What is your home’s air quality?

Poor indoor air quality can affect
your health and well-being.

Indoor air pollution is becoming a major concern for health professionals, and the facts are frightening even for those who are familiar with them:

• Indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Breathing polluted air can cause or aggravate health conditions, including respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergies
• Indoor air pollution can be caused by a wide range of factors, including building materials, cleaning products, furniture, fabrics, renovations, electronic equipment, personal care products, air fresheners, pets, pesticides, and more

A home’s air quality can best be determined by a personal assessment of the home and each individual room, looking at the materials and furniture as well as housekeeping practices.

Some general statements apply universally. For example, a home with lots of carpeting may have more indoor air pollutants than a home with smooth flooring such as hardwood and ceramic tiles. Newer carpets often release volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde, while older carpets often teem with dust particles, mold, bacteria and other contaminants.

Smoking is one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution in the home and should be relegated to outside areas.

Air quality in the bedroom
The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the home to keep clean and healthy, since we spend so much time in it. Replacing carpet with hardwood floors (and a few small area rugs for comfort) will cut down on pollutants, as will the following tips:

• Keep clutter to a minimum. The less there is to clean and distract in the bedroom, the better.
• Don’t allow animals in the bedroom. Household pets can leave hair, dander, feathers or skin particles behind that can cause or aggravate allergic reactions.
• No more moth balls. Moth balls can contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, a pesticide. Try natural alternatives such as lavender.
• Air out dry-cleaned clothes before bringing them in. The chemicals used in the cleaning process can be irritating and harmful to health.
• Be mindful of peeling paint. If the house was built before 1978, the paint on the walls probably contained lead, which can lead to particle pollution when peeling off.

IAQ tips for the living room
The living room area is typically a popular hangout for members of the family, but there are many sources of possible IAQ contaminants:

• Assess the furniture. Sofas and armchairs can contain foam with flame retardants, and lighter fabrics are often treated with a stain-resistant product, which can off-gas fumes. Cover furniture in untreated, natural fabrics that can be washed and opt for the least toxic materials possible.
• Be wary of pressed-wood furniture and cabinets. These often release formaldehyde and other VOCs.
• Switch draperies and curtains with natural blinds or shutters. Curtain fabrics often attract dust and particles, and if they are treated, they can also release harmful chemicals and gases.

Tips for better IAQ in the home

Bathroom air quality tips
In the bathroom, it is recommended to run the vent to avoid high humidity levels and mold growth. Personal care products and air fresheners can expose household members to VOCs.

In the kitchen
Kitchen odors can affect indoor air quality, so using a stovetop range, keeping the kitchen clean with non-toxic cleaning agents such as vinegar and baking soda and keeping up impeccable household practices will help keep indoor air pollution to a minimum.

Basement and garage
The two areas in the home need extra attention because they are often used as storage areas. Keep these spaces as organized as possible, dispose of hazardous products properly and make sure there is proper ventilation. In the garage, be mindful of pesticides, fertilizers, stored fuels, old cans of paint and automotive products that can emit dangerous chemical fumes.

Need better indoor air? Make it happen with a carbon air purifier

Unusual or noticeable odors, stale air, excessive humidity and health reactions are all signs of indoor air quality problems that need to be addressed.

AllerAir has developed some of the best general purpose air purifiers on the market that feature a complete air filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA as well as optional UV to remove the widest range of contaminants.

AllerAir’s specialized air purifiers can handle concerns such as

• Chemical and odor control
• Mold
• Allergy and asthma
• Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS)
• Tobacco smoke and more

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 
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Moving? Watch out for toxic substances

Moving can be stressful and involve harmful toxins.

Moving can be exciting – but it can also be fraught with potentially hazardous materials.

With all the packing, dumping and sorting comes a new set of challenges:

Particles and dust
Even with the most vigorous cleaning regimen, large dust bunnies and particulate matter will gather underneath large pieces of furniture and in hard-to-reach corners. Disturbing them may send a large amount of fine particles into the air, which can aggravate allergies and asthma or cause respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and nose irritation.

Mystery substances
Unless the new space is brand new, chances are previous owners left some things behind. In the case of unmarked bottles or containers with mystery liquids, new homeowners should be extra vigilant to avoid accidental poisonings or toxic exposures. Bring all such containers to a hazardous household waste dump, if possible.

