and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature the most relevant filter media to address the widest range of indoor air contaminants.

For renovations and heavier concentrations of chemicals and gases, AllerAir recommends a "D" or "DX" air purifier with an extra deep bed of activated carbon. A specific type or blend of carbon may further enhance effectiveness.

While activated carbon filters can typically last between two and five years, those filters used for home renovations involving a lot of fumes and chemicals may have to be replaced earlier.

For more information and options, contact an AllerAir IAQ expert today.

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.
  

Soy-based eco-flooring the newest home décor trend

Non-toxic and hypoallergenic flooring choice can help improve indoor air quality

The right flooring and finishing
can mean cleaner, healthier air.

As more and more people become aware of the risks that environmental pollution and household toxins can mean to family members (especially children and seniors), the greater the popularity of “healthy home” choices.

The demand for low VOC paints, stains and materials is growing, as is the market for natural wood cabinets, furniture and flooring – since compressed wood furniture can release VOCs such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

One of the latest innovations in eco-flooring choices is a factory-finished floor using 100 percent pure soybean oil that will emit zero VOCs and is hypoallergenic. This particular type of flooring is offered by Mercier Wood Flooring and comes with a 35-year warranty, but many other companies are offering healthier flooring choices.

The soy-based flooring was deemed eco-friendly and healthy, and it picked up the “Children and Schools Certification” by the standards organization Greenguard.

The new product can be applied to all species, colors and finishes and make wood flooring even healthier.
A floor like that may be ideal for kids’ rooms, living rooms or playrooms, daycare settings and schools.

Other healthy flooring choices include natural cork, bamboo flooring and natural grass mats.

Filter out harmful VOCs and chemicals with air purifiers

The volatile organic compounds and chemicals in households, offices and children’s environments can come from a variety of sources, including other building materials, cleaning products, air freshening products, treated textiles and more.

Activated carbon can remove airborne
chemicals and VOCs.

With diligent source control and good ventilation, air quality can be improved, but a high-quality air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA will be even more efficient at removing those indoor air pollutants.

AllerAir’s general purpose air purifiers come in a variety of colors and sizes and can help clean the air around the clock with low energy consumption.

A complete air filtration system with deep-bed activated carbon, HEPA and optional UV is key to removing airborne chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Healthier building options can keep indoor air pollution to a minimum

Home improvement can add value, but
deteriorate indoor air quality.

Home improvement has become of huge interest in the past decade, with tons of inspiring reality TV shows focusing on construction and design.

But anybody who has ever had new carpeting installed in the home or painted room and subsequently suffered from a cough or respiratory problems has experienced the effect that some home improvement materials can have on their health and well-being.

New carpets are often installed with an adhesive that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde. These noxious chemicals can aggravate asthma or allergies and in high concentrations over an extended period of time some of them have also been linked to cancer.

Too much carpet in a home may decrease the indoor air quality because they are difficult to keep clean and often harbor dust and dust mites, mold and other pollutants, but other options may be just as bad in terms of VOC emissions.

Vinyl tile, for example, is a big offender.

Fortunately, there are many healthier and greener choices homeowners can make when they want to update a space.

Healthier options include:

• Hardwood floors, especially from sustainable sources such as bamboo (look for low-VOC adhesives and glues, available in green stores online)
• Ceramic tile – they are easy to clean, do not emit VOCs and they are eco-friendly
• Low-VOC or no-VOC paints

Source: Journal Sentinel

Room air purifiers with carbon + HEPA clear the air

Polluted indoor air can be a hazard for all residents in a home, but there is an increased risk for children and the elderly.

A complete air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon and HEPA can help keep the air clean and fresh.

AllerAir’s general purpose home and office air purifiers and specialized air treatment systems can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals, gases, odors, bacteria, viruses, mold, particles and dust.

The air purifiers are easy to move from room too room, if needed, they are designed to clean the air quickly and effectively, and they are energy efficient even when being run on a 24/7 basis.

Contact AllerAir for more information.