EPA obtains warrant to cleanup over 1000 unlabeled or improperly labeled drums and containers in NJ

Ongoing Investigation Reveals Presence of Hazardous Materials 

Photo: EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has obtained a federal warrant to do the necessary cleanup work at the Superior Barrel & Drum company facility in Elk Township, New Jersey, where more than a thousand unlabeled or improperly labeled drums and other containers have been left in a state of disrepair.

Many of the drums are leaking their contents onto the ground and are exposed to wind and rain. The EPA and the NJDEP are currently investigating the drums and containers at the site under a warrant that was previously issued by a federal judge when the facility owner refused to give the EPA access to the facility. The EPA is working with Elk Township, the local fire and police departments and the NJDEP on the investigation and cleanup of the facility.

“This facility contains a large number of barrels that need to be addressed. The EPA intends to do everything necessary to ensure that hazardous materials at the facility do not harm the public,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. "The EPA’s top priority is preventing a release, fire or explosion that could endanger the community or pollute the environment.”

“Conditions at this facility are inexcusable,” New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin said. “The DEP will continue to work with the Environmental Protection Agency on the categorization and safe removal of these materials, as well as soil testing and monitoring to ensure the environment and public health are protected. We will also support any legal or enforcement actions deemed necessary to restore this site and protect the public.”

The EPA began its investigation on August 30, 2013. Field tests indicate that some drums contain hazardous materials, including corrosive and flammable chemicals. The preliminary results of samples sent to the laboratory show the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and other hazardous substances such as lead. Exposure to these pollutants can have serious health effects. Benzene is known to cause cancer and lead is a toxic metal that is especially dangerous to children because their growing bodies can absorb more of it than adults. Lead in children can result in I.Q. deficiencies, reading and learning disabilities, reduced attention spans, hyperactivity and other behavioral problems.

Once it completes its investigation, the EPA will work with state and local agencies to take appropriate steps to remove the hazardous waste and protect the public. The EPA is monitoring the air near the work areas. The EPA will secure the materials and make arrangements for their transport and proper disposal out of the area. Prior to removal of any of the hazardous materials, the EPA will develop a contingency plan to ensure that the removal of the chemicals is done safely. Fire department and hazardous materials response teams will be consulted and prepared to respond to the site if necessary. Throughout the cleanup, the municipal government and local community will be kept informed.
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Uncomfortable indoor working environments linked to migraines

Office workers may suffer more intense migraines and more frequent headaches due to poor indoor air quality, also known as sick building syndrome, says a new report from Ball State University. 

 "Headache symptoms and indoor environmental parameters: Results from the EPA BASE study" found employees working indoors may become sick due to abnormal levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, light, humidity, temperature and sound.

The study found that when exposed to an uncomfortable indoor environment, 38 percent of participants reported having a headache one to three days a month while nearly 8 percent had daily headaches, said Jagdish Khubchandani, a community health education professor in Ball State's Department of Physiology and Health Science. He conducted the study with Suchismita Bhattacharjee, a professor of construction management in the Department of Technology at Ball State.

"Millions of Americans and people worldwide are affected by migraines and headaches, mostly during the highly productive years of their lives," said Khubchandani, who also is a faculty fellow with the university's Global Health Institute. "Migraines and headaches lead to significant decline in quality of life, productivity and daily functioning."

Produced only once by the Environmental Protection Agency, this was a multicenter cross-sectional study of 4,326 office workers employed in 100 randomly selected large office buildings across the country. The largest study of its kind used the data collected by EPA for the Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation (BASE) study during 1994-1998. Results were recently published by the Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology.
As a result of the research, the authors found:

• Females were more likely to report a headache in the last four weeks when compared to males (75 percent vs. 53 percent).
• About 21 percent of employees admitted that a physician had diagnosed them with migraines. Females (27 percent) were significantly more likely than males (11 percent) to report a migraine diagnosis.
• The highest levels of migraine diagnosis were for employees exposed to out-of-comfort range carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in their office buildings.
• Exposure to out-of-comfort range indoor environmental parameters was higher in groups that reported higher headache frequencies.