Cleaning products
Many movers like to scrub away all evidence of previous tenants with harsh chemicals and cleaning products, many of which can be harmful to human health. Make sure the place is well ventilated, and try to use the least toxic products possible.

Decorating / painting
Moving generally also means buying new furniture or household products and painting, as well as doing other types of renovations or maintenance projects. Many of these involve harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds that can affect people’s health and well-being. Choose the low- or zero-VOC paints when possible and the least toxic products you can find – your indoor air quality will thank you later.

Air purifiers for cleaner air

Airborne chemicals, puzzling odors and irritating particles don’t have to become permanent house guests – remove them with a portable and powerful air purifier with activated carbon + HEPA.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for general purpose air cleaning are equipped with a deep-bed carbon filter for chemicals, gases and odors, a HEPA filter for particles and dust and optional UV lamp for mold, bacteria and viruses.

For special indoor air quality concerns, AllerAir also offers air purifiers for allergy and asthma, air purifiers for tobacco smoke, air purifiers for mold and air purifiers for odor and chemical control.

Contact AllerAir for more information and personalized recommendations, or consult the model sizing and selection guide.

BPA exposure may have social effects: Study

Is BPA to blame for a lack of friends?

Researchers have linked the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) with a host of bad health problems, including reproductive and developmental effects – but it may affect social behavior as well.

In a new study, researchers at the University of Virginia and University of Missouri found that mice exposed to BPA weren’t as social as other mice.

The scientists injected a dose of BPA into maternal mouse plasma and evaluated their offspring’s behavior. The dose reflected the concentrations that can be found in the blood of most Americans.

Starting with the first generation of offspring – and lasting the next four generations of mice – the BPA-exposed mice weren’t interacting as much with their peers, didn’t want to spend as much time with adult males when they were juvenile males.

Since BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, these results are to be expected, according to the researchers. The endocrine system regulates chemicals such as oxytocin, which helps us trust others. If that system is disrupted, social behavior may be affected.

More research is needed to see if human exposure to BPA produces similar outcomes, of course.

Source: Fast Company

Air purifiers to reduce chemical exposures

Our homes and offices can expose us to a wide range of chemicals and VOCs that are emitted by building materials, furnishings, household products and more sources.

An air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon can help reduce exposure to these chemicals, odors and gases.

AllerAir has developed powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter and optional UV germicidal filtration to remove gaseous pollutants as well as particles, dust, pathogens and more.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Household chemicals: Protect your child with these 5 swaps

Children are more susceptible to chemical
exposure than adults, experts warn.

In the first few years of their lives, children grow like weeds, and their developing systems make them especially vulnerable to environmental pollutants.

Common chemicals and toxins in the home may affect them more because they tend to play closer to the floor, put more things into their mouths and inhale more air than adults in proportion to their body weight.

Parents can limit their children’s exposure to potentially harmful pollutants by making a few changes:

1. Swap “antibacterial” products for soap and water. Antibacterial hand soaps, gels and body washes contain the chemical triclosan, which can interfere with thyroid function and contribute to the resistance to antibiotics. Soap and water are more than enough to get things clean, according to health authorities like the EPA and Health Canada.
     
2. Choose organic cotton over flame-retardant materials. Flame retardant chemicals found in children’s clothing and mattresses have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including delayed brain development, reproductive problems and cancer. Organic cotton clothing is a much better choice and if you can afford it, so is a child’s mattress made from organic cotton or natural latex.  Or, let the mattress off-gas as much as possible and cover it with organic cotton protectors and sheets.
     
3. Use natural products instead of pesticides. Pesticides generally use harsh chemicals to manage household pests, but these can be harmful to children – the EPA says most pesticides can block absorption of nutrients and cause biological changes. Studies have linked pesticide exposure with childhood leukemia and birth defects. Natural products that work against pests such as ants and roaches are vinegar sprayed around doors, windows and countertops, borax and sugar to kill roaches, and diatomaceous earth (careful, some of these natural products can also be hazardous if ingested).
     
4. Ditch the air fresheners for actual clean air. Air freshening products contribute to indoor air pollution with hormone disrupting phthalates and VOCs, including formaldehyde (a known carcinogen). Open windows to increase ventilation and let some fresh air in. Use an air purifier with activated carbon (for chemicals and odors) and HEPA (for particles and dust) and opt for soy-based candles over petroleum-based ones.
      
