Minnesota asks for Action

Officials at the Minnesota department of Health are asking for steps to be taken to improve indoor air in schools. Though it’s true that state law requires school districts to have plans for indoor air quality, the law doesn’t require schools to use them. Health department officials say that most children do better in class when there’s fresh, unpolluted air and that 1 in every 11 Minnesota children have asthma. Now that all of this has been proven and stated, it’s time to see action being taken, REAL action.

Natthew Stone
Public Relations

Too much Time to Risk

The EPA says that we normally spend 90% of our time indoors. With the climate cooling down, the time indoors increases. This is a significant problem, as the air indoors is more polluted than the air outdoors.
Though an air-filtration system is an ideal step, it is not the only step you can take to maintain a green environment. A simple and cost-efficient step is to reduce and/or remove pollution sources. Though complete elimination is not possible (a reason you need an air-filtration system), reducing emissions helps.
Since the air outdoors is healthier than indoor air, a good ventilation system also helps. However, the air outdoors still isn’t that clean.
An air-purifier is an ideal solution, but it never hurts to take the extra steps.

Matthew Stone
Public Relations

www.consumerreport.org gives advice for Child Safety

ConsumerReport.org published a list of product warnings. They mention that just because a product has a label saying “nontoxic” or “nonirritating” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Those labels are, “not clearly defined or labeled.” Many art supplies like paint, glue, glazes and metals, especially products intended for adults, may contain lead and/or emit chemical toxins. Products with the AP mark (Approved Product” are supposed to be nontoxic, though the tests were preliminary and not fully verifiable. Antifreeze for cars is considered very dangerous and led to more than 1000 emergency room visits in 2003. Pesticides are known poisons, but while the poison may be designed for insects, it can have harmful effects on humans, especially children.

Matthew Stone
Public Relations

Japanese reaction to Asbestos

Japan is playing role model in asbestos awareness. A government survey examined more than 20,000 Japanese appliance makers and found that 19 items currently manufactured contain asbestos. Included in these items are a bicycle from Bridgestone, refrigerators made by Hitachi and Mitsubishi and a hairdryer made by Toshiba. At the same time, Japanese government has proposed legislation that will compensate victims of asbestos-related illness, even if they haven’t filed workers accident insurance within the mandatory five year period. Though asbestos companies are paying a large part of this, the government is kicking in because many of the companies responsible went under after stricter asbestos regulations were enforced.

Matthew Stone
Public Relations

Workers are Protesting Canadian Export

Union members in Australia and Japan are joining those around the world already protesting against Canadian exports of asbestos. Unionists claim that Canada exports over $100 million worth of asbestos, a known carcinogen, to developing countries every year. This includes areas of Asia hit by the tsunami. Unionists are disgraced that a first-world country would target devastated areas and think that Canada should stop exporting asbestos all together.

Ever wonder why dust seems to trigger asthma?

The National Institute of Environmental Health Services (NIEHS) at the University of Iowa seems to have found out. After conducting a nationwide survey that has recently been published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, research has concluded that household dust contains bacteria that generate chemicals that can cause asthma symptoms and attacks. The research concluded that houses with higher concentration of these endotoxins had more respiratory difficulties, and homes with these endotoxins in the bedroom floors and bedding had significantly higher cases of asthma.

Matthew Stone
Public Relations

Naturally caused Carcinogen at Home and Work; Research

A recent study by UC Davis researchers is the largest study to date to look at the links between asbestos exposure and cancer. In this study, researchers found a consistent and dose-dependent association between mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer affecting the lining of the lung) and residential proximity to ultramafic rock, the predominant source of naturally occurring asbestos. To put the mesothelioma risk in perspective, the disease is responsible for about the same number of lung cancer deaths each year as passive smoking. About 2,500 people a year die from mesothelioma in the United States. Research concluded that the odds of having mesothelioma fell by 6.3 percent for every 10 kilometers farther a person lived from the nearest asbestos source.

What are kids Adsorbing in School

Well, it's that time of year again; the kids are heading back to the classroom. Though school may be providing children with a valueable edjucation, they may be getting more than that in class. A mid 90s report by the General Accounting Office found that more than half the schools in the U.S. have problems that affect indoor air quality. The poor indoor air quality is said to account for more than 14 million missed school days per year.

Matthew Stone
Public Relations

No Introduction Necessary, well ... Maybe

I'd like to take this oppurtunity to introduce myself to all the blog readers. My name is Matthew Stone, and I'm now working with Stephanie in the creative marketing end of things. I'll be writing in this blog regularly, so please check often and let me know if you have any questions or comments. I have to tell you, in the brief time I've been here, I've learned some things that have scared me half to death. At the same time, I am relieved to now be working in an office wqith so much purification, I just need to get a unit for my place now. Well, I'm not going to get into a long story, but let me know what you'd like to see here, I'll try and make this a friendly place to come visit. Well, hope to hear from you soon.

