Air Quality at Schools Gets Poor Grade: Reaction is One of Anger

A recent study by USA Today that claims many American children are being exposed to harmful levels of toxic chemicals at their school has garnered much controversy.

The report, called “The Smokestack Effect”, states that our schools are plagued with toxicity that is “widespread, insidious and largely unaddressed.”

Being in the air quality business, as well as a mother about to send my son to school next year, my immediate reaction is one of anger.

Let’s get this out in the open right off the bat: air quality is generally poor, especially indoors—- and whether it’s a school, an office building or a home, there are harmful levels of toxic chemicals.

We’re beyond the point now where we can deny this fact. There are reports like the one by USA Today, that are also backed by countless others. The EPA website is jam-packed with information on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), and the media is always publishing reports that unequivocally state that poor IAQ is detrimental to our health.

And this is especially true for KIDS! And where do you find kids? AT SCHOOLS! This is not rocket science. School administrators bat their eyelashes, claiming, ‘I had no idea the air quality was this bad!’

Well wake up and smell the air pollution, because this is beyond ridiculous—- it’s downright dangerous for our kids.

It’s time the government takes a stance.

It’s time schools start being more responsible.

It’s time parents demand better air quality.

Homes and business across the globe are incorporating air purification systems to ensure their own health, and the health of others in their building.

Schools should be no exception. Indeed, they should be a priority.

For more information on air purification systems for homes, businesses and schools visit www.allerair.com or call 888.852.8247 to speak to an AllerAir Indoor Air Quality Expert.

Renovations Contribute to Poorer Air Quality in Winter

Ever since I started working at AllerAir, renovations at our place just haven’t been the same. And as the team here begins to research topics and content for our December newsletter, we discover that indeed, winter is prime time for renovations… while meanwhile, at home, we are knee-deep in paint, jip rock and… is that mold?

We are renovating a bedroom for our 4-year-old son, and there is a lot of work to be done. As my husband rips out a great chunk of waterlogged jip rock, I hover above him, inspecting the wood behind it, asking… Is that mold? What’s that? Is that normal?

Once assured that we are mold-free, we jip rock, plaster and sand, and there are dust particles everywhere. The next day the paint comes out, and while we have invested in some low VOC paint for the walls, we use remnants of some regular white paint to do the trim and the ceiling.

And it stinks. Does it stink more than the million other times we’ve painted rooms, or is just me? Karen Hand, one of our Indoor Air Quality Experts here at AllerAir, recommends we do not turn on our air purifier during the actual renovations because the amount of toxins being released are overwhelming, even for the most sophisticated technology and activated carbon. Instead, she says, open the windows, and wait between 2-5 days before turning on your air purifier. So we open our windows and the cold Montreal December air blows in, and away we paint with our mittens, hats and coats.

I am now frightfully aware of what these renovations do to my indoor air quality in my home. Research shows that air quality is worse in the winter, and that one definite contributor is renovations. People also stay indoors more often in the winter with windows sealed tight, and fresh air kept to a minimum. And with nowhere to go, air pollutants quickly gain presence, slowly but surely diminishing your air quality.

We recommend air purifiers in every home, all season long, but winter is an especially good time to invest in cleaner air, especially if you know you’re going to be doing renovations, refurnishing or working with toxic chemicals.

General Purpose Home and Office AllerAir Air Purifiers:

5000 Exec: General Purpose
6000 DX Vocarb: Odors & Chemicals
5000 DS: Ideal for homes effected by cigarette smoke, and wood burning & fireplace smoke

In addition to your air purifier, here are 5 other tips that will help you keep your indoor air quality as high as possible, especially during the winter:

1. Air Out your Home when Weather Allows
Depending where you are, it can get pretty cold in wintertime. Air out your homes on warmer days, especially in mid-afternoon when the sun is hot! This allows fresh air in, and gives the opportunity for accumulated chemicals and particles to escape.

2. Control DampnessControl dampness to minimize the growth of mould and fungi. House dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, thrive in damp, warm environments.

3. Plants Love Chemicals!
Though chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide are toxic to human health, plants thrive on them, while also removing them from the air. Ideal plants include the peace lily, bamboo palm, English ivy, mums, and gerbera daisies, all of which are easy to find and easy to care for, so even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still have a green home or office.