5. Swap chemical cleaning products with natural alternatives. Most commercially available cleaning products from the store contain harsh chemicals that can cause or aggravate respiratory problems. Natural cleaning agents include vinegar, baking soda and plain old soap and warm water. The vinegar has antibacterial properties and can be used on almost any surface in the home. The smell disappears after a few minutes. And baking soda makes a great natural scrubbing paste.

Source: The Kansas City Star

Cleaner air for a healthier home

AllerAir's air purifiers come in
different sizes and styles.

Sometimes, it’s not so easy to keep indoor air at its cleanest – homeowners may want to keep windows and doors closed to keep cooled or heated air inside and conserve energy. But indoor air pollution can be harmful to children as well as other family members.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants.

The proven and safe air filtration system includes a deep-bed activated carbon filter for airborne chemicals, gases and odors as well as HEPA for particles and dust and optional UV germicidal filtration for biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.

With special units for allergies and asthma, mold, multiple chemical sensitivities, smoke and even volcanic smog, AllerAir’s extensive product line promises the right air purifier for virtually any indoor air concern.

Contact AllerAir for more information or a personalized recommendation.

Dog house dust linked to lower risk of asthma

Homes with dogs may protect children from
developing childhood asthma.

Dogs are often called man’s best friend – but they may also protect children from developing asthma.

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, showed that house dust from homes with dogs appears to protect against infection with a common respiratory virus that has been linked to the development of asthma in children.

For the study, the scientists fed mice with house dust from homes with dogs, which made them less vulnerable to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common childhood airway infectious agent.

They compared this group with mice that were infected with RSV without exposure to the dust and a control group of mice not infected with RSV.

Many children develop mild to severe symptoms from RSV infection, but severe infection in infancy is associated with a higher risk of developing childhood asthma, the researchers say.

Pets in the home beneficial to health

However, exposure to the dog house dust gave the mice a distinct gastrointestinal bacterial composition that appears to protect them from the symptoms associated with RSV infection, including inflammation and mucus production.

The researchers showed in a previous study that house dust in homes with pets such as dogs or cats features different bacterial communities than house dust in homes with no pets.

This research was presented as part of the 2012 General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology this month.

Source: American Society for Microbiology

Air purifiers for the home and children’s rooms

While inhalation and ingestion of a little bit of house dust is unavoidable, too much house dust may be harmful. Studies show that house dust can contain pollutants such as chemicals and toxins that may be harmful to human health – especially to the developing bodies and immune systems of children.

Regular cleaning, use of non-toxic products and air cleaning can help reduce those risks.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature the most complete filtration system with activated carbon, HEPA, pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration.

For nurseries and baby’s rooms, the AirTube series provide reliable protection from airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust and biological contaminants.

For more information, contact AllerAir.

Rainfalls can lead to mold and health problems

Extreme weather events and heavy rains can lead
to mold growth in homes, experts warn.

When heavy rain moves through regions, homeowners need to watch out for water infiltration, which unchecked could lead to mold and health concerns, experts warn.

Allergy and immunology experts say that rainfalls and other extreme weather conditions may turn even small leaks into significant health risks, if mold starts to grow.

Rain can hit clogged gutters, back up under eaves and drip into the home, water can get under crawl spaces or enter a home through tiny leaks that a homeowner may not be aware of or may not have gotten around to fixing.

The water infiltration can lead to structural problems in the home and to mold, which can lead to wheezing and aggravated asthma symptoms as well as nose and throat problems or other allergic-type reactions.

The mold can grow behind walls or in areas that are hidden from view, exposing the home’s residents to spores and mycotoxins.

After heavy rains and other weather events, homeowners should inspect the home and fix any water infiltration problems immediately to prevent mold from growing.

Source: The Augusta Chronicle

Air purifiers for mold can help provide cleaner air

Indoor air quality can be a concern at any time, but once mold becomes an issue, it can quickly turn into a source of irritants and pollutants.

AllerAir has developed air purifiers specifically for mold, which feature

• A deep-bed activated carbon filter for mycotoxins and odors associated with many molds
• A HEPA filter to trap mold spores and particles
• Pre-filters 
• Optional UV germicidal filtration, which neutralizes mold spores and other biological contaminants

The air purifiers remove not only mold spores and toxins, but also airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses.