Matthew Stone (but you can just call me Matt)
Public Relations

Asbestos

Asbestos is known to cause various diseases including asbestos cancer, a condition that kills 2000 people in the U.K. each year. Not only is the substance found in the ceilings and walls of old structures, but it is still in production today. Because of the monetary value of the asbestos industry, the substance is still in use, despite its harmful and sometimes fatal effects. The smallest exposure to this substance can have harmful effects, and it is slowly being removed from older buildings, bu nothing is being done to elimiante its use. While removing it can be costly and take a great deal of time, a purifier can help prevent the harmful effects it has.

On Ozone...

So there's been a lot of talk in the news lately about...er...(consult with lawyer)...ozone air purifiers. We, being in the air purification biz, obviously have our own thoughts on why we believe using carbon and HEPA filters makes for a safe and effective air purifier. If you'd like to know more about why we believe our units can offer you better purification for your money. Call us or just click on the live support link on our website to ask a question:

http://www.allerair.com

Live! Live! Live! That's LIVE Q& A on Allerair.com

Ever been surfing a website and just wish you can ask someone a simple question about their product or service? Yep me too. That's why Octo (our very own gadget man like "Q" in the James Bond flicks) has rigged us up with LIVE text support on allerair.com!

All you have to do is type your name so one of our air quality 007's can say hi and off you go. NO SIGN UP required! Just type and talk. It's really that easy. I'll show you:

Richard: Hi, how may I help you ?
Stephanie: Hi Richard, I'm just doing a test to show our blog readers how the live support works. Been on any good secret missions lately?
Richard: ?
Stephanie: Never mind, inside blog joke...

But seriously, folks....our great air quality experts know our products inside and out (literally) and are available to answer your air purifier/air quality questions from 8:30am to 5pm (EST), Monday through Friday (we give them weekends off for good behaviour).

All the best for a fun and exciting week,
Stephanie,
Creative/Marketing Dept.

Welcome Mike!

Welcome to Mike

the newest addition to our team of air quality account executives.

We're pleased to have you on our team, especially if you bring treats...

Cindy at reception and I (Steph from creative) vote for chocolate....

Mike will soon be available to display is vast IAQ knowledge as part of our new LIVE support service which will be available soon.

Check this space for more news on this exciting service in the days to come.....

Hyundai Offers In-Cabin Air Filtration

Cheers to Hyundai for their attention to air quality issues. Their 2005 Sonata GLS features "in-cabin air filtration".

Here's an excerpt from the April 6th Korean Herald:

"Hyundai Motor Co. will begin domestic sales of its upgraded 2005 Sonata midsize automobile today (in five versions).... Among them is the new 2.4 liter 'Elegance Special' model targeting women customers with sleeker design and more convenience features such as an electronic air-purifier."

The company's American website also lists air filtration as part of the specs on the GLS.

Dust Mite Quiz

Want to lean more about those horrific creepy crawlers that live in your bed? Take the American Lung Association dust mite quiz...

http://lungusa.kintera.org/dustmites

Artists Beware!

Pablo Picasso once said that art "washes from the soul the dust of everyday life," but what about the body? Many artists are still unaware of how much they may be suffering for their art. In fact many, if not most, art and craft supplies contain toxic substances which could pose a significant heath risk.

How Exposure Occurs:

Exposure to toxins found in art and craft supplies can occur via the skin, through ingestion and through inhalation.

Skin contact with hazardous toxins not only can result in local irritation, but can also pass into the bloodstream, potentially damaging organs.

Ingestion of toxins can occur by many means. Eating, drinking or even smoking near the work-space can result in the ingestion of toxins. Chemically-laden dust can settle in a coffee cup, food can absorb vapors, and substances inhaled through a cigarette can actually be changed into something even more dangerous by the heat! Artists also have been known to hold brushes and work tools in their mouths.

Meanwhile, gases, aerosols, vapors, powders, clays and dusts are readily inhaled in an artist's workspace. These present significant and frightening health risks, which may result in everything from eczema to lung damage.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Ventilation and Purification
Almost every caustic art supply comes with a warning on the label: Use in a well ventilated area. But is that enough? In many cases, ordinary fans may actually reintroduce toxic chemicals into the immediate workspace. Opening a door or window may create similar problems, as airflow can vary with temperate and wind. The ideal solution, is an air cleaning product that fully adsorbs and holds in the toxic airborne substances. An AllerAir unit equipped with a VOC, deep-bed carbon is a perfect choice. The deeper bed will actually increases dwell-time allowing more of the harmful gases, vapors and chemicals to be adsorbed.

Substitution
Art supply stores are slowly rising to the challenge of providing safer alternatives to caustic materials. Wherever possible, the user should substitute hazardous supplies with safer materials. See if a "Material Safety Data Sheet" is available for the product. Choose to work with products that don't create a mist or significant amounts of dust.