4. Choose Products with Low Pollutant Emissions
Whether you’re buying household cleaners, paints for renovations, or anything else, make sure to choose products with little or no particle emissions. Choose all-natural cleaners instead of ones with chemicals, rugs instead of carpets and plant or mineral based paints that are low in VOC’s.

5. Choose Friendly Furniture!
Avoid furniture that is marketed as stain-resistant, and do not apply stain-resistant treatments onto fabrics. Avoid products that contain PVC, such as inflatable furniture, artificial leather, PVC-coated fabrics, and vinyl furniture covers. Choose products that do not contain toxic flame retardants (PBDEs), which are often used in furniture upholstery and foam.

For more information on air purifiers, visit www.allerair.com or call 888.852.8247 to speak to one of AllerAir's Indoor Air Quality Experts.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful winter!

Enough is Enough, for Bubble Woman

Okay, that’s it. I’ve been following the story about Elizabeth Feudale-Bowes, the woman who set up a structure in her backyard, now being referred to as the “bubble”, because she has Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and is extremely sensitive to the chemicals found in our environment.

The woman lives in a bubble. In her backyard. In a bubble.

And her neighbors want her beloved bubble torn down. Oh, it’s ugly, she didn’t get a permit, it’s not hooked up to the utility line, yada, yada.

Let’s rewind to the part where this woman lives in a bubble. Do ya think we could cut her a break? I mean, why do these people care so much? My neighbor’s yard looks terrible. There are toys everywhere, garbage strewn and he only cuts his grass about twice a year. It looks horrendous.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Feudale-Bowes has a clean yard that is well kept. Her loving husband made her the bubble so she could enjoy some quality of life… again, in her bubble.

Paul Carpenter wrote a great article about the subject the other day, saying that if this story were about some cute puppy that couldn’t live outside his special bubble without being in agonizing pain, there would be uproar at the idea of tearing down his shelter. All the activists would gather, there would be placards… the media would be all over this story.

But it’s just so much fun to keep torturing this bubble woman, isn’t it? I mean, really, she lives in a bubble. It’s just too easy.

Enough already. Elizabeth Feudale-Bowes has enough troubles on her plate. She’s not a witch. Let’s not burn her at the stake.

Janice Scrim is an Indoor Air Quality Expert with AllerAir Industries. Many AllerAir customers are people just like Elizabeth Feudale-Bowes, who have serious conditions like MCS that require serious indoor air quality solutions.

Indoor Air Quality: What’s That?

One thing about working in the air purifying business is that you start to learn a lot about indoor air quality-- perhaps even too much. It’s scary because you quickly realize exactly what you’re breathing, what your children are breathing, and you become conscious that these air pollutants, these chemicals, are not just outside, but right in your very own home.

The strange thing is the air purifying business is still fairly low on the totem poll. Look at a comparable industry, like the water purifying business, and it’s booming. People often turn their noses up when it comes to tap water, knowing far too well the benefits of drinking clean water.

So is clean water more important than clean air? Both water and air are essential to life. Both water and air affect our health and well being. So why does clean water take so much precedence over clean air?

If a waiter brings you a glass of water and you see something floating in it, chances are that you’re going to ask for another glass of clean water. Now what if we could see airborne contaminants? Keeping the same example of the restaurant, what would you do if you saw all the contaminants floating in the air? Now what if you saw these very same contaminants in your living room, your bedroom—your nursery, your playroom, and your schools?

The truth is, airborne chemicals and particles are miniscule, and are basically invisible to the naked eye. We don’t demand cleaner air because it’s easy to forget that the air we breathe is so dirty, so polluted… so bad for our health. And so many people think that choosing to drink clean water is just easier—you can pick up a bottle of purified water for a dollar or so at almost any corner store.

The truth is breathing clean air is no less important than drinking clean water. Don’t take my word for it, check out Health Canada or the EPA website. Look at the Canadian Medical Association’s recent report that stated poor air quality will cause the death of approximately 700,000 Canadians over the next two decades. 21,000 Canadians will die this year alone. Even if you’re young. Even if you’re healthy.

So it’s part of our mandate at AllerAir. We talk about air quality because it’s our business, but we also talk about it because it’s time people know. The air you breathe is laden with chemicals, not just pesky particles. They are in your home because chemicals are found in everyday items like, carpets, furniture, household cleaners, toys, floor coverings, computers, shower gels and detergents, textiles and mattresses. We are lying on, walking on, touching and wearing chemicals every day. And breathing them too.