"In the year 2000 I was diagnosed with multiple allergies (including molds), as well being chemically sensitive. As I suspected mold in my basement, my specialist recommended an air purifier from AllerAir. I placed my unit in my basement, and within 24 hours the moldy, musty smell had disappeared! I was so happy with your product, I purchased a second unit for my bedroom! I believe these air purifiers have improved the air quality in my home."
A. Morton, St. Thomas, Ontario
Read more testimonials

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Researchers blame autism rise on industrial chemicals

The rise in autism cases has researchers looking for
possible causes, including environmental pollution.

More and more children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and most school districts nowadays have a team dedicated to autistic students to offer the right care and support.

The condition is hard to ignore: One in 88 children may now be diagnosed with autism by the age of 8, a 77 percent increase since 2002.

The numbers are shocking and have researchers, parents and teachers scratching their heads as to why autism has become such a widespread concern.

Of course, more awareness and better spotting methods could also contribute to the higher numbers, and other factors may be obesity and age of parents, but the scientific community is most divided over the question of genetics vs. environment.

Environmental factors have been disregarded for a long time, but new research from San Antonio and elsewhere are increasingly putting the blame on chemicals in the environment.

Ambient mercury emissions (close to coal burning power plants, for example) as well as poorly regulated common chemicals in households and workplaces have been pointed out specifically, although it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which chemicals may be to blame because of a lack of information.

More research is needed, but the shortlist of possible chemicals to blame includes

• Lead
• Methylmercury
• Organophosphate insecticides
• Polychlorinated biphenyls
• Arsenic
• Manganese
• Ethyl alcohol

Researchers warn that is it likely just the tip of the iceberg, as children can be exposed to 3,000 synthetic chemicals produced in quantities of more than 1 million pounds per year.

Even before children are born, they are exposed to hundreds of chemicals from cosmetics, building materials, polluted air, food and drinking water. Many of these chemicals are neurotoxic to adult brains and they have only come onto the market in the past few decades.

Avoiding chemicals as much as possible, especially during pregnancy and early childhood may be one of the best ways to reduce risks at this point in time, researchers say.

Source: The Current

Air purifiers for chemicals and environmental pollutants

Household products and materials are a major source of exposure to chemicals and other toxins.

Choosing more natural alternatives, providing good ventilation and cleaner air will help reduce the risks at home and at the office.

AllerAir has designed portable and powerful general purpose air purifiers with the most trusted and effective air filters for maximum air cleaning capabilities.

The air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon and HEPA filter system, plus optional UV germicidal filtration to remove airborne chemicals, gases, fumes and odors as well as particles, dust, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses.

AllerAir offers air purifiers of different sizes, including the AirTube series for nurseries and baby rooms.

Contact AllerAir for more information and personal recommendations.
  

Helping people with asthma

Asthma affects millions of Americans
and many children.

Asthma Awareness Month turns the spotlight on chronic respiratory disease

May is a busy month in terms of awareness campaigns. Not only is May MCS Awareness Month, it also has been dedicated as Asthma Awareness Month.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants the public to become more aware of the growing rates of asthma and how it affects families and communities around them.

The chronic respiratory disease affects almost 26 million Americans, 7 million of which are children. The condition is also widespread among low income and minority populations.

Asthma is a concern not only for those who suffer from it, but society in general because of the indirect costs involved for the healthcare system, economy and lifestyle.

In many cases, asthma can be caused or aggravated by indoor and outdoor air pollution and other toxins.

The EPA suggests the following tips to keep asthma under control:

• Know your asthma triggers and avoid them – Triggers may include air pollutants, dust mites, secondhand smoke, cockroaches and mold.
• Create an asthma action plan – Daily asthma management is essential, this includes reducing exposure to triggers
• Get active – Sports and activities contribute to an overall feeling of well-being
• Be ‘air aware’ – Plan your outdoor activities around local air quality conditions to help prevent attacks. For smart phones, a mobile app may be available for updates in the Air Quality Index.

Source: EPA press release

Remove asthma triggers from your indoor air

With North Americans spending so much time indoors, indoor air pollution has become a major concern for those affected by asthma.

AllerAir's AirMedic Series is
great for particles, asthma triggers
and other indoor air concerns.

With source control, good ventilation and air cleaning, anyone can improve their indoor air quality.

The best air purifiers feature safe and proven air filters that can remove a wide range of indoor air contaminants, including dust, particles, mold, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, odors and gases.