Personal Hygiene and Proper Storage
Keep eating, living and working areas separate. A second purifier should be used in your storage area if your supplies are kept in an enclosed space. Remember to wear work clothes and wash them frequently - keep them separate from everyday clothes. Avoid using turpentine, toluene or other solvents to clean hands - if soap and water doesn't do the trick, try baby oil.

Safeguard your talent ! Protect yourself !

Are you with an art supply store or art co-op ?

Are you interested in learning more ?

Are you interested in carrying AllerAir products ?

Contact Richard, Air Quality Expert and Art Account Executive 1-888-852-8247

Stephanie,
Marketing Dept.

The top 5 things I learned in my first few months at AllerAir:

5. My funky new bedside tables were off-gassing chemicals into the space where I sleep.
4. The mold under my leaky sink is probably making me sick…and so is the bleach I’ve been using to clean it.
3. Activated carbon can actually suck up the smell of kitty-litter!!!
2. Our bodies have no natural defense against airborne chemicals, so they go straight into our blood streams…scary.
1. Poor indoor air quality causes an increase in school/work absenteeism, headaches, respiratory problems and a decrease in quality of life and productivity (our staff has no excuse there are two air purifiers in our office).

Stephanie,
Marketing Dept.

Welcome to the indoor air quality super blog!

Good Morning Bloggers!

Welcome to the space where the air is clean -- where your homes and offices are free of nasty airborne chemicals – where dust, pollen and pet dander disintegrate with the swishing of my magic wand ! Ah…wouldn’t that be great? Unfortunately, it's just not possible in today’s world and that’s why we’re here. We’ve created this bog as a way to tap into the expertise and knowledge (and biting wit) of our amazing staff to bring you all sorts of tidbits on indoor air quality.

As one of the latest additions to the AllerAir team, I’m frankly overwhelmed with all I’ve learned about what we’re breathing, every minute, of every day. Trust me – it’s scary. I’m finding it hard to believe that as North Americans we’re not screaming from the roof-tops, demanding that our air quality be a major priority. In the last few months, I’ve found myself reevaluating everything --- from how often I use my fireplace to what products I clean with. In fact, I’ve turned into the Cliff Claven of air facts – I’m a blast at parties…: “Do you know that your new furniture is off-gassing chemicals?” “Do you know that your indoor air is, like, 100 times more polluted that the air outside” “Do you know that poor air quality can be making you sick?” --- ok so it’s all bit depressing. But knowledge is power. Know what you’re up against and you can take steps to change it. That’s why this blog is so important. Read, learn, act…nothing is as important as your health and happiness.

Stay tuned !

Stephanie,
Marketing Department,
AllerAir Industries

AllerAir Industries

AllerAir is dedicated to offering you the safest, most effective air cleaning technology available today.

Our Company
AllerAir was established 14 years ago after President Sam Teitelbaum’s wife developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Finding that no air purifier on the market provided safe and effective relief, he decided to develop his own product, one which would prove to be the most effective and cost efficient air purifier available. Along with partner Wayne Martin, and a committed team of employees and investors, AllerAir has now developed over 100 models to meet any air purification need --- more models, in fact, than any other manufacturer.

A Growing Reputation
With offices in the U.S.A, Canada and Italy, AllerAir air purifiers are becoming the standard by which other products are judged. Today our air purifiers and cleaners are used by prominent leaders in business, industry and public service, like the Mayo Clinic, IBM, and the U.S. Army. AllerAir has also become the trusted name in air purification for countless contractors and many thousands of people who suffer from respiratory distress.

Our Filtration System: True HEPA and MAC-B ™
What makes AllerAir filtration technology so unique and effective is the combination of our true HEPA filter with a MAC-B™ (mass activated carbon bed) filter which features many pounds of activated carbon. Together these filters trap 99.97% of all airborne particles and adsorbs chemicals, gases and odors. Most mass-market air cleaners can only trap particles and have no more than a few token ounces or grams of carbon. AllerAir’s MAC-B™ filters contain pounds of carbon to safely and effectively remove these dangerous substances from the air.

The Safest, Most Recommended Air Cleaning Technology Available
AllerAir equipment is efficient, flexible, practical and cost effective; the safest and best air cleaning technology available.

A Range of Air Purifiers to Deal with any Indoor Air Contamination Problem
Our products range from small portable units to large cabinet models. We serve commercial, industrial, institutional, medical and residential needs. The same expert technology, superior quality and dedication go into every air cleaner we produce.

Consult Our Experts
We care about cleaning the air you breathe. Our air quality experts are always available to offer advice and help customize a purifier to meet your needs. Call us toll free:



1-888-852-8247

Research and Innovation
Our team will continue to lead the way forward with research and innovation
to bring the benefits of clean indoor air to more and more satisfied consumers.





Because we care.