But if these chemicals are found in our everyday items, they must be safe—right? They must be tested, approved… there must be a governing body that states that these chemicals are not harmful to us, otherwise they just wouldn’t be used. Right?
Wrong.

There are definite steps to be taken to work towards providing our homes and workspaces with cleaner air. Greenpeace suggests substituting hazardous chemicals wherever there are available alternatives. It is imperative that we take this responsible step, at least until the government demands that manufacturers provide consumers with safe products.

When we recommend air purifiers, we are not suggesting that other pro-active steps, such as the ones recommended by Greenpeace be disregarded. Making environmentally-friendly purchasing decisions in combination with air purifiers is what we believe provides the cleanest air available.

Be informed. Make an educated decision about the quality of air you breathe. And then decide how you want to ensure that the air you breathe, the air your children breathe, is clean.

For more information on the importance of breathing clean air and indoor air quality solutions, visit www.allerair.com or call 888.852.8247.

Indoor Air Pollution Especially Dangerous for People with COPD

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, outdoor and indoor air pollution is especially dangerous to people with lung deficiencies, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Here are some tips designed to help people with COPD to breathe better:

1. Smoke is one of the most dangerous pollutants that a person with COPD can inhale, and it’s also the major cause of COPD. There are over 4,000 harmful chemicals in smoke, many of which are also known to cause cancer. If you have COPD and you are a smoker, it’s still not too late to quit smoking.

2. Second-hand smoke, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada is also dangerous. People with COPD should avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible.

3. Indoor and outdoor air pollution can cause health problems, especially for people who have lung diseases. Those with COPD have a higher risk of getting sick from air pollution. Be aware of your local Air Quality Index, and stay indoors when outdoor pollution is high.

Keep in mind, indoor air is often worse than outdoor air. The EPA estimates inside air can be 5, 10 and up to 100 times worse than outdoor air. Make sure you’re getting lots of fresh air in your home.

4. Air purifiers are a great way to provide safe, clean air in your home or business. Ideally, your air purifier will combine a HEPA filter as well as pounds of activated carbon to safely eliminate chemicals, gases, odors and particles from your indoor environment.

For more information on the importance of breathing clean air, or how air purifiers can help people with COPD, please visit www.allerair.com or contact one of AllerAir’s Indoor Air Quality Experts at 1.888.852.8247.

November is COPD Awareness Month: Can Air Purifiers Help People with COPD?

I read an article on the web this morning that said people with COPD should be careful when buying an air purifier, and the truth is, I tend to agree with this statement.

The article stated that COPD is a “serious life threatening health problem that can be aggravated with the use of inferior poor performance air filters.”

First, what is COPD?
According to Wikipedia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become narrowed. This leads to a limitation of the flow of air to and from the lungs causing shortness of breath. In contrast to asthma, the limitation of airflow is poorly reversible and usually gradually gets worse over time.

So can an air purifier help a person with COPD?
An October 2008 report by the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard School of Public Health reports that people with COPD “have substantial mortality risks associated with exposure to particles.” According to the study, particles may impair ventilation in COPD patients by causing airway narrowing and increasing the work of breathing.

So while air purifiers are certainly not a cure for COPD, they can provide cleaner air, which according to the Harvard study, is paramount to people with COPD.

A good HEPA filter can remove 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns from indoor air. It’s pretty safe to say that most air purifiers come (or should come) equipped with a HEPA filter— and since there is no such thing as a “better” HEPA filter, then it would be difficult to separate a superior air filter, from a poor performance air filter based simply on its HEPA filter.

While HEPA filters are indeed designed to remove particles, and since any good purifier comes equipped with this filtration method, what then makes one air purifier superior to another?

Not Just Particles—- Chemicals are also Dangerous for People with COPD
Inhaling chemicals such as gas, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, or dry particulate chemicals, such as microscopic particles is dangerous for everyone, but can be especially dangerous for people with COPD. In fact the number one cause for COPD is smoking… and one of the main chemicals in smoke is formaldehyde.

But formaldehyde is also emitted from other everyday things, other than cigarettes, like stain-resistant furniture, flame retardant clothing, wood products such as particleboard, fiberboard, and plywood, and even carpeting, upholstery and baby furniture. In fact, formaldehyde is found in many seemingly harmless things, despite it being considered a human carcinogen. A branch of the California Environmental Protection Agency goes so far as to report that there is no safe level of formaldehyde.

Carbon for Chemicals
Activated carbon is one of the most adsorbent materials known to exist. Activated carbon has been processed to create millions of tiny pores, producing a very large surface area available for adsorption of chemicals and gases. Just one gram of activated carbon has a surface area of approximately 500 m².

Carbon is key when it comes to adsorbing chemicals, just as HEPA is key to filtering particles. The difference is, not all air purifiers have carbon. And many that do, feature mere ounces of carbon, or a type of carbon spray—- both of which are equally ineffective in adsorbing chemicals.

An effective chemical-adsorbing air purifier, and an ideal choice for people with COPD, would be an air purifier that contains both a HEPA filter for particles, and pounds of activated carbon to adsorb dangerous airborne chemicals, like formaldehyde.

Can Air Purifiers Cure COPD?
Absolutely not. Air purifiers are not a cure for COPD, but rather devices that can provide cleaner indoor air, with significantly reduced levels of particles and chemicals. Cleaner air is important for everyone, but perhaps most important for people with reduced lung capacity.

Conclusion
Should people with COPD be cautious when purchasing an air purifier? The answer is yes. A HEPA filter is great for particle filtration, but will do nothing to adsorb the dangerous airborne chemicals. Carbon will adsorb chemicals, but only an air purifier with pounds of activated carbon, not ounces, will be truly effective.

About AllerAir
AllerAir manufactures a full line of combination carbon-HEPA air purifiers, and has specific units designed for people with COPD. For more information on AllerAir, please visit the www.allerair.com website, or call 1.888.852.8247 to speak to one of their Indoor Air Quality Experts.

AllerAir Dedicates November to Raising Awareness about COPD

Barely 12 hours have gone by since we announced that we were dedicating the month of November to raising awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and already this morning, the phones have started ringing throughout AllerAir.

It feels good to answer the phone first thing in the morning, and have the person on the other end say—- hey, just saw your press release—- just called to say, the team at AllerAir is doing a great job!

The truth is, it’s really not such a stretch for us. AllerAir deals with people of all different ages, stages and health—- and also people with health conditions, such as COPD.

After all, it’s the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. The 4th.

What we offer to people with COPD is a line of air purifiers that are designed to clean the air of toxins. And according to Environment Canada, studies show there are more emergency room visits related to COPD when air quality is poor.

Cleaner air is what we do at AllerAir. We’re always striving to raise awareness about its importance. We figure, clean air is important to everyone—- but perhaps, even more so, to people with COPD.

For more information on COPD, visit our www.allerair website and click on the November is COPD Awareness Month button.

You can also visit the COPD Learn More Breathe Better® website, hosted by The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

For information on AllerAir air purifiers designed for people with COPD, visit our www.allerair.com website, or contact one of our Indoor Air Quality Experts at 1.888.852.8247.

AllerAir’s Sam Teitelbaum LIVE on IAQ Radio—TODAY!

Sam Teitelbaum, President of AllerAir Industries, has been invited to be a guest on IAQ Radio, an online radio show dedicated to providing expert information on indoor air quality.

The show is today, Friday, October 31, 2008 (Happy Halloween!) at 12p.m. EST, and can be listened to online by clicking on this link:

http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCastCustomAds.jsp?masterId=1547

You can also telephone the radio station, and listen to the show on your phone. Just call (724) 444-7444 and enter call ID # 1547.

The King of Carbon, a.k.a. Sam Teitelbaum, is delighted about the opportunity to share his knowledge on the importance of combination carbon-HEPA air purifiers to remove dangerous airborne chemicals, gases, odors and particles.

AllerAir invites you to listen in!

IAQ Radio has a weekly show on IAQ, which is live every Friday at noon. The shows host are Joe Hughes, President of IAQ Training Institute and Cliff Zlotnik, President of Microban Systems.

Every week they interview experts from the indoor air quality, building sciences and the disaster restoration industries. As instructors for IAQ and disaster restoration training programs and active participants in industry associations, Cliff and Joe have the credibility and contacts necessary to bring top industry experts as guests on the show every week. The show is designed to help promote education and communication for industry professionals and consumers in need of assistance with IAQ, built environment and disaster restoration issues.

For more information about AllerAir and our full line of air purifiers, please contact Janice Scrim at (888) 852-8247 ext. 226.

And don't forget to tune in today at noon!

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures for Environmental Illness and MCS Sufferers; IAQ Experts Say Talk to a Professional

Air quality is important to everyone. But for one Allentown, Pennsylvania woman who suffers from environmental illness, it has called for desperate measures.

Elizabeth Feudale-Bowes, 52, is extremely sensitive to chemicals, allergens and other everyday substances. As a result she suffers from migraines, joint pain, bladder inflammation, seizures and even temporary paralysis.

So her husband built her a safe-zone structure in their backyard—- what the couple lovingly refers to as their “bubble”.

But yesterday, the county court ordered the couple to dismantle the unsightly shelter that was built without a permit and does not conform to building regulations.

Feudale-Bowes maintains that the chemicals and substances in the air make her so violently ill, that without the bubble, where she spends 10 hours a day, she is unable to function.

The county and the couple’s neighbors want the structure down by the end of the month. The couple is threatening to sue the township under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

This story is controversial and is making headlines. But the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Experts at AllerAir say they hear stories just like this one on a regular basis.

“We receive phone calls on a weekly basis from people just like Elizabeth Feudale-Bowes, who are desperate, and as a result take some pretty desperate measures,” said Karen Hand, chemical engineer and IAQ Expert at AllerAir. “Their illness is often viewed by society and the medical community as psychological, and support is often lacking.”

Hand says that people suffering with Environmental Illness (EI) and similar chronic conditions such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) often turn to air purifiers to help them create a safe-zone, like the one that Feudale-Bowes’ husband made for her in their backyard.

“Being outfitted with the wrong air purifier is often worse than not having one at all,” warns Hand. “Only an air purifier with pounds of activated carbon can help adsorb dangerous airborne chemicals—- but what many air purifier companies don’t know, or don’t say, is that EI and MCS sufferers can be sensitive to the carbon itself.”

Hand says choosing the right blend of carbon is key to finding the right air purifier. She recommends the AirMedic MCS with EcoFlow TM Technology, which comes standard with a test kit. “The client is given the test kit with different blends of carbon and is able to then choose the type of carbon that best suits their chemical sensitivities. This greatly limits a negative reaction to the unit itself.”

Hand also says that EI and MCS sufferers must stay away from air purifiers designed with plastics. These units, she says, have dangerous off gassing that can be detrimental to EI and MCS sufferers.

“Air purifiers aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution,” said Hand. “A HEPA air filter is not designed to remove chemicals, so it’s another perfect example of an air purifier that won’t work for this purpose.”

Hand suggests that people who have serious sensitivities and extreme IAQ problems speak to a air purifier professional, and not just pick up a random unit at the hardware store. “This move can often make a bad situation worse, and lead to circumstances like the one with Elizabeth Feudale-Bowes, where desperate measures are taken in desperate situations.”

To speak to an AllerAir IAQ Expert, call 1.888.852.8247.

Four Employees to be Paid $20,000 for Poor Indoor Air Quality

It’s amazing to us at AllerAir, how some businesses still don’t consider Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) to be worthy of attention. Despite the studies, the news stories and even reports* that claim that the cost of lost work combined with annual health care costs accrued by poor IAQ add up to an astounding $70 billion dollars per year in lost revenues for American businesses, many employers are still turning a blind eye.

But the Benton County Assessor’s Office isn’t—- at least, it isn’t any longer.

Four employees who had claimed the county building they used to work in made them sick have just been given a $20,000 settlement.

One of those employees, Evelyn Campbell, retired two years early because of health problems including swollen legs, a ruptured ankle tendon and other health issues, which she attributes to poor air quality. Campbell says she and the others will be using the money gained in the settlement to pay her medical bills.

A total of five assessor’s office employees had letter from doctors saying they “should not be in this office.”

County staff still maintained that the building didn’t pose a health threat. But while county commissioners did not accept liability, they did agree to move the office to a new location.

Despite not being in the building since May, many of the employees continue to have health issues. Several medical claims are still pending.

And perhaps most interesting to other employers who are turning a blind eye to IAQ, is that while all the employees who were working in the building experienced health problems, only four individuals had hired an attorney to negotiate with the county.

What do you want to bet this isn’t the last settlement that the Benton County will be dishing out for air quality complaints?

For information of providing healthy air in your home or business, visit www.allerair.com or contact one of AllerAir’s IAQ Experts at 1.888.852.8247.

*Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Air Quality Worsens as South California Wildfires Continue to Burn

As the air quality in and around the Los Angeles area continues to worsen due to uncontained wildfires, more and more South California residents carry on searching for a solution to remove the soot and ash that have been emitted into the air in dangerous quantities.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Clarita Valley and portions of the San Gabriel Mountains will be directly affected by the smoke.

The California chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reported that high winds can spread pollen and other allergens, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) experts at AllerAir Industries suggest that people who live in or around the area equip their homes with an air purifier designed to remove the dangerous toxins emitted through wildfire smoke.

People living in affected wildfire areas are invited to visit www.allerair.com or contact one of AllerAir’s IAQ Experts at 1-888-852-8247 for more information on air purifiers or the dangers of wildfire smoke.

Wildfires Blaze in Southern California: L.A., San Fernando and San Diego County Affected

Two people are dead, dozens of Southern California homes have been destroyed and thousands have fled after powerful winds fueled three wildfires in the Los Angeles, San Fernando and northern San Diego County area.

The health hazards are extreme, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Experts warn, even for residents living miles away from affected areas.

“Smoke from wildfires includes small particles of ash, water vapor, gases and carbon monoxide that are very dangerous when inhaled,” said Karen Hand, chemical engineer and IAQ Expert at AllerAir Industries. “The air inside homes and businesses is going to be as polluted, if not more polluted, than the air outdoors. It’s more important than ever before that Californians take appropriate measures like including an air purifier to remove dangerous airborne gases, chemicals, odors and particles.”

Hand says an effective air purifier for wildfire smoke has to incorporate a medical-grade HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of fine particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger, as well as deep bed carbon filters to adsorb gases, chemicals and tough smoke odor.

She recommends AllerAir’s AirMedic D Exec, 5000 DS Exec, 5000 Exec, 6000 DS Exec and the 6000 Exec. For more information on these units, visit www.allerair.com, or call 1.888.852.8247 for more information on air purifiers and the dangers of wildfire smoke.

Vog: Air Quality Experts Warn that Wrong Air Purifiers Provide False Sense of Security

Indoor Air Quality Experts are warning Hawaii residents that choosing the wrong air purifier to deal with increasingly dangerous amounts of vog being emitted by the Kilauea Volcano can lead to a false sense of security for people trying to safeguard themselves from the health dangers of volcanic smog.

“We see this time and time again,” said Chemical Engineer and Indoor Air Quality Expert, Karen Hand. “People living through serious natural disasters are provided with air purifiers that are easy-sales, but that are not designed to purify indoor air of chemicals and gases—- the very toxins that are most dangerous to a person’s health.”

“When you’re dealing with vog, the composition is primarily of sulfuric acid and other sulfate compounds, but you’re also dealing with small amounts of toxic metals, including selenium, mercury, arsenic and iridium,” said Hand, from AllerAir Industries. “The fact that people are having serious health reactions to this is not surprising—- it’s a deadly combination.”

Hand says only air purifiers combing a HEPA filter and large amounts (at least 18 pounds) of activated, granular carbon will be effective in adsorbing the the noxious sulfur dioxide and other pollutants emitted from Kilauea Volcano.

Hand works with a team of Indoor Quality Experts at AllerAir Industries, an air purifying company that has been designing air cleaners for close to 15 years. “Crisis management is our forte,” she said. “We’ve delivered solutions to mold victims in New Orleans, wildfire victims in California—even air quality solutions to athletes participating in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Chemical and gas remediation is what we do.”

Vog victims are invited to contact one of AllerAir Indoor Air Quality Experts at 1-888-852-8247 or visit their www.allerair.com website for more information of the dangers of vog, and finding the right air purifying solution.

Breathe Smog? Report Says You’re More Likely to Die Early.

According to a recent report released by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, people who are exposed to high levels of smog, even for as little as a day, have an increased risk of premature death.

The committee leading the research concluded that even short-term exposure to ozone can exacerbate lung conditions, causing illness and hospitalization and can potentially lead to death.

The Bush administration has resisted stricter standards on smog, and maintains there is no evidence to support this report.

Ozone is the primary ingredient of smog and is created from nitrogen oxide and organic compounds released from car engines and other fossil-fuel-burning sources. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Experts point to the fact that these primary ingredients of smog have long been proven to be a health risk.

“These toxins are proven to increase the risk of respiratory problems, especially in children and the elderly,” said biochemical engineer and AllerAir IAQ Expert, Karen Hand. “This fact alone is reason enough for people to be proactive about protecting their health, and the health of those that they love.”

Hand says high-quality air purifiers are providing protection to many North American families who are concerned about the effect of poor indoor air quality.

For more information on the dangerous effects of smog, or for more information on high-quality air purifiers, contact one of AllerAir’s Indoor Air Quality Expert at 1.888.852.8247 or visit their www.allerair.com website.

Oahu, Hawaii Copes with Unwelcome Visitor as VOG Continues to Compromise Air Quality

Vog, or volcanic smog, emanating from erupting Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's Big Island has blanketed Oahu, 200 miles to the northwest.

Residents of Oahu are experiencing what those living on the Big Island have long complained of: itchy eyes, sore throat and even respiratory difficulty—- all as a result of vog.

A representative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told the Hawaii County Local Emergency Planning Committee that there has been a vast increase in the amount of hazardous substance released from Kilauea volcano.

"We were surprised by the extent by which [the effects] could be felt," Janet Yocum, the EPA's onsite coordinator.

The Indoor Air Quality Experts at AllerAir have been hearing plenty from Hawaii residents. “We've established ourselves as the experts in carbon, and we have a proven proprietary blend of carbon designed specifically to adsorb sulfur dioxide gas(S02)which is what is being emitted from the Kilauea volcano,” said Gershon Katz, an IAQ Expert with AllerAir. “The feedback from Hawaii residents has been very positive.”

Residents of Hawaii are invited to call an AllerAir IAQ Expert at 888 852 8247 for more information of the AirMedic VOG air purifying unit and the dangers of vog exposure.

The increased amound of vog in the Hawaii area is due to a new vent that was created at Halemaumau crater. It spews thousands of tons of sulfur dioxide gas on a daily basis, which can cause breathing difficulties and respiratory illness. The gas can also aggravate heart disease.

Oahu, Hawaii Bathed in Vog; Air Quality Plummets

For a second day in a row, Oahu has been bathed in volcanic smog, or vog, causing the air quality in the area to plummet. Once thought only to be a problem for the Big Island, vog has now become a nuisance for local Oahu residents and visitors.

Indoor Air Quality Experts agree with state health officials who say that short-term reactions to vog may make it difficult for people with respiratory conditions to breathe.

“Without a doubt, residents of Oahu are going to notice a big difference in their air quality,” said Indoor Air Quality Expert, Gershon Katz. “We knew when air purifier sales in the Big Island sky rocketed that vog had become a critical problem. We have a feeling that many Oahu residents will be looking for this same relief very soon.”

AllerAir Industries, an air cleaner manufacturer, has responded to this specific demand by creating the 5000 VOG, an air purifier designed specifically to protect people from the dangers of vog exposure. For information on these air purifiers, call 888-852-8247.

Volcanic smog is formed when sulfur dioxide and other pollutants from an active volcano react with oxygen, moisture, dust and sunlight. This creates a dangerous mix of airborne chemicals, gases, odors, fine particles and toxic metals that can penetrate deep into the lungs and irritate the tissues and mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and throat.

Classes Cancelled at Two Conception Bay South Schools Due to Mold: St. George’s Elementary and Frank Roberts Junior High Affected

St. George’s Elementary and Frank Roberts Junior High, in the Long Pond neighborhood of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland have been temporarily closed to rectify a mold problem that has caused poor air quality in the two schools.

Complaints of unusual smells led to the identification of mold around classroom windows.

Health Canada along with Indoor Air Quality Experts warn the potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures may include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints—- especially in school children.

“Mold is a serious problem requiring both carbon and HEPA filtration to filter live mold spores, dead decaying fragments of mold spores as well as the dangerous mycotoxin gases mold produce when under stress,” said Indoor Air Quality Expert, B.Chem. Eng. Karen Hand. “Activated carbon is the safest and most effective method for adsorbing these harmful pollutants.”

When handling mold situations, Hand recommends the incorporation of air purifiers—especially when dealing with schools, where air quality is critical to the health and success of school children. “The school board will need to contact Indoor Air Quality Experts to discuss a customized air purification plan for the affected schools,” said Hand.

For more information on air purifiers and mold in schools, contact AllerAir at 888-852-8247.

Far West Water & Sewer Company and H & S Developers Sued for Air Quality Violations in Yuma County, Arizona

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has filed a lawsuit against Far West Water & Sewer Company and H & S Developers, seeking penalties totaling up to $25,000 per day for repeated air quality and water violations in Yuma County, Arizona.

There are a total of 50 counts against the two companies and this is not the first time action has been taken against these companies for putting corporate profits ahead of public safety.