All of these pollutants can contribute to the inflammation to airways, so keeping the air as clean and contaminant-free as possible must be a No. 1 priority.

AllerAir has developed high-quality air purifiers for allergy and asthma, which include a medical-grade HEPA filter as well as a deep-bed activated carbon filter and optional UV germicidal filtration to remove the above-mentioned pollutants.

An air purifier in the bedroom can make the difference for effective asthma management. See a recent blog post about a study on the benefits of air purifiers in the bedroom.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.
  
Related posts:

• Children, asthma and indoor air pollution
• Mold exposure in infancy increases asthma risk
• Ask Us: Air Purifiers for Allergy and Asthma

Apartment dwellers often exposed to smoke, odors from neighbors

Apartment buildings can expose
residents to a wide range of
pollutants and toxins.

We often cover the indoor air quality issues in houses and homes in this blog, but today’s post is dedicated to another kind of home with additional air quality challenges: Apartment buildings.

The nature of an apartment building is that there are many people living in close proximity, including children, seniors and people from a wide range of backgrounds.

These differences in cultures, ages and habits can also contribute to different indoor air quality concerns, including

• Smoke
• Food odors
• Pesticide use
• Fumes and particles from renovation work being done
• And more

 In a recent survey of American apartment dwellers, more than a third of non-smoking residents said they detected secondhand smoke in the building’s public space or within their own apartments.

The survey included 323 nationally representative respondents, who were asked about their building's smoking restrictions; family composition; where they smelled secondhand smoke and how often.

Among those who reported smelling secondhand smoke, 38 percent said it happened weekly and 12 percent said they noticed the smell daily.

The exposure becomes a concern when it can affect children and other vulnerable groups, experts say.

Strong food odors may be another IAQ issue, albeit often a minor irritation as opposed to a health hazard.

A much bigger concern is a person’ use of pesticides in a neighboring apartment, which may enter other apartments through ventilation vents, windows, underneath doors etc.

Source: HealthDay News

Improve indoor air quality in apartments

With source control and portable air purifiers, apartment residents can make a huge difference in the quality of the air they are breathing.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office offer a multistage filtration system with the most efficient and long-lasting filters that can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants.

The activated carbon and HEPA filter combination can remove harmful chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust and biological particles, and an optional UV lamp can help neutralize contaminants such as viruses, bacteria and molds.

The 5000 Exec and the AirMedic Exec are examples of popular air purifiers for apartments.

Read on to see what others are saying about AllerAir:

“We live in an older apartment building where the activities of our neighbors seep through our walls. One weekend 6 apartments had to evacuate because of toxic fumes from another apartment's renovation. We were able to return to our apartment within a few days because we could detox it quickly using our AllerAir system. Our neighborhood also has a skunk problem, and when the odor starts to get in the house we turn our unit up to turbo setting and it removes the odor very quickly. At other times, we simply leave the unit on low, and the sound is almost unnoticeable. ... We recommend the AllerAir air purifier wholeheartedly.”
Kathleen Jordan

For smoke and secondhand smoke exposure, AllerAir has developed air purifiers for tobacco smoke that feature deep carbon beds, medical-grade HEPA filters and special tar-trapping pre-filters that can handle the sticky substances and toxins inherent in tobacco smoke.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Renovating? Use low-VOC paint for better indoor air quality

Low-VOC paint helps reduce indoor
air pollution and chemical concerns.

When it comes to home renovations and updates, we all like to spend as little as possible but still get great results.

And just finding that perfect shade of paint for the room can be exhausting in itself, so it’s no wonder many people don’t spend much time thinking about the kind of paint they will be putting on their walls.

But the fresh paint smell many people simply take for granted can be quite a health hazard, especially for people with asthma and allergies as well as other sensitivities.

The smell comes from high levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that are emitted from the liquid and drying paint (and even a long time afterwards, though less noticeable).

Thankfully, there is a much bigger selection of low-VOC as well as zero-VOC paints available, which can make a great difference in the air quality of a newly renovated home.

The EPA regulates the amount of VOCs that are allowed in latex paints to 250 grams per liter. Low VOC paints are not regulated but generally carry a rating of 50 grams per liter or less.

Adding color pigment to paints can increase the VOC count since many tints contain the volatile organic compounds.

