Women use more than 160 chemicals each day, group warns

Authorities should review five chemicals commonly used in
personal care products, two senators say.

American women put an average of 168 chemicals on their bodies each day, according to a nonprofit group, but two senators say federal regulations on personal care products have barely changed since the 1930s.

Senators Dianne Feinstein, D-California, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, introduced an amendment to the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act that would give the Food and Drug Administration more power and oversight to regulate the chemicals men and women slather on their bodies every day.

They're calling it the Personal Care Products Safety Act.

"From shampoo to lotion, the use of personal care products is widespread, however, there are very few protections in place to ensure their safety," Feinstein said in a statement.

The 98-page bill includes a system of registering personal care companies, their products and their ingredients, and it would require the FDA to review five chemicals that appear generally in personal care products each year to evaluate their safety.

The first set of chemicals will likely be diazolidinyl urea, lead acetate, methylene glycol/formaldehyde, propyl paraben, quaternium-15, according to Feinstein’s office.

The senators worked with the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit consumer health advocacy group that started the Skin Deep database about a decade ago.

Personal care products are not
regulated to ensure safety: Experts

The Skin Deep database allows consumers to look up personal care products to learn what chemicals they contain, and whether those chemicals are associated with any health risks.

"These are basic tools that should have been granted to the FDA decades ago, but are only now being provided in the Feinstein-Collins bill," said Scott Faber, Environmental Working Group's vice president of government affairs.

"Cosmetics are sort of the last unregulated area of consumer products law. I can't overstate how little law is now on the books. The FDA virtually has no power to regulate the products we use everyday."

According to the Environmental Working Group, women use an average of 12 products a day, containing 168 different chemicals.

Men use fewer products, but still put 85 chemicals on their bodies. Teens on average use 17 personal care products a day, according to the group, which tested 20 teens' blood and urine seven years ago to find out which chemicals from these products were ending up in their bodies.

They said they found 16 hormone-altering chemicals, including parabens and phthalates.

"Many if not most of these chemicals are probably safe," Faber said. "We can't know for sure because they haven't been subject to any kind of review by a third party."

Faber said attempts to give the FDA more authority over cosmetics date back to the Eisenhower administration, but they were unsuccessful.

This time, industry leaders including Johnson and Johnson, Revlon and Personal Care Products Council, the industry trade group, have come out to say they support the bill.

"While we believe our products are the safest category that FDA regulates, we also believe well-crafted, science-based reforms will enhance industry's ability to innovate and further strengthen consumer confidence in the products they trust and use every day," the Personal Care Products Council said in a statement.

"The current patchwork regulatory approach with varying state bills does not achieve this goal."

The FDA said it cannot comment on proposed legislation.

Source: ABC News

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Homeowners try to assess formaldehyde risks in floors

Laminate wood flooring may look nice, but some brands
release formaldehyde fumes into the air, experts say.

Installing a new wood floor is usually about aesthetics: brown or black? Glossy or matte?

Now, some Americans and businesses are grappling with another feature: formaldehyde.

Uneasy consumers have flooded state and federal safety agencies with inquiries about Lumber Liquidators, the discount flooring retailer accused in a “60 Minutes” episode of selling laminate wood with high levels of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

Should they rip it out? Leave it in? And what are the dangers to adults, children or even pets?

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman of New York has opened an inquiry into whether the company violated safety standards. Safety officials in California are also likely to investigate.

But federal regulators, armed with murky rules or none at all, have scrambled to respond, leaving consumers largely responsible for assessing the risk.

Formaldehyde exposure can cause immediate health problems like respiratory and sinus effects, but the effects of long-term exposure remain unclear.

Regulators, at least for now, are advocating a tempered approach.

“We are not encouraging people to rip out their flooring right now,” said Lynn Baker, an air pollution specialist with the California Air Resources Board, which enforces the state formaldehyde rules that Lumber Liquidators is accused of breaking.

Commercial customers could also be affected, although Lumber Liquidators estimates that commercial sales make up less than 10 percent of the market for laminate flooring, a cheaper alternative to hardwood. Homeowners account for the bulk of its sales.

Lumber Liquidators disputes the “60 Minutes” report and says its flooring is safe. The company also said it was considering offering air testing services to reassure concerned consumers.

Installers, too, find themselves on the front lines after the report.

No federal rules for airborne chemicals in the home

While federal rules exist for workers, no federal rules protect consumers from formaldehyde or most other airborne chemicals in their homes.

And while research exists on formaldehyde’s health effects, experts have difficulty correlating levels of exposure with cancer risk since so many factors can affect the development of the disease.

“Any exposure to a carcinogen can increase your risk of cancer,” said Marilyn Howarth, a toxicologist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.