Because headaches related to office environment lead to loss of workdays and decrease productivity, the authors recommend that building managers implement effective intervention strategies to reduce the prevalence of headaches and other symptoms of sick building syndrome.

"Collection of periodic data on indoor environmental parameters should become a universal practice, and based on the data, a health risk management plan for the occupants should be designed," Bhattacharjee said. "Reviewing operation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems should be made an integral part of the strategies to reduce harmful worksite exposures."

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5 common chemical concerns at home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Men’s Health (pdf)

Air purifiers for the home and office

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

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

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

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

Reducing indoor air pollution: Use a kitchen exhaust fan!

An over-the-range hood can be effective in removing
indoor air pollutants - if used regularly, experts say.

Cooking is a great habit that can help promote healthier eating habits, strengthen family bonds and create financial stability – but it can also produce high levels of indoor air pollution.

Cooking with high heat or gas burners on stove tops and in ovens can spread airborne chemicals and particles that may affect people’s health and well-being.

Experts often advocate the use of kitchen exhaust fans as one way to reduce indoor air pollution.

However, the exhaust systems vary in terms of price, noise, power consumption and effectiveness, and there is no standard to rate them.

In a recent study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of seven different over-the-range hood designs.

They found that no device excelled in all categories, as those fans that were efficient in removing pollutants tended to have high fan speeds that hurt efficiencies or were so loud that normal conversation became impossible.

In the end, buying a new hood may not be necessary, the researchers say: Using even moderately effective kitchen exhaust fans can make a positive difference in the air quality at home.

Another tip: Cooking on the back burners instead of the front burners allows for even greater efficiency.

The study was published in ACS’ journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Source: American Chemical Society

Air purifiers for better indoor air

Cooking odors can be quite irritating, but they are not the worst pollutants in indoor environments.

AllerAir's 5000 Exec:
Powerful room air purifier

Most homes and offices feature a variety of toxins in the air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

While better ventilation and source control will help, a portable and powerful air purifier with the right air filters will provide healthier and cleaner air – guaranteed.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office have been designed with the most efficient airflow configurations, the most effective air filters and the most versatile options in mind, to provide the best possible air cleaning solution for virtually any indoor air quality concern.

The air purifiers boast a deep-bed granular activated carbon filter, a trusted and proven filtration media for airborne chemicals, gases, odors, VOCs and fumes.

The carbon and HEPA filter combination also takes care of particulate matter, dust, pollen and dander, while optional UV germicidal filtration helps neutralize biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.

Not sure what you need? Consult our air quality and model selection guides.

Contact AllerAir for more information as well as personalized recommendations, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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.
  

Home renovations a good time for greener choices

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

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

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

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

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

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

Improve indoor air quality when remodeling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Coloradoan

Improve your indoor air with powerful air purifiers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.
 

A greener and healthier way to do spring cleaning

Spring cleaning does not have to involve
harsh chemicals and cleaning products.

We seem to have survived this winter – soon, windows can be opened longer, snow boots can go back into storage and we’ll have to start worrying about mosquitoes and bugs.

For many people, this time of year means a thorough cleaning of the home is in order to start fresh into the spring and summer season.

But with indoor air pollution a major public health concern and regular cleaning products adding harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other chemicals to the indoor air, maybe it’s time to change some habits to make spring cleaning a greener and healthier affair.

According to the EPA, indoor air can be 10 times as polluted as outdoor air, and many of those pollutants come from buildings materials, paints, household products such as hairspray, rugs, oven cleaners, scented candles or air fresheners and other products.

Those VOCs and other pollutants can cause health symptoms such as respiratory irritation, nausea, headaches and more, depending on a person’s sensitivity and exposure.

Fortunately, many greener and alternative cleaning agents are available.