A growing public awareness about the dangers of airborne chemicals and VOCs and a strong green movement have brought down the cost of low- and zero-VOC paints, while their quality has improved.

Now the healthier paints are just as durable, just as washable and the cost is comparable to traditional paints as well.

Source: Indy Star

Improve indoor air quality all the time with high quality air purifiers

During and after renovations it is especially important to keep indoor air quality in mind, but even in between projects, residents can be exposed to a wide range of indoor air contaminants coming from household products and furnishings, building materials, personal care products and many more items in the home.

AllerAir's room air purifiers can remove VOCs,
odors, allergens, particles, mold and more.

Running an energy-efficient, portable air purifier with the right air filters will help improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to potentially harmful contaminants.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office contain deep-bed activated carbon filters for the removal of airborne chemicals, VOCs, gases, odors and fumes, HEPA filters for particles, dust and allergens and optional UV lamps for the neutralization of biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.

For more information and options, please contact AllerAir today.
  

Do you live in an allergy-prone city?

Sniffling and sneezing are common spring allergy
health effects affecting millions of Americans.

Airborne irritants are the reason why 40 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies each year.

This overreaction of the immune system is characterized by health symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, nasal or sinus congestion and sometimes even difficulty breathing.

Where you live may have a direct impact on the severity of your allergies, according to researchers.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) helps people determine the worst cities for allergies by nation, after researchers examine the 100 largest urban areas in the United States according to three factors: Pollen levels in the city, sales of prescription and over the counter allergy medicines as well as the number of certified allergists and immunologists per patient.

The data was provided by three different sources: Pollen.com, IMS Health and the American Board of Medical Specialties.

According to researchers, some of the worst cities for allergies include:

1. Knoxville, TN
2. McAllen, TX
3. Louisville, KY
4. Jackson, MS
5. Wichita, KS

While many southern cities were named some of the worst spots, a majority of the "allergy capitals" are located in the Eastern United States, including northeast and southeast states.

Typically, spring allergies last from March to May, when trees like oak, mountain cedar, elm and maple begin to pollinate, but this year’s season may last longer since high temperatures made pollen counts spike much earlier.

Experts suggest that those suffering from hay fever get tested, use antihistamines, eye drops and a saline wash for the sinuses, avoid outdoor activities between 10 am and 2 pm when pollen production is highest and take quick showers at night to wash off pollen.

Keeping a home clean and uncluttered also helps reduce the allergen count indoors.

Source: Forbes

Indoor air can make a difference for allergies

Indoor air pollution can aggravate or even cause allergic reactions, so experts suggest keeping a home tidy and clean, vacuuming regularly and using a HEPA air filter to help trap allergens.

However, allergens and particles are not the only irritants that can aggravate people’s symptoms. Airborne chemicals and odors also contribute to the indoor air pollution.

A HEPA filter is an invaluable
tool for people with allergies,
but a complete system requires
additional filters like carbon & UV.

AllerAir has developed portable and highly efficient air purifiers for allergies and asthma that not only feature a medical-grade HEPA filter and a 360-degree air intake for maximum protection from allergens, but also a deep-bed activated carbon filter for the removal of chemicals, odors and gases.

Some of AllerAir’s most popular allergy air purifiers include the AirMedic Exec, the AirMedic+ Exec (with optional UV lamp for the neutralization of mold spores, bacteria and viruses) and the 5000 Exec.

For more information, contact AllerAir to speak to an IAQ expert.

Toxic mold lawsuits may be on the rise

Mold exposure has been linked to respiratory problems.

Exposure to mold can affect many people’s health and well-being – but before now it was difficult if not impossible to hold landlords or building owners responsible.

A recent decision by a New York appeals court to overturn a lower court ruling and to allow a toxic mold lawsuit to go forward could change all that.

The new precedent could open the door for thousands of similar lawsuits.

Before now, courts ruled against these types of lawsuits based on the assumption that scientific evidence linking respiratory problems to mold exposure was questionable.

However, a growing number of scientific studies confirm that mold can cause ill-health effects, and in the case of this plaintiff, who lived above a mold-infested basement for six years and had mold growing underneath her floorboards, the evidence was sufficient to allow for the trial to go forward.

Source: Reuters

Mold – a serious indoor air quality concern

AirMedic+ Series:
Air purifiers for mold
and particle concerns

If you are suspecting mold in your home, it’s best to do something about it sooner rather than later, before any ill-health effects show up.

Mold can be controlled if you fix water leaks and water infiltration promptly, if you control the humidity in the home and if you dry out or replace affected materials. Good ventilation and air cleaning can help as well.

AllerAir offers portable high-quality air purifiers for mold that feature the right air filters: Activated carbon, HEPA and (optional) UV germicidal filtration.

The activated carbon can remove musty odors and mycotoxins associated with mold, the HEPA filter traps mold spores and the UV lamp can also help neutralize mold spores.

Check out AllerAir’s AirMedic+ Series, or contact AllerAir today for more information and more options.

Monsanto and West Virginia residents reach settlement in lawsuit

Residents fearing chemical exposure
can be monitored at the hospital.

A huge class-action lawsuit was settled out of court after chemical company Monsanto and residents agreed to settlement conditions.

Residents in Nitro, West Virginia, have sued Monsanto, claiming that the chemical company unsafely burned dioxin wastes and polluted homes with unsafe levels of the chemical.

The Monsanto plant has produced herbicides, rubber products and other chemicals for more than 50 years.

Their production of Agent Orange created dioxin as a toxic chemical byproduct, the lawsuit alleges.

Dioxins are regarded as persistent organic pollutants.

They have been considered highly toxic and able to cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and also cause cancer. The chemical builds up in tissue over time, so even small exposures can accumulate to dangerous levels.

Worried about exposure to contaminated soot and dust in their homes, the Nitro residents filed the lawsuit in 2004, seeking medical monitoring for at least 5,000 (and maybe up to 80,000) current and former Nitro residents.

According to an article by Associated Press, the settlement creates an initial $21 million fund, plus up to $63 million more for Nitro residents to have their health monitored over 30 years at a local hospital.

It also provides $9 million to pay for professional cleaning of thousands of homes. Monsanto also has agreed to pay the residents’ legal fees.

The agreement allows thousands of current and former Nitro residents to apply for benefits.

Sources: Charleston Gazette, Washington Post

Use an air purifier to reduce airborne chemicals in your home

Whether it’s from outdoor pollution or from materials used inside, the air in many homes is considerably more polluted than outdoor air.

5000 Vocarb
air purifier

Since we spend up to 90 percent of our time inside, this can quickly become a health hazard.

AllerAir offers portable and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants, including airborne chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust, mold, bacteria and viruses.

The air purifiers feature a large activated carbon filter for gaseous pollutants, a HEPA filter for particles and dust and optional UV germicidal filtration for the neutralization of biological contaminants.

See what difference an air purifier makes – contact AllerAir today for more information and options.
  

More adults developing allergies, doctors warn

Doctors say more adults suddenly suffer from allergies.

It’s a growing trend that doctors have been witnessing: Adults who have never been allergic to anything suddenly develop serious allergies.

Sometimes it can lead to anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

The first signs may be a tingling, swelling and a rash. When people experience a serious sudden allergic reaction, their blood pressure can fall, they can faint and have to be rushed to the hospital.

Even if people eat certain foods all of their life, they may develop a sudden allergy to it, doctors say, depending on the concentration and timing of it.

Sometimes, the immune system will simply be overwhelmed.

Doctors say there is a lack of studies about adult-onset allergies and the fact that many childhood allergies may be outgrown over the years.

Source: CBS Pittsburgh

Air purifiers for allergies and asthma

AllerAir's AirMedic+ Series:
For allergy and asthma sufferers

Children and adults suffering from allergies to airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen and other contaminants can often find relief by using an air purifier in the bedroom or the rooms they frequent the most.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for allergies and asthma are equipped with medical-grade HEPA filters as well as a deep-bed activated carbon filter and pre-filters to remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants and irritants.

HEPA is the gold standard when it comes to allergens, pollen, particles and dust, while activated carbon can remove many chemicals, gases and odors that can aggravate or cause allergies and asthmatic conditions.

Optional UV germicidal filtration adds extra protection from biological pollutants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.
 

Household chemicals impair children’s immunity: Study

Exposure to chemicals in early childhood
may affect a kid's response to vaccinations.

A new study records a poorer response to vaccines in children with higher levels of PFCs in their blood.

PFCs is short for perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), a group of synthetic chemicals commonly used in nonstick cookware, carpets, upholstery, food packaging and more. Previous studies have shown that the chemicals are present in most people’s bloodstreams.