Mr. Baker, with the California agency, said consumers should ask two questions: How long has the flooring been installed, and have they been feeling sick?

“If the flooring has been installed more than a couple of years ago, most of it has probably already off-gassed,” he said, meaning that the chemical would probably have been released.

“If it was just installed last week, that’s a different story — you definitely want to ventilate the home.”

The floorboard controversy bears a resemblance to the cases of Chinese-made drywall that released sulfur gases into thousands of homes built after the 2005 hurricane season, which resulted in metal corrosion and health complaints.

But while the drywall gases were expected to be released for decades, formaldehyde emissions in flooring may not last as long.

Most new floors emit small levels of formaldehyde. But it also seeps out of adhesives used to bind furniture and other household items, affecting the quality of the air residents breathe.

To combat its harmful effects, governments around the world have limited the use of formaldehyde in household products, particularly those made of wood.

In Europe, chemical emissions from composite wood products are tightly regulated, and Japanese regulators put the onus on home builders to limit formaldehyde levels over all within houses they construct.

The United States, however, trails when it comes to such regulations. California enacted rules to cap emissions from composite wood products sold in the state.

As far back as 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency said it was considering adopting California’s limits nationwide, and it issued a proposed rule in 2013.

But after many delays at the request of the wood products industry, the E.P.A. has yet to complete its rule. The E.P.A. said it had no plan to investigate Lumber Liquidators, citing the lack of a finished rule.

Agency proposes ventilation and air testing

The agency says it is trying to give consumers “actionable guidance” when it comes to formaldehyde from composite woods, according to Bob Axelrad, a policy adviser in the office of air and radiation.

That includes proper ventilation, when possible, and using reliable air testing methods.

David Krause, an environmental consultant at the consulting firm Geosyntec and the former state toxicologist of Florida, said ventilation helped but was not always a solution: Humidity, for example, can intensify the problem.

Testing indoor air quality is also not a simple proposition — mainly because federal standards are geared toward workplaces, not homes. There are no definitive testing levels, and people react in different ways to the chemical.

“We really don’t have anything that is enforceable,” Dr. Krause said.

Still, based on current knowledge of the Lumber Liquidators’ product, he added: “This is not a ‘Your hair’s on fire’ emergency.”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission may take a lead role in investigating Lumber Liquidators. The commission can push for a recall if it can prove direct harm to human health.

But that would involve a long regulatory inquiry. Several consumers have begun pursuing a different path: suing the company.

Source: New York Times; This article has been edited for length.

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Beware the toxic Brazilian blowdry: It ruined Jennifer Aniston's hair, what's it doing to our lungs

photo:s.miles/freedigitalphotos.net

Jennifer Aniston's hair seems to get more attention that most actors. This time it's a short bob, to cut-away damage from a controversial chemical straitening treatment. 

This Brazilian-style blowdry actually uses a combination of formaldehyde (a known human carcinogen) and keratin to keep locks straight for up to three months

The disturbing part of the story is the aspect no one is talking about. If it damages hair what is it doing to the lungs of stylists who apply it day after day?

A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that formaldehyde concentrations in the air around hairstylists and customers exceeded the limits set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The study's author Michelle Stewart is quoted as saying that 'without proper engineering controls like local exhaust ventilation [the product] could expose hairdressers and their clients to formaldehyde at levels above the short-term occupational exposure limits.'

Previous studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have suggested an association with several cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.

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Elevated levels of formaldehyde, flame retardants, pesticides and perfluorinated compounds found in California day care centers

A new, comprehensive survey of day care centers by University of California, Berkeley, researchers found that, overall, the environmental quality in child care settings was similar to other indoor environments, but that levels of formaldehyde and several other contaminants exceeded state health guidelines. Cleaning- and sanitizing-related chemicals were also present in the air, and sometimes at higher levels, than in comparable studies on homes.

The study, funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), is the first detailed analysis of environmental contaminants and exposures for California day care centers. It covered 40 early childhood education facilities in Alameda and Monterey counties. Researchers found that 35 of the centers, or 87.5 percent, had levels of formaldehyde greater than 9 micrograms per cubic meters over eight hours, which is above California’s guideline for safe exposure.

Formaldehyde, a known respiratory irritant and a listed carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65, “The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986,” is commonly found in the glues used in pressboard furniture and laminated wood. It is also in many paint, clothing and cosmetic products, and is emitted from combustion sources such as wood burning and gas stoves.

“Children are more vulnerable to the health effects of environmental contaminants, and many small children spend as much as 10 hours per day, five days a week, in child care centers,” said study lead author Asa Bradman, associate director of the UC Berkeley Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH). “We wanted to establish the baseline levels of environmental exposures in these early child care settings, and to provide information that could be used for any necessary policy changes.”