AllerAir suggests Arizona residents incorporate air purifiers into their homes and businesses to ensure the air they breathe indoors is superior to that found outside.

The Dorm Dilemma: The Top 10 Solutions to Clean Dorm Air

They’re finally off to college, and you’ve got them settled into the dorm—- perhaps their very first home-away-from-home. The cleanliness of the dormitory is probably not up to your standards, but did you know that dorm rooms are also notorious sources of mold, allergens and airborne chemicals? What many students and their families don’t realize is that the result can be much more serious than a case of the sniffles.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that poor indoor air quality can affect concentration, attendance, and student performance. Airborne menaces can also seriously compromise a student’s health -- especially if the student already suffers from allergies or asthma.

Old buildings, poor air circulation, dirty carpets, used mattresses and uncontrolled humidity all contribute to the terrible air quality found in most dorms, not to mention the general apathy on the part of many students towards keeping their rooms clean and allergen-free.

The Top 10 Solutions to Clean Dorm Air
Students and their parents need to take a proactive approach to clearing the air. Here are a few strategies to consider when moving into a dorm:

10. Request a Smoke-free RoomThis is a must for those who suffer from allergies or other respiratory conditions. A letter from a physician to the school may also help your chances of landing a “clean” room.

9. Cover the Mattress
A mattress protector that completely encases the mattress will offer protection from the 100,000 to 10 million dust mites living inside it…not to mention their fecal droppings.

8. Vacuum the Carpet Often
A tough sell for many students, but necessary to keep allergens at bay. There are several compact models now available with HEPA filters for maximum protection.

7. Avoid Air Fresheners and Chemical Cleaning Products
When chemical products and artificial scents are used in small, poorly ventilated spaces there is a high probability that people in those spaces will inhale those chemicals. Chemical exposure, even at low levels, can trigger allergies and asthma attacks and may lead to long-term health problems.

6. Green Plants
A cheap and simple solution is to fill your dorm room with green plants that help to absorb your home-away-from-home’s off gassing.

5. Fresh Air
Open the windows as much as possible, if even just for a few minutes in winter.

4. Use a Dehumidifier
Moist conditions favor mold growth. Try using a dehumidifier, especially in warmer climates.

3. No Shoes Inside!
Don't wear shoes in your dorm room. They can drag in a lot of nasty airborne particles from the street.

2. Don’t Overheat
High temperatures can actually increase concentrations of particles and bioaerosols. If you can control the temperature in the dorm, don’t overheat—put on a sweater!

1. Choose the RIGHT Air Purifier
When you consider the amount of allergens, airborne toxins and odors likely to be lingering in the air, an air purifier is an absolute must for any dorm room. The key is choosing the right air purifier. Make sure to select a unit that has both a medical-grade HEPA filter for particles, and a separate activated carbon filter for chemicals, mold mycotoxins and odors. A HEPA alone can’t remove chemicals and odors-–it’s designed only for particles.

The Indoor Air Quality Experts at AllerAir say following some of these guidelines, plus incorporating a HEPA & granular carbon air purifier will make an incredible improvement to the indoor air quality in your child’s dorm room.

Diesel Exhaust and California Air Pollution; Air Purifiers a Must for Polluted State

One of the worst states to live in, in terms of pollution, is California. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Experts agree: if any state should be worried about its air quality, it is indeed this one—- and if any residents should use air purifiers, Californians should.

A new report released this week by the South Coast Air Quality Management District found diesel exhaust was the key driver for air toxics risk, accounting for more than 80 percent of the total air toxics risk in the overall Southern California area sampled. In areas where there is more truck traffic, the air quality is significantly worse.

A separate report issued by Cal State Northridge researchers states that particulate concentrations are on the rise in the east end of the San Fernando Valley.

California also has the worst rate of soot pollution in the United States, according to a 2006 report released by an environmental group.

The air quality reports and alerts that focus on California are abundant. Karen Hand, B. Chem. Eng and IAQ Expert with AllerAir says, “People who live in California must take measures to ensure that the air they breathe when they are indoors is at least safer than the air outdoors—- and that’s not necessarily the case if you don’t have an air purifier in your home.”

Hand recommends air purifier units like AllerAir’s Air Medic+ Exec, that combines a HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of particles, with a deep-bed carbon filter for additional protection against dangerous airborne chemicals.

For more information on air purifiers, you can contact any of AllerAir’s IAQ Experts at 888.852.8247.