Non-toxic cleaning agents from the pantry include:

• Vinegar
• Hot water and soap
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil

If people do not feel like making their own cleaning products, they can stock up on eco-friendly alternatives from the shelves (but watch out, a recent study showed that even supposedly greener products often contain potentially harmful chemicals that weren’t listed on the ingredients label).

Try to stay away from fragrances and scented products as much as possible – those scents are usually derived from synthetic chemicals and VOCs that add to indoor air pollution.

Source: Medill Reports

Cleaner indoor air with carbon air purifiers

As much as we try to keep our indoor air clean, some sources of exposure are difficult to control or avoid, including building materials, electronic equipment, outdoor air pollution and more.

That is when an air purifier from AllerAir will prove to be an invaluable tool to keep the air cleaner and healthier.

AllerAir air purifiers

AllerAir’s air purifiers feature a proven multistage filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA filters that can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants.

Not only does AllerAir offer the most powerful general purpose air purifiers, the company also specializes in indoor air concerns such as smoke, mold, allergy and asthma, MCS and more.

For more information, contact AllerAir.
 

Chemical exposure: Why your leftover lotions can be considered hazardous waste

Some personal care products may not belong into
the garbage disposal, experts say.

The next time your body lotion dispenser feels like it’s getting low, think twice before throwing it into the garbage.

Depending on where you live, personal care products with cosmetic content can be considered hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly.

Most people know that personal care products like nail polish, nail polish remover, hairspray and hair dye belong to this category because of the volatile organic compounds they contain and emit.

Among the VOCs that can be hazardous to human health are acetone, toluene, formaldehyde and ammonia.

But even seemingly harmless body lotion leftovers, sunscreen, hair conditioner, cleansers, scrubs and other products may fall into that category and may have to be taken waste depots or recycling centers – along with those collections of old batteries, paint cans, solvents, medications, pesticides and other materials).

The reasoning given is that many of these personal care products are classified as liquid that does not belong into the solid waste garbage disposal destined for landfills, since it could seep into the groundwater.

Empty containers can and should be recycled, of course.

For the best ways to dispose of leftover cosmetics in your region, please call the local authorities.

Source: YourHome.ca

Take care of your indoor air

Personal care products are one source of indoor air pollution, as many of them contain harsh chemicals and VOCs that have been linked to human health conditions.

Using more natural products, safe storage and disposal, ventilation and ambient air cleaning can help reduce exposure to chemicals and harmful substances and provide cleaner and healthier air.

AllerAir offers portable room air purifiers with many pounds of activated carbon, the most effective filter media for the removal of airborne gases, chemicals and odors, a HEPA filter for particle filtration and other filters for dust and larger particles as well as bacteria, viruses and molds.

Contact AllerAir for more information and personalized recommendations.
  

Clean air a must for vulnerable groups

Air pollution can be detrimental for
children and people with asthma.

In a recent Boston Globe article, Dr. Megan Sandel was interviewed about asthma and air pollution.

The associate professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston Medical Center says that air pollution outdoors is something individuals may not be able to influence at all and are at the mercy of regulations and standards imposed by the state – even though air pollution is one of the main factors in respiratory health and cardiovascular health.

Air pollution is especially important when it comes to vulnerable groups like children, people with asthma and the elderly.

Outdoor air needs to be regulated by laws like the Clean Air Act, Dr. Sandel says, and indoor air pollution can also be irritating for these vulnerable groups.

Main irritants include volatile organic compounds, which are organic chemicals emitted paints, carpets or pressed wallboard, especially when these products are new.

Breathe the best air indoors

While outdoor air pollution is often out of our control, many people can make significant improvements to their indoor air quality – without having to break the bank.

It starts with simple steps:

• Avoid introducing new pollutants as much as possible. This includes cleaning with natural cleaning agents such as vinegar and baking soda instead of harsh chemicals, ditching scented products and air fresheners, banning smoking indoors, etc.
• Ventilate the home. Maintain the HVAC system and change the filters regularly. If possible, open the windows regularly and use fans to move the air around.
• Watch the humidity level. Use the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to reduce humidity levