Government offices and hospitals ban fragrances

Policies promise relief to allergy sufferers and chemically sensitive persons

Public buildings with a no-scent policy can help
provide relief to allergy and MCS sufferers.

As chemical sensitivity and allergy rates soar, many public buildings have become a “no-scent” zone to accommodate those who may react to strong fragrances and perfumes.

In Tuttle, Oklahoma, city hall visitors wearing perfumes are asked to remain at the front of the building. City workers in Portland, Oregon, have been banned from using fragrance.

A medical center in Bremerton, Washington, also asks employees and visitors to skip scents and to choose less fragrant flowers, while a hospital in Windom, Minnesota has been fragrance-free since 1999.

Why are fragrances and perfumes bad?

Perfumes and fragrances, or aroma compounds, are chemical compounds that have a smell or odor.

Perfumes can also contain essential oils, solvents and fixatives. The precise formula of commercial perfumes and fragrances is often kept secret.

Evidence in peer-reviewed journals shows that some fragrances can cause asthmatic reactions in some individuals, especially those with severe or atopic asthma. Many fragrance ingredients can also cause headaches, allergic skin reactions or nausea.

In a two-phase population study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, perfume was one of three main culprits of triggering attacks in people with chemical sensitivities, along with cleaning agents and pesticides.

Source: USA Today, other

Ban perfumes and irritants from your surroundings

AllerAir's air purifiers clean
the air around the clock.

Public spaces are not the only danger zones when it comes to people suffering from allergies or chemical sensitivities.

The air inside our homes can be polluted by chemical and irritating substances as well.

AllerAir offers proven and safe air filtration technologies to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants from the ambient air, including chemicals, gases and odors, particles, dust, mold, bacteria and viruses.

AllerAir has developed air purifiers for the home and office that provide general purpose air cleaning strength as well as specialized air purifiers for:

• Allergy and Asthma
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)
• Odor and Chemical Control

For more information, contact AllerAir at 888-852-8247.

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.

Still spring cleaning? Put your health first

Many cleaning products contain harsh
chemicals and irritants, experts warn.

When it’s time to get rid of all that accumulated winter dirt and grime in the home, most people want to get it over quickly and take out the big guns of cleaning products.

But beware; many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals and VOCs that can contribute to indoor air pollution and may affect your health and well-being.

The list of potentially harmful ingredients includes:

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)
NPEs are common chemicals found in many cleaning products such as stain removers, detergents, citrus cleaners and disinfectants. According to the EPA, the chemicals can pollute the environment and they have been detected in human breast milk, blood, and urine. Studies have linked exposure to reproductive and developmental effects in rodents.

Ammonia
A common ingredient in floor, bathroom, tile and glass cleaners, it’s a respiratory irritant that can produce poisonous gas when mixed with chlorine bleach.

Disinfectants
Active ingredients called disinfectants include chlorine bleach, alcohol, quaternary compounds, pine oil and ethyl alcohol, which can be found in many household cleaning products and “antibacterial” products. Many of these chemical compounds are classified as pesticides and health hazards.

Fragrance
A product’s fragrance can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals, but which ones are often a mystery or so-called trade secret. Fragrance found in cleaners, detergents and air fresheners can be irritating to people’s eyes and respiratory tract.

Naptha
A chemical found in furniture and floor polish as well as gas cleaners; overexposure can cause headaches, nausea and central nervous system symptoms.

Experts suggest going for more eco-friendly and greener alternatives whenever possible, but those who don’t want to spend the extra money can also make their own cleaners from non-toxic ingredients such as vinegar + water + biodegradable soap, baking soda, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide and some essential oils.

Suggestions and ideas are available at Consumer Reports GreenerChoices.org.

Source: Las Cruces Sun-News

Air purifiers remove harmful chemicals and pollutants

Cleaning products are not the only source of pollutants in the home – many airborne chemicals and VOCs come from building materials, furniture, electronic equipment, personal care products and other sources.

Making healthier choices like non-toxic cleaning products can make a difference in the air quality, but a portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA air filters will provide around-the-clock protection from common household pollutants.

AllerAir’s air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter to remove chemicals, gases, odors and fumes, a HEPA filter for particles and dust and optional UV germicidal filtration to neutralize biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.

AllerAir offers portable air purifiers as well as whole home systems.

For more information and personalized recommendations, contact AllerAir.
 

Toxic laundry – the hidden dangers of a common household chore

Dryer sheets and other scented products
can contain hundreds of chemicals.

The chemicals contained in a wide range of laundry products can present hidden dangers, according to researchers.

Scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners can be the source of a toxic blend of chemicals that are unregulated and can contribute to a number of health problems.

Research by Dr. Joseph Mercola reveals that

1. Dryer vents emit more than 600 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which come from commonly used laundry products. Some of these VOCs are known to cause cancer.
     
2. We should be worrying about the long-term cumulative effects of these chemicals, which have not been studied and are largely unknown. However, experts suggest they may contribute to respiratory, neurological, endocrine, immune system and organ system health problems.
    
3. Workers reacting to fragrances at work are becoming much more common, so much so that it is being compared to secondhand smoke exposure.
    
4. Many people are unaware of the kinds of chemicals that products contain since companies are not required to list all chemical ingredients on labels. One fragrance can be made up of hundreds of chemicals.
    
5. Fabric softeners can release formaldehyde, a known irritant and carcinogen.

According to research done by Anne Steinmann, PhD, laundry products that were labeled “organic” and “natural” were more toxic than regular products.

Opting for “unscented” versions of popular laundry products may also be a mistake, since these often contain the original fragrance as well as a masking fragrance.

A better idea might be to hang laundry to dry or to use dryer balls or similar non-toxic alternatives.

There are greener and less toxic laundry products available - simply being aware of the dangers and asking the right questions will help in making the right choices.

Source: Digital Journal

Rely on a serious air purifier for healthier indoor air

Source control and ventilation can help reduce exposure to many common household chemicals, but a portable and powerful air purifier can quickly become one of the most appreciated small appliances in the household.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for homes and offices can remove a wide range of indoor air contaminants, including chemicals, gases, odors, VOCs, particles, dust and pathogens.

Activated carbon is the safest and most
trusted filter media for chemicals and odors.

They are made out of the safest materials and don't produce any harmful byproducts.

With a deep-bed activated carbon filter and HEPA as well as optional UV germicidal filtration, AllerAir air purifiers offer the right unit for specific concerns such as

• MCS
• Allergy and Asthma
• Odor and chemical control
• Tobacco smoke
• And more

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

All about fragrance: Are unscented products safer?

Many household and personal care
products contain harmful chemicals.

“Fragrance” is a common ingredient in household and personal care products, and manufacturers use the term to describe any combination of natural and synthetic chemicals that they may use.

They don’t have to reveal the exact chemical make-up of these fragrances because the information is regarded as a highly guarded trade secret.

But many commonly used chemicals have been linked to human health effects, so not knowing what is in a product leaves customers unaware about the chemicals and possible toxins they may be exposed to.

Tests have shown that the average fragrance product contains 14 secret chemicals that did not have to be listed on the label. Some components of fragrances, including phthalates and DEP are known hormone disruptors; others can cause reactions in sensitized people.

People suffering from asthma seem to be especially sensitive to fragrance-containing products.

The first reaction may be to opt for fragrance-free products – but are those really safer? The jury is still out. In many cases, fragrance-free does not mean safer because of a number of factors:

• There is no legal definition for fragrance-free
• Some chemicals in the products may be used to mask scents
• Many of these products still contain chemicals that pose health risks

Still, checking for product safety on websites such as the Skin Deep database and generally checking the product’s ingredient list will help make better and more informed decisions.

Using less fragrance-containing products will also help reduce exposure.

Source: Healthy Child Organization

Filter out unwanted odors and scents with air purifiers

No matter how smart we shop, chances are we still are exposed to some airborne chemicals and odors in our home due to personal care and cleaning products, furniture and building materials and other reasons.

But better indoor air quality is achievable with source control, ventilation and air cleaning.

The right air purifier will draw the air through a deep-bed activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an optional UV lamp and pre-filters to remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants.

AllerAir offers air purifiers with the deepest carbon beds and the most relevant filtration media for general purpose air cleaning as well as specific IAQ concerns such as allergy and asthma, mold, tobacco smoke and MCS.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

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.
 

Proposed perfume ban speaks volumes

A growing number of people are allergic to
perfumes and fragrances, experts say.

Officials seek to protect allergy sufferers from strong smells and irritants

The bill to ban public workers in New Hampshire from wearing fragrances or scented products at the workplace was shot down, but it speaks volumes about the growing problem of allergies and asthma as well as chemical sensitivities.

The proposed bill aimed to curb perfume and fragrances for workers that interact with the public, since the chemicals and toxins in perfume may lead to allergic reactions in people, including nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose.

The bill was proposed because of a growing number of people who are sensitive to odors, a Republican leader told the Daily Mail.

However, it may not have been passed because some people consider it to be a constitutional conflict between individual rights and health effects on the occasional customer.

Up to one in 20 people suffer from a perfume allergy, which can not only result in sinus problems but also cause skin rashes, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

According to doctors, people with asthma are often also chemically sensitive and could find fragrances irritating.

This includes perfumes, air fresheners and other scented products.

Source: Daily Mail

Remove chemicals and irritants from your indoor air

AllerAir's 5000 Series:
Powerful air purifiers

Since perfume and fragrances are a seemingly unavoidable part of daily life, at least people with allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivities can make sure that the air they are breathing at home or at work is the cleanest air possible.

AllerAir offers portable and highly efficient air purifiers for the home and office with the most effective air filters for chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, allergens and other irritants.

Whether it’s an air purifier for allergy and asthma or an air purifier for MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity), AllerAir’s units feature the largest amounts of carbon in deep-bed carbon filters to remove the widest range of odors, chemicals, VOCs and gases.

The units also come with HEPA filters and pre-filters to trap particles, dust and allergens.

For more information, please 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.
 

The things we love may cause allergy and asthma symptoms

Scented candles introduce
VOCs into the air.

We may love our furry pets, our “linen-fresh” scented rooms or the occasional glass of wine, but all of those things could be at fault for the rising allergy and asthma rates across the continent, experts say.

Up to 50 million American suffer from asthma or allergic diseases, allergists say, and the numbers keep rising.

Many reasons are suspected, among them

• Exposure to air pollution
• Dietary changes
• Lifestyle changes
• Genetics

But while these may be factors, people should be more aware of other allergic triggers, the allergists say.

Scented products and air fresheners

Air fresheners do much more than make that room smell a certain way. They also emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that have been linked to eye and respiratory irritation and other health problems.

Doctors have been seeing people complaining of sneezing, congestion, headaches, coughing, fatigue and asthma because of these chemical substances.

Air freshening products are also known to simply cover up a problem without solving it.

If odors, gases and chemicals are an issue, an air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA is the best way to go, along with source control and adequate ventilation, of course.

Keep the bottles corked

Wine and alcohol-containing drinks can cause rare but severe reactions and asthma attacks, allergists say.

Allergens such as hops, barley, ethanol, grapes, preservatives and more are often to blame.

Blame your best friend

Dog and cat allergens are present in most homes. Animal dander is light and can stay airborne for a long time, and it is easily spread from one home to the next.

Pet dander is a cause of allergic reactions.

The love for their pets will prevent most people from finding another home for them, so allergists recommend allergy shots and regular cleaning routines to keep the count as low as possible.

Source: USA Today

Air purifiers for allergies and asthma

AllerAir’s portable and powerful air purifiers for asthma and allergies not only feature a medical-grade HEPA filter, the gold standard in particle and allergen removal, but also a deep bed of activated carbon to remove a wide range of chemicals, gases and VOCs that also affect your health and well-being.

AllerAir's AirMedic Series

The AirMedic Series is designed to clean the air quickly and efficiently, with a 360-degree air intake and a powerful filter combination.

For enhanced protection against biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria and mold, you can also opt for UV germicidal filtration in the AirMedic+ Series.

Contact us to find out more.

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.

Workplace exposure to pollutants can harm unborn children, study found

Most offices and other workplaces expose pregnant women
to a variety of pollutants that may affect their offspring.

As our colleagues at Electrocorp report today, a Danish study has found that breathing indoor air pollutants during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of the baby developing asthma later.

According to a Reuters article, the researchers analyzed the data of more than 45,000 children at age 7 and found that 18.6 percent developed asthma after their mothers had been exposed to low-molecular weight particles at work during pregnancy.

This was a slight increase from the general growing risk of developing asthma, which is 16.1 percent of the general population.

The study adjusted for risk factors such as age, BMI, allergy and hypersensitivities, smoking, medication and pets, but researchers warned that other factors may have influenced the results, which are not easily accounted for.

"Whilst a link has been found, our results at this stage are modest and further research is needed into specific chemicals and substances to determine those that could be most harmful," the study’s leading researcher was quoted as saying.

Cleaner indoor air at work with air cleaners

In many workplaces, existing ventilation systems are simply incapable of providing workers with enough air exchanges and enough fresh air to keep exposure to indoor air pollutants to a minimum.

Most indoor environments are filled with pollutants of a chemical nature (VOCs from building materials, paints, electronic equipment, cleaning products, etc), biological nature (mold growth due to moisture or humidity issues, bacteria and viruses) and particulate matter (dust and particles, which can also be laced with other toxins).

AllerAir offers portable and highly efficient air purifiers for the home and office, which can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants with their powerful activated carbon + HEPA filtration system.

For industrial air cleaners that can treat industry-specific indoor air contaminants quickly and efficiently, browse Electrocorp's solutions for various industry applications.

Contact AllerAir for more information and to find the best air purifier for your needs.
  

Chemical alert: Dryer vents spew hazardous toxins from scented household products

Scented laundry products contain
dangerous chemicals, researchers show.

Love the scent of fresh laundry when you open your dryer?

Think again. Most commercially sold laundry products contain dangerous chemicals, which can not only affect you and your family, but also people in your neighborhood.

Researchers from the University of Washington have examined the scented air wafting from household laundry vents and found that they released hazardous chemicals, including 2 carcinogens:

• Acetaldehyde and 
• Benzene

"This is an interesting source of pollution because emissions from dryer vents are essentially unregulated and unmonitored," said lead author Anne Steinemann, a UW professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs in a press release.

"If they're coming out of a smokestack or tail pipe, they're regulated, but if they're coming out of a dryer vent, they're not."

Study measured VOCs from scented laundry products

For the new study, which focuses on chemicals emitted through laundry vents, researchers first purchased and pre-rinsed new, organic cotton towels.

They asked two homeowners to volunteer their washers and dryers, cleaned the inside of the machines with vinegar, and ran full cycles using only water to eliminate as much residue as possible.

Analysis of the captured gases found more than 25 volatile organic compounds, including seven hazardous air pollutants, coming out of the vents. Acetaldehyde and benzene are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as carcinogens, for which the agency has established no safe exposure level.

Their findings are published in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health.

"These products can affect not only personal health, but also public and environmental health. The chemicals can go into the air, down the drain and into water bodies," Steinemann said.

Worried about chemicals in your indoor air?

Chemical exposure has become a serious public health concern, but there are many things homeowners and residents can do to minimize their exposure.

Along with source control and using the most natural materials and ingredients possible, a serious air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon and HEPA can help remove indoor air pollutants.

AllerAir air purifiers are portable, value-enhanced air cleaners for the home and office and can be personalized to provide the best air cleaning solution for your specific needs.

Contact AllerAir for more information and assistance: 1-888-852-8247 or info@allerair.com.
  

Q&A: Air cleaners for volcanic smog (VOG)

Volcanic smog can pose serious
health risks.

Q: Do you have air cleaners specifically designed for the pollutants in volcanic smog?

A: With serious volcanic eruptions disrupting the lives of residents in Chile, Iceland, Hawaii and other regions, AllerAir has been receiving inquiries about air purifiers for volcanic smog.

Volcanic eruptions release noxious sulfur dioxide gas and other pollutants into the atmosphere, which react with the oxygen and atmospheric moisture to produce volcanic smog (VOG) and acid rain.

Far from simply affecting flight traffic, billowing ash clouds can pose serious health risks for the people living in the affected regions.

Health effects of volcanic smog

VOG has been shown to aggravate pre-existing respiratory ailments, while acid rain can damage crops and leach lead into household water supplies.

People living in areas downwind of active volcanoes have complained about a wide range of health effects, including skin irritation and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

VOG consists of gases as well as tiny liquid and solid particles. It is composed of sulfuric acid and other sulfate compounds and it can also contain toxic metals.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2, the main component of VOG) is a poisonous gas that can penetrate deeply into the airway and cause respiratory distress in some individuals.

The tiny aerosol particles in volcanic smog can also penetrate deeply into the lungs and irritate the tissue.

Source: US Geological Survey (USGS)


Air cleaners for VOG

AllerAir’s air purifiers for VOG help to remove the dangerous airborne chemicals, gases and particles associated with VOG.

The specially designed air cleaners feature a custom blend of deep-bed activated carbon for enhanced adsorption of noxious chemicals and gases, as well as a medical grade HEPA or Super-HEPA for the removal of fine particles.