In the first study of its kind on humans, researchers from the United States and Denmark found that high levels of exposure to these chemicals in early childhood may be associated with a reduced response to two routine immunizations.

They followed 587 children in the Faroe Islands (between Iceland and Norway) between 1999 and 2001, where a high intake of seafood is linked with increased exposure to PFCs.

The two vaccines in question are the tetanus and diphtheria immunizations that are given at 3, 5 and 12 months of age and a booster shot at age 5.

The study shows that all five PFCs in the study appeared to be linked to lower antibody levels. The children’s response to tetanus and diphtheria vaccines at age 7 was only half of what it should have been if they showed high levels of PFCs in their blood.

The next questions the researchers need to answer are:

• Does this link point to a general immune system dysfunction and 
• Could this also affect their risk of infections, allergies or cancer?

The findings appear in the Jan. 25 issue of the Journal of the Medical Association.

Source: HealthDay

Reduce your chemical exposure at home

Experts suggest avoiding products made with PFCs as much as possible, including nonstick cookware and microwave popcorn.

The 5000 Exec is a powerful
general purpose air purifier.

Homeowners should also vacuum their rugs and upholstery often to reduce household dust levels.

A portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA air filters can also help in cleaning the air and controlling the levels of chemicals, gases, odors and dust.

AllerAir’s general purpose air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter that can remove the widest range of gaseous pollutants. They also feature high efficiency particle filters for dust and other particulate matter, pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration for extra protection against biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.

Every household is different and every indoor air environment may require a slightly different solution, which is why AllerAir offers one of the most extensive product lines and customizable options on the market.

You can even remove odors and chemicals from small, enclosed spaces like drawers, cabinets, closets, refrigerators, litter boxes and more with AllerAir's Air Purifiers for Small Spaces.

Contact AllerAir for more information and assistance in picking the right unit for your unique circumstances.
 

Keep your indoor air clean this winter

Keep an eye on the state of your home for best IAQ.

Poor indoor air quality can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms – it has been linked to headaches, itchy eyes, nose and throat, respiratory issues and disease, heart disease and even cancer, to name a few complications.

But there are many simple things homeowners can do to avoid a heavy buildup of indoor air pollutants, which can be two to five times worse than outdoor air pollution, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Keep your floors clean
Take off your shoes in the garage or right after entering the home, but first wipe them on mats outside. If you can, remove carpets from the home (they are difficult to keep clean) and instead rely on hardwood or ceramic floors, which can be cleaned easily. Use natural cleaning products, and wet mop regularly.

Keep dust on furniture and windows to a minimum
When cleaning a home, these areas are often forgotten, but they harbor dust and particles just as much as other surfaces. Wipe leather or vinyl furniture as well as blinds regularly and vacuum upholstered furniture – or better yet, use slip covers and wash them regularly along with curtains.

Clean the air with air purifiers
Indoor air pollution can arise from many factors, including dust and tiny particles, chemicals and gaseous pollutants (odors), mold, bacteria and viruses and more. A good air purifier should be able to tackle these main categories of pollutants, but they need different filters for that. Most department store air purifiers rely heavily on HEPA filters to remove dust and particles, allergens and other small particles. Insist on an air purifier with HEPA, PLUS a deep bed of activated carbon for the removal of gaseous pollutants and odors and possibly UV germicidal filtration, which can neutralize contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.

Use the best technology
This is a no-brainer. For vacuuming, use a unit with a HEPA filter (and other filters, if possible, my new one also has thin activated carbon filter, which won’t do much but can’t hurt when vacuuming). For air cleaning, invest in a high-quality, personalized air purifier that will actually help reduce indoor air pollution, not add dangerous toxins.

Check your HVAC system
The existing heating and ventilation system is an important tool in maintaining healthy indoor air. Regular check-ups, filter changes and other measures may be in order to make sure it functions properly.

Air out the home (even for short periods)
In many parts of the world, it gets really cold in winter, causing people to seal up their homes and keep all the air inside. While airtight homes do conserve energy, indoor air pollutants can also build up with no way to escape. Short bursts of fresh air by opening windows or doors can help move the air around and ventilate the home.

AllerAir Industries is committed to raise awareness about indoor air pollutants and helping people achieve a cleaner, healthier home with customized, multistage air purifiers that feature activated carbon + HEPA + optional UV air filters. Contact AllerAir for more information.