The 40 centers in the study were located in a mix of urban, rural and agricultural areas, and served a total of 1,764 children. The researchers collected air and floor dust samples when the children were present and tested for a broad array of chemicals. Particles in the air were also measured, including ultrafine particles, which are extremely small and can be inhaled deeply into lungs.

The California Air Resources Board has been developing and implementing regulatory programs to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds from consumer products used in homes and institutions. In 2008, under its Toxic Air Contaminants Program, the board implemented new rules to reduce formaldehyde emissions from building materials and furniture made from pressed wood, the biggest source of formaldehyde in indoor air.

Although furnishings and building materials that emit formaldehyde can still be sold in California until the regulation is fully implemented, there are many new pressed wood products on the market that emit little or no formaldehyde. These low emitting products are labeled as CARB Phase 2 (P2). Composite woods products labeled as Ultra Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF) or No Added Formaldehyde (NAF) have the lowest emissions profiles.

Formaldehyde can also form when chemicals from cleaners and sanitizers, such as d-limonene, react with ozone and other compounds in the air. D-limonene is extracted from citrus peels to give cleansers, perfumes and other products a lemon-orange scent.

Ensuring proper ventilation can help reduce contaminant levels, the study authors said.

“These findings show that cleaning and sanitizing products impact air quality in child care settings,” said Victoria Leonard, a scientist at UC San Francisco’s Institute for Health and Aging who is leading a program to promote healthier product choices in child care, and who was not involved in data analysis for this study. ”Given that many young children have asthma or other respiratory problems, this study offers strong evidence to select safer cleaning products that have less volatile chemicals.”

In some centers, levels of ultrafine particles increased by up to a thousandfold when cooking appliances were turned on. However, while ultrafine particles have been associated with serious health impacts, their health effects are not well understood, and there are no guidelines for safe levels. And since formaldehyde can also be emitted from gas stoves, the study authors advised using a range hood and fan when cooking to reduce particle and formaldehyde levels.

The researchers also detected other chemicals, including phthalates (found in plastics), flame retardants, pesticides and perfluorinated compounds (found in Teflon and stain resistant carpets).

“For most of those chemicals, however, there has not been adequate toxicity testing, so we cannot evaluate the health risks,” said Bradman.

“This study reinforces the need for child care providers to remain alert to environmental concerns,” said Hester Paul, director of the EcoHealthy Child Care program for the Children’s Environmental Health Network in Washington, D.C.

“It is important to identify areas where improvement is needed, and this study has done that,” added Paul, who is not affiliated with this study. “Fortunately, many local, state and non-profit agencies are working to give child care providers the tools they need to address environmental concerns.”

Other study authors are Fraser Gaspar, Rosemary Castorina, Elodie Tong-Lin and Thomas McKone at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, and Randy Maddalena at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

No tan is a good tan

Sun-bathing is actually better for you
than tanning substitutes

First we were told that sun-bathing was bad for our skin, so people starting using tanning salons. Then we were told that tanning beds caused more harmful UV rays than did the sun at high noon, so people turned to tanning lotions.

Now studies tell us to stop that too.

Though there is no evidence that these self-tanning products lead to melanoma, research has shown  that the chemicals absorbed by the skin and inhaled from the spray and fumes can in fact have long-term effects.

Tanning lotions are composed of several types of chemicals including the carcinogen formaldehyde, nitrosamines (also considered cancer-causing) and tartrazine (a synthetic yellow dye that is known to cause skin irritations).

Side effects may include reduced fertility, diabetes, cancer and obesity. Pregnant women also expose their children to these chemicals, which can result in birth defects.

Source: The MedGuru

Sunbathing is the better option

If you’re afraid you’re turning pasty and the prospect of tanning is just too good to pass up, your best bet is to get some real sun. Though extended exposure will still have negative consequences, it is still the safer option.

 How to protect your home from chemical toxins

Though it would be easy to just go home and throw out your tanning lotions, there are many other cosmetics and cleaning products that include some of the ingredients listed above. Some are more difficult to do without than others. 

Take the time to go through the products you use most often, and find greener options to replace them with. It is also a good idea to get an air purifier to clean your home when some of these products are used.

AllerAir's numerical series of air purifiers
(4000, 5000, 6000)

Though many chemicals are diffused outdoors, they tend to hang around indoors. An activated carbon filtered air purifier will adsorb the chemicals, rending your home safer and healthier.

Do you use self-tanning lotions? Will you continue to do so now that you know the side-effects? Tell us what you think!

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

For more information on AllerAir’s air purifiers for odor and chemical control, call us toll free at 1-888-852-8247.

Home sweet home – with curtains that clean the air?

Curtains often contribute to indoor air pollution.

Curtains are often a major source of indoor air pollution in the home, especially when they are made out of treated fabrics.