Suggested air purifiers from AllerAir include

• 5000 DX VOG
• 5000 VOG
• Air Medic VOG
• Air Medic + VOG 

Contact AllerAir for more information and additional options.

Note: Always follow public advisories and evacuation orders. 


Related posts:

• Hawaii's Big Island and VOG study: Respiratory illnesses rise when volcanic gases and VOG increase
• Kilauea VOG: Sulfur Dioxide Emission Rates Elevated

   

Time to Stop Trusting Regulators? Report Says They Knew World's Best-Selling Herbicide Causes Birth Defects



Image by Sura Nualpradid

It's time to take a proactive approach to protecting our indoor air, water and food.

It happened with cigarettes, drugs, BPA and countless other products; Regulators, supposedly in the business of keep us safe, seem to be routinely ignoring credible, scientific evidence that shows products can harm us. Is this a result of back-door strong-arming by powerful, ruthless corporations? We’ll leave that up to the conspiracy theorists to prove, however it is time for everyone to start taking a more proactive approach to protecting their own health.

The latest example of regulators failing the public, comes from the Huffington Post. They report that industry regulators have known for years that Roundup, the world's best-selling herbicide produced by chemical giant Monsanto, causes birth defects.

Herbicides are essentially weed killers. Some are selective killers, in that they are only suppose to target specific weeds and apparently leave crops unscathed. Newer crops, called “Round-up Ready” are actually genetically modified to be immune to herbicides. According to the USDA, agriculture spends more than 8 billion dollars a year on crop chemicals and accounts for 70% of all pesticide sales in the U.S.

The report in question, "Roundup and birth defects: Is the public being kept in the dark?" found that regulators have known for over 30 years that glyphosate, the chemical on which Roundup is based, can cause birth defects in laboratory animals.

So what can a regular person do? The answer: Stop relying on others to keep us safe. Make sure, to the best of your abilities, that your air, water, food and home are as clean as possible. That means using fewer chemicals in the home and workplace, maintaining good indoor air quality, and eating less packaged, processed and modified foods.

To learn more about removing airborne chemicals, odors, dust and other contaminants from the air you breathe 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

COOL APP ALERT: Is that product healthy, green, ethical? Scan the bar code with your iphone and find out!

There's no shortage of cool iphone apps, but this one may help you become a better shopper.

The GoodGuide app allows you to simply scan a barcode to see detailed ratings for the product's impact on human health, the environment and society as a whole.

The database is packed with ratings for more than 70,000 products and companies.

The ratings were compiled by a team of scientific and technology experts. Good Guide's lead scientist Bill Pease, is actually an expert in chemical risk assessment.

To learn more about removing airborne chemicals in your home and our effective and affordable home air cleaners for chemicals, gases, odors and particles 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

VIDEO: Toxic Chemicals at Home, Why Don't We Care Enough to Act?

"Why are we so apathetic on the subject of dangerous chemicals lurking in our air?"

How quickly would you address a poisonous threat in your home like a snake? A Spider? A Scorpion? What about poisons you can't see? The National Resources Defense Council uses some creepy-crawlers in their video PSA to illustrate this point.

The NRDC is urging the public to ask their senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act:



From the NRDC:

"Under the current law, it is almost impossible for the EPA to take regulatory action against dangerous chemicals, even those that are known to cause cancer or other serious health effects.

When the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was enacted in 1976, it was intended to ensure that chemicals are safe throughout their lifecycle, from manufacture to use and disposal. But weaknesses in the law have left the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) largely unable to act on known health dangers or require testing on specific chemicals that may be unsafe. Other laws, such as those setting air, water, and workplace safety standards, do not adequately regulate exposure to most chemicals, nor do they address the hazards a chemical may pose over its entire lifecycle.

When the law was first passed, 62,000 chemicals were allowed to remain on the market without testing for their effects on health or the environment. In more than 30 years, the EPA has only required testing of about 200 of those chemicals, and has partially regulated only five. The rest have never been fully assessed for toxic impacts on human health and the environment.

For the 22,000 chemicals introduced into commerce since 1976, chemical manufacturers have provided little or no information to the EPA regarding their potential health or environmental impacts.

Cancer, learning disabilities, infertility, birth defects and other reproductive problems have all been associated to some degree to exposure to toxic chemicals – chemicals found in children's products, cleaning and personal care products, toys, furniture, electronics, food and beverage containers, building materials, fabrics, and auto interiors.

Under the current law, the EPA must prove a chemical poses an "unreasonable risk" to health or the environment before it can be regulated. The law is widely considered to be a failure and, most recently, the EPA's own Inspector General found it inadequate to ensure that new chemicals are safe.

Since 1976, scientists have linked exposure to toxic chemicals to a wide array of health risks. It is now widely accepted that exposure to low doses of certain chemicals, particularly in the womb or during early childhood, can result in irreversible and life-long impacts on health. It is now commonly understood that some toxic chemicals persist in the environment, sometimes for decades, and build up in the food chain and in our bodies. It is now well-recognized that some chemicals are able to disturb our hormonal, reproductive, and immune systems and that multiple chemicals can act in concert to harm health.

To protect the public’s health and allow TSCA to work as originally intended, new legislation must strengthen TSCA by shifting the burden of proof from EPA to the chemical industry; requiring all new or existing chemicals to be tested for safety, and establishing safety standards for chemicals to protect children and other vulnerable groups. It must ensure the public's right to know about the safety and use of chemicals and give EPA the authority to protect the public from unsafe chemicals, including expedited action for the most dangerous, toxic chemicals.

Legislation has been introduced to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act. The Safe Chemicals Act would shift the burden back to the chemical industry to prove its products are safe, establish health standards for chemicals to protect children and other vulnerable groups, and strengthen the public's right to know about the safety and use of chemicals."

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Exposure to Certain Pesticides Impacts Child Cognitive Development

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found that exposure during pregnancy to a family of pesticides called organophosphates may impair child cognitive development.

From 1998 to 2002, the Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Study enrolled a multiethnic population of more than 400 women in their third trimester of pregnancy.

The research team collected urine samples during pregnancy and analyzed them for the evidence of metabolized pesticides. The women were then invited to participate in follow-up interviews when their children were ages 12 months, 24 months, and six to nine years.

At 12 and 24 months the children were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant development, which is a standardized instrument that measures cognitive and psychomotor development in young children. Between the ages of six and nine years, the researchers administered skill and intelligence tests. The researchers found that exposure to organophosphates negatively impacted perceptual reasoning, a measure of nonverbal problem-solving skills.

"Manufacturers withdrew chlorpyrifos and diazinon, two types of organophosphate pesticides, from the residential market. Despite this, general population exposure to organophosphate pesticides is ongoing," said Stephanie Engel, PhD, who led the study while on faculty at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Dr. Engel’s team also examined the influence of variants in a key enzyme that metabolizes organophosphates, paraoxonase 1 (PON1). They found that the negative effects of organophosphates were limited to children of mothers who carried a genotype associated with a less efficient version of this enzyme.

"Nearly a third of the mothers in this study carried the PON1 genotype that would put their children at highest risk of negative effects from organophosphate pesticide exposure," said Dr. Engel. "Our study will be published along with two independent studies that examined prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure in relation to childhood IQ using similar research methods. There are definite similarities in our findings that, taken as a whole, warrant careful consideration."

AllerAir recommends air cleaners with both a deep-bed carbon filter for airborne chemicals and odors and a HEPA filter for fine particles for pregnant women and families with young children.

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Pediatricians say that the U.S. is failing to protect children from hazardous chemicals

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is calling for an overhaul of the nation’s chemical management policy because the current system fails to protect children and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable to hazardous chemical exposures.

Over the past few decades, tens of thousands of new chemicals have been introduced into the environment, often in extremely large quantities. But the primary federal law that governs chemical management in the U.S. – the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) – has not undergone any meaningful revision since it was first passed in 1976, and since then, the TSCA has been used to regulate only five chemicals or chemical classes.

In a new policy statement, “Chemical-Management Policy: Prioritizing Children’s Health,” published in the May 2011 issue of Pediatrics, the AAP recommends that the chemical-management policy be “substantially revised.”

The AAP recommends any chemicals policy should consider the consequences on children and their families. Among the other recommendations:

The regulation of chemicals must be based on evidence, but decisions to ban chemicals should be based on reasonable levels of concern rather than demonstrated harm.

Any testing of chemicals should include the impact on women and children, including potential effects on reproduction and development.

Chemicals should meet safety standards similar to those met by pharmaceuticals or pesticide residues on food.

There should be post-marketing surveillance of chemicals, and the EPA must have the authority to remove a chemical if needed.

Federal funding should be provided for research to prevent, identify and evaluate the effects of chemicals on children’s health.

Other groups, including the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association and the American Nurses Association have all independently recommended changes to the TSCA.

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