They can release a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and irritant.

Now, a Chinese firm has introduced a new curtain fabric that can become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Their new curtain fabric is made with photocatalyst fiber, which can decompose some hazardous particles like formaldehyde and xylene (another VOC) from the surrounding air and thus help reduce indoor air pollution.

The photocatalyst fiber is the main raw material in the new fabric and it can absorb the air in the presence of sunshine and other light, separating it into carbon dioxide and water.

It also decomposes the odor, the company says, and its strong affinity for water will also help keep the fabric clean.

The company plans to sell the new curtain fabric to curtain and home textile fabric companies in China, so it’s not clear when and if the material will become available in North America.

Source: Fibre2fashion

Air purifiers for VOCs and other pollutants

Volatile organic compounds and other chemicals may come from a wide range of sources in the home or office, including

• Building materials
• Carpets
• Furniture (esp. wood-pressed products)
• Mattresses
• Cleaning products
• Personal care products
• Air freshening products
• Electronic equipment
• Printers
• Pesticides

AllerAir's air purifiers feature activated carbon
and HEPA air filters.

Air-purifying curtains won’t be enough to handle all those contaminants, but source control, good ventilation and a portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can help provide cleaner and healthier air.

AllerAir offers the deepest activated carbon beds on the market, more than 40 different carbon blends and the most features and options to provide custom-built systems for homeowners and workplaces.

For VOCs, chemicals and odor-causing contaminants opt for one of AllerAir’s air purifiers for odor and chemical control (D or DX models as well as Vocarb air purifiers).

General purpose air purifiers such as the 5000 Exec or AirMedic Exec also provide great overall protection with their multistage filtration system.

Not sure which air purifier is best for you? Consult AllerAir’s model selection and sizing guide or contact AllerAir to speak to one of their knowledgeable IAQ experts.

5 common chemical concerns at home

Indoor air pollution is a serious health risk,
according to health authorities such as the EPA.

Rarely do we pause to think about the air we are breathing every day at home and at the office.

But indoor air pollution has become a serious concern, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality among its top four environmental health concerns.

Air quality indoors has become a bigger problem with the advent of more airtight homes and buildings, poor ventilation and higher emissions from a wide range of products.

As part of their 2012 National Men’s Health Week, Men’s Health Magazine published a guide to the 5 most common chemicals at home that can affect people’s health and well-being.

Household Cleaners and Disinfectants
Homeowners may like the “fresh” smell, but many of these products contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and cause headaches as well as nausea. Look for non-toxic cleaning products or use cleaning agents such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.

Radon
Radon can become a problem in almost any house. The odorless, colorless and radioactive gas comes naturally from the decay of uranium in the soil and can enter homes through cracks and fissures in the foundation or building envelope. Since radon is often named as the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoke, it’s important to have the home tested and the problem mitigated, if necessary.

Paint
Many renovation and finishing products like paints, paint strippers, varnish removers and more contain harmful VOCs, including possible carcinogens benzene and methylene chloride. Opt for low- or zero-VOC products, or make sure the area is well ventilated.

Carbon Monoxide
The odorless gas comes from wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, gas cook tops and other sources and can be extremely harmful to human health.Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas.

Formaldehyde
This known irritant and carcinogen is a common pollutant in any home, coming from furniture and building materials (especially pressed wood and particleboard), appliances, paints and many other sources. Good ventilation and air cleaning are key to reduce exposure.

Source: Men’s Health (pdf)

Air purifiers for the home and office

Airborne chemicals may be a common concern, but homeowners and family members may reduce their exposure by using a portable room air purifier with the right type of air filters.

A commercial air purifier with a HEPA filter is more like a dust collector than an air purifier, and it won’t be effective for chemicals, gases and odors. For those gaseous contaminants, a granular activated carbon filter is needed with at least 15-18 pounds of carbon.

AllerAir offers some of the most efficient and long-lasting air purifiers on the market with the most relevant filtration media and the most customizable options. For help in choosing the right air purifier, check out AllerAir's air quality sizing and model selection guides.

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

Home renovations a good time for greener choices

Greener remodeling choices can help the
environment and a home's indoor air quality.

As soon as the days are getting longer and people get into spring and summer mode, homeowners are looking for ways to update and fix their homes.

Sustainable remodeling is a great way to save money and resources because upgrading is much more environmentally friendly than building new.

The right sustainable remodeling choices can improve a home’s energy efficiency, resource conservation and the indoor air quality.

An energy audit can help homeowners identify where the house is leaking too much air.

Adding insulation, sealing drafts, installing new windows and upgrading old appliances may all help reducing a home’s energy bills.

Improve indoor air quality when remodeling

Indoor air pollution has been linked to a wide range of health effects, including chronic respiratory problems as well as short-term and long-term effects.

A lot of poor indoor air quality comes from chemicals and other toxic compounds:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Combustion fumes
• Formaldehyde
• Asbestos
• Lead
• Ozone
• Particulate matter
• Pesticides
• Radon
• Pollen and other allergens

Synthetic carpeting, harsh chemical cleaning products and building and renovation materials that are high in VOCs and other synthetic chemicals are often to blame.

Better flooring choices are natural-fiber carpets, hardwoods, natural linoleum, cork, ceramic tile, marble and stone.

Building and remodeling materials like paint, sealer, stain, caulk, grout, adhesive and paint thinners often come in low-VOC versions, which will help reduce indoor air pollution.

Other green options during remodeling include water conservation measures like low-flow plumbing fixtures, high-efficiency water heaters, toilets and dishwashers as well as natural and non-toxic materials from sustainable or recycled sources.

Source: Coloradoan

Improve your indoor air with powerful air purifiers

Even with the best intentions and a variety of choices, many homeowners will complain of chemical pollutants and too much dust or other toxins.

AllerAir's air purifiers for the home and office:
5000 Series, 6000 Series, AirMedic Series,
AirMedic+ Series and AirTube Series

Lingering odors and off-gassing materials can delay the satisfaction of using a remodeled space without concerns.

Running a powerful air purifier with the right air filters on the lowest setting on a continuous basis will help remove harmful odors and toxins and keep the air clean and healthier.

AllerAir offers air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA filters that can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals, gases, odors, VOCs, particles, dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses and molds.

The units are energy efficient and last a long time between filter changes.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.
 

VIDEO: Causes and health effects of indoor air pollution

This is an oldie, but a goodie. The information in this public service announcement still holds true and is even more important today.

The video talks about indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, which is a part of countless household products (including insulation, cosmetic products and carpets, for example), perchloroethylene (the dry cleaning fluid perc that builds up on dry-cleaned clothes) and other fragrances and chemicals.

Some solutions to think about include:

• Using non-toxic cleaners like vinegar and baking soda
• Letting houseplants like Aloe vera and Boston fern help clean the air
• Running a complete air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA continuously on a low setting to remove the widest range of contaminants, including chemicals such as formaldehyde and perc, particles, dust, pollen, odors, bacteria, viruses and molds.

Want to know more about indoor air quality concerns and user-friendly solutions? Contact AllerAir today.

Toxic substances in the home: Formaldehyde

The indoor air in most homes features toxic substances.

Most people’s homes feature a variety of airborne chemicals and gases that are emitted by building materials, furniture, textiles, household products and more.

One chemical that can be found in pretty much every home is formaldehyde – a toxic substance that is linked to cancer.

But exposure to formaldehyde can also lead to immediate health effects. According to the EPA, formaldehyde exposure can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma.

There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is released in tobacco smoke, word burning stoves and gas stoves, and the colorless, flammable and strong-smelling gas can escape from many commonly used household products, including the ones mentioned above.

Particleboard, plywood, fiberboard, glues, adhesives, permanent press fabrics, paper product coatings, insulation materials and personal care products often contain formaldehyde.

The EPA says that the highest exposure is often linked to pressed-wood products with formaldehyde-containing adhesives.

What to do to reduce exposure to formaldehyde

• When buying new products, read the labels and opt for formaldehyde-free products
• Use “exterior-grade” pressed wood products
• Increase ventilation in the home. This can be done by opening windows or leaving the HVAC fan running.
• Maintain a healthy level of humidity in the home.
• Improve the indoor air quality with an air purifier. Powerful air purifiers with large activated carbon filters that contain a specially impregnated carbon for the adsorption of formaldehyde as well as other filters can help remove formaldehyde and other chemicals, odors and gases from the indoor air.

Sources: EPA; Sherwood Park News

Find out more about AllerAir’s general purpose air purifiers and specialized air purifiers for chemical and odor control as well as tobacco smoke air cleaners. Contact us today.
  

Boost your well-being by detoxing your life

All the news about air pollution, toxic chemicals and poor indoor air quality is enough to make you hide under your covers for the rest of the winter season (wouldn’t that be nice?).

Household cleaners can pollute indoor air with
harsh chemicals - it's better to opt for natural products.

But homeowners and parents don’t need to despair – there are simple and easy ways to live a greener, healthier, less toxic life that can be implemented right away:

Ditch toxic household cleaners
Many commercially sold household cleaning products are made with harsh chemicals that can add to indoor air pollution and affect people and pets in the home. Experts recommend using green cleaners instead, to read the labels, or to use natural cleaning agents such as vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda.

Avoid formaldehyde and other VOCs
Volatile organic compounds can be emitted by a wide range of building materials, furniture, wrinkle-free bedding, dry-cleaned clothes and personal care products. Sensitive people can experience health symptoms after exposure, and many VOCs (including formaldehyde, benzene and toluene) have been linked to cancer and respiratory ailments. It’s better to go with natural fibers, look for formaldehyde-free furnishings, low-VOC paints etc. A little research before a purchase can go a long way for a less toxic household.

Opt for organic foods and products
Check out the organic foods section at the supermarket, go to the local farmer’s market or visit the specialized health food stores. The more demand there is, the better the prices will be. If you can’t afford to go all-organic all the time, become familiar with the foods that are most chemical-laden and buy those organic. Check out the Dirty Dozen from the Environmental Working Group.

Pass on plastics
If you can, ditch the plastic food containers and cans and use fresh foods stored in glass. Many plastic containers (especially those marked No. 7) contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been linked to developmental problems, cancers, heart disease and infertility. It is also used in food packaging and can linings.

Some other easy ways to improve indoor air quality at home:

• Ban smoking indoors
• Avoid the use of pesticides in or around the house
• Make sure the house is well ventilated
• Use a portable room air purifier with carbon and HEPA

Source: Spokesman-Review

AllerAir's 5000 Exec:
Powerful air purifier

The best air purifiers for the home and office
AllerAir offers powerful air purifiers with the most activated carbon and the deepest carbon beds at the best price, guaranteed. Activated carbon filters can remove a wide range of airborne chemicals, gases, VOCs, fumes and odors, while HEPA traps particles and dust. For complete air filtration systems for the home and office as well as specialized air purification units (such as allergy and asthma, smoke, mold, multiple chemical sensitivity, and more), visit our website or contact us directly: 888-852-8247.

Which IAQ pollutants are the worst?

Gaseous pollutants like formaldehyde can affect
homeowners and family members, study shows.

Indoor air pollution can affect a person’s health and well-being, health authorities say, but not all contaminants are equal.

In a study on the negative effects of poor indoor air quality, gaseous pollutants such as formaldehyde and acrolein as well as small particles and particulates turned out to be the bad guys.

Formaldehyde and acrolein had the largest estimated number of annual disability adjusted life years (DALYs) lost per 100,000 people of all the various indoor pollutants considered, at 46 (95% CI 0.2 to 14,000) and 47 (95% CI 2.4 to 1050), respectively, according to Jennifer Logue and colleagues from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in Berkeley, California, as reported by MedPage Today.

The disability-adjusted life year (DALY) is a measure of overall disease burden, expressed as the number of years lost due to ill-health, disability or early death.

This means that these pollutants are just as bad as or even worse than radon and secondhand smoke.
Tiny particles proved to be another concern, because they have been linked to incidents of stroke, chronic bronchitis, and premature death.

The researchers wanted to find out the health impact of poor indoor air quality at home. They used disease impact models and incidence to identify those indoor air pollutants (IAPs) with the greatest impacts on health.

Without taking radon and secondhand smoke into account, the researchers estimate that the total annual health impact of poor IAQ in U.S. homes is 1,100 DALYs per 100,000 people.

Simple steps to clean indoor air at home

Concerned homeowners and families can easily improve the indoor air quality in their home, with three simple action steps:

1. Source control: Limit chemical-laden products and choose more natural products whenever possible. This pertains to renovation and constructions materials, furniture, cleaning products, textiles, personal care products, toys etc.
2. Ventilation: Make sure the existing ventilation system is working and is well maintained. Change the filters regularly.
3. Air cleaning: A portable room air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon + HEPA can help remove contaminants from the air, including many chemicals and VOCs such as formaldehyde and acrolein, particles, dust, allergens and more.

AllerAir’s air purifiers feature the most complete filtration system and offer the most relevant filter media at a better price than competitors.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Facts about plants and healthier indoor air

Can house plants provide healthier indoor air?

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to health problems, especially in children and other vulnerable groups.

In today's homes and offices, indoor air is contaminated by particles, VOCs, flame retardants, pesticides, toxic metals and other pollutants, most of which come from indoor sources.

There are many ways people can improve their indoor air quality – and plants have been touted as one option.

A recent article in Environmental Health Perspectives shed some light on the pros and cons of using plants to purify the air in indoor environments.

Here are some of the article highlights:

• Plants remove carbon dioxide and return oxygen to the air, and some plants can remove toxic chemicals
• Using plants for better IAQ has been explored by NASA, but the best results were observed when the contaminated air was circulated through the root system, something homeowners may not be able to recreate easily.
• In the studies that are cited, the plants are used in combination with activated carbon filters, or they are grown on an activated carbon pellet mix
• Some plants for common IAQ concerns:
  Formaldehyde: Ferns, especially Osmunda japonica, commonly known as Japanese royal fern, or zenmai
  Mercury vapor: Plants of the bromeliad family, Spanish moss
  Benzene and TCE: Golden pothos, also known as devil’s ivy

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Indoor Allergen Committee suggested in a 2010 report that allergists consider indoor air filtration to be part of a comprehensive strategy to improve respiratory health.

While plants remain an option, the authors point out that more research needs to be done to accurately predict the usability of plants in indoor air filtration.

With regards to room air purifiers, the article warns about some air purifiers that do not reduce all levels of indoor air pollutants and some air purifiers that produce dangerous ozone.

This is something AllerAir’s air quality experts have been saying for years.

Activated carbon is the best material to
adsorb toxic chemicals and odors.

“There are a lot of air purifiers on the market, but many of them only use particle filters like HEPA, which don’t remove toxic chemicals, odors and gases,” says AllerAir’s Stephanie Bristow.

“The air purifiers from AllerAir contain a complete filtration system with HEPA for particles, a deep-bed activated carbon filter for chemicals, gases and odors and other filter options such as UV for biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.”

AllerAir air purifiers for the home and office do not produce harmful byproducts and they put the focus on large activated carbon filters for the best odor and chemical control possible.

Activated carbon has been proven effective in the removal of airborne chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, TCE vapors and hundreds of other chemicals and odors.

"An air purifier with carbon and HEPA is an easy and cost-effective solution for people lacking the patience to grow and maintain plants, especially if they don’t have a green thumb," Bristow added.

Contact AllerAir to find out more and get a personalized recommendation based on your needs and requirements, your budget and the size of your space.

Source: Environmental Health Perspectives
   

Doctor speaks out on how chemicals are affecting women’s health

We are exposed to thousands of
chemicals every day.

A barrage of recent studies and regulatory action seems to confirm what many people have suspected for a long time: Continued exposure to chemicals, no matter at what levels, can affect our health and well-being.

Warnings and concerns about chemicals such as formaldehyde in hair products and common household products, VOCs in construction materials and cleaning products, phthalates in plastics and solvents, parabens in personal care products, BPA (bisphenol A) in plastic linings and food containers, flame retardants in furniture and textiles, pesticides and many other toxins are just a few of the chemicals we are exposed to every single day.

Chemicals building up over time

In a recent report by WEWS News, Dr. Marianne Marchese, who practices naturopathic medicine, said that some of the most serious conditions affecting women, including breast cancer and infertility, can be linked to toxins we breathe, ingest, and put on our skin.

Even if daily exposure is low, the danger lies in the fact that chemical toxins can build up in the body over time, she says.

Women may be more affected because many of these chemicals mimic hormones in a women’s body and are very estrogenic.

Dr. Marchese, who wrote the book “8 Weeks to Women’s Wellness,” suggests limiting exposure to chemicals as much as possible, eating a lot of fruits and vegetables that can help the body get rid of the chemical buildup and keeping up to date with the latest research and suggestions.

Reduce exposure, improve IAQ

In terms of indoor air quality, the best ways to reduce chemical exposure include using natural cleaning and personal care products, cleaning regularly, avoiding scented and synthetic products with added fragrance, keeping the home well-ventilated and at a comfortable humidity level.

AllerAir's 5000 Exec:
Air purifier for the home or office.

But since it is not possible to avoid chemicals entirely, you may want to continuously improve your indoor air quality with a high-quality air purifier.

“A good quality air purifier with both a HEPA and carbon filter will reduce airborne dust, pollen, pollution and chemical fumes,” says Stephanie Bristow, an AllerAir Air Quality Expert. “It helps to remove or prevent odors and makes a big difference in the air quality at home.”

AllerAir Industries specializes in powerful air purifiers for the home and office, offering the largest activated carbon filters in the industry and the most customizable options.

Contact AllerAir for more information: 1-888-852-8247.
   

State law requires companies to report chemicals in toys

The list of "report-worthy"
chemicals contains 66 entries.

Amid a growing number of studies, reports and concerns about the toxic chemicals, synthetics and byproducts in everyday products, the state of Washington has taken a step toward accountability in the toy industry.

A new law requires toy manufacturers to report if how much of toxic substances are contained in their products.

The state has identified 66 chemicals that require reporting, including formaldehyde, bisphenol A and phthalates – plasticizers that can be found in many everyday household products and plastic toys.

State officials especially target the kind of products that are likely to be chewed on or that come into a lot of contact with children and will be sold in Washington.

Large manufacturers, or those with gross sales of over $1 billion, must report to the state by August 2012. The rule will phase in over the next several years for smaller companies, an AP article explained.

Worried about chemical exposure?

The first step to reducing chemical exposure is of course opting for less toxic products, using more natural materials (including cleaning products) and keeping the indoor air clean.

A portable and cost-effective option is an air purifier – but it needs to be a serious air cleaner with a deep bed of activated carbon as well as HEPA.

Many “big box” air purifiers only contain HEPA, which is a great particle filter, but won’t reduce the chemical count in your environment.

For better chemical control, a large activated carbon filter can adsorb a wide range of toxic chemicals and odors, including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, VOCs and many others.

AllerAir has developed an extensive product line of high-quality air purifiers for IAQ concerns such as

• allergy and asthma,  
• mold,  
• multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS),  
• tobacco smoke 
• and more.

Contact us to find out more and to get a product recommendation according to your IAQ concern.

Formaldehyde, Styrene Added To U.S. Health Department's Carcinogens List

"....an air cleaner with a deep-bed of activated carbon can remove a wide range of dangerous airborne chemicals."

The preservative formaldehyde and styrene, the chemical used to make styrofoam, have officially been added to the U.S. health department's list of chemicals that may put people at increased risk for cancer.

"Reducing exposure to cancer-causing agents is something we all want, and the Report on Carcinogens provides important information on substances that pose a cancer risk," said Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of both the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP).


The Report on Carcinogens is a congressionally mandated document that identifies agents, substances, mixtures, or exposures in two categories: known to be a human carcinogen and reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

"This report underscores the critical connection between our nation's health and what's in our environment." added John Bucher, Ph.D., associate director of the NTP.

Formaldehyde was first listed in the 2nd Report on Carcinogens as a substance that was reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, after laboratory studies showed it caused nasal cancer in rats. There is now sufficient evidence from studies in humans to show that individuals with higher measures of exposure to formaldehyde are at increased risk for certain types of rare cancers.

What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is widely used to make resins for household items, such as composite wood products, paper product coatings, plastics, synthetic fibers, and textile finishes. Formaldehyde is also commonly used as a preservative in medical laboratories, mortuaries, and some consumer products, including some hair straightening products.

What is Styrene?

Styrene is a synthetic chemical used worldwide in the manufacture of products such as rubber, plastic, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile parts, food containers, and carpet backing. People may be exposed to styrene by breathing indoor air that has styrene vapors from building materials, tobacco smoke, and other products. The greatest exposure to styrene in the general population is through cigarette smoking. Workers in certain occupations may potentially be exposed to much higher levels of styrene than the general population.

Can an Air Cleaner Remove Chemicals?

Yes, an air cleaner with a deep-bed of activated carbon can remove a wide range of dangerous airborne chemicals. AllerAir manufactures over 100 deep-bed carbon air cleaners for residential use and air scrubbers for heavy industry.

For more information on air quality and chemical exposure, connect with us:
 
Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

For our industrial division:
http://www.electrocorp.net/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Electrocorp_Air
Blog: http://industrialodorcontrol.blogspot.com/
Phone: 1-866-667-0297

VIDEO: What a toxicologist says about formaldehyde in your kitchen

I found this interesting video clip today from Toxicologist Gary Ginsberg who discusses formaldehyde in your kitchen! Unfortunately, this industrial chemical is also found throughout the home in flooring products, furniture and shelving.

To remove airborne chemicals in the home including formaldehyde we recommend an AllerAir 5000 Vocarb. This is a great multi-purpose air cleaner with an exclusive deep-bed activated carbon chemical filter and a medical grade HEPA filter for dust and other particles. 

(Editor's note: Video plays after a short 15 second commercial which was embedded with the clip)

If you'd like to learn more about removing airborne chemicals, connect with an air quality expert:
1-888-852-8247
Twitter: @allerair
Live chat:

Air Pollution Affecting Historical Artifacts Worldwide, Even Indoors

The Taj Mahal is turning yellow.

Greece’s Parthenon and Egypt’s pyramids are showing signs of serious decay.

500 year old statues in Florence, Italy which were restored only nine years ago are now pockmarked and covered in black scum.

These vital links to our past and our humanity are not being damaged by vandals, earthquakes or even acid rain, but by air pollution.

For many countries the problem has become so insurmountable that where possible, important monuments have been moved indoors.

Unfortunately, conservationists have found that the decay doesn’t end there. Museum curators and archivists are also struggling with preserving art and other historical documents from indoor air pollution.

In 1985 the Getty Conservation Institute began researching the risks of atmospheric pollutants on museum collections as well as possible remedies and solutions.

Among their findings, they determined that ozone concentrations within museums fitted with activated carbon air filtration units were generally quite low (ozone causes fading and discoloration).

Activated carbon is also effective on numerous other pollutants which can affect artifacts, including formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, formic acid and acetic acid.

Cultural facilities property should address these contaminants in order to preserve their collections, before pollutants will cause irreparable damage.

Contact AllerAir or its industrial division Electrocorp for suitable air filtration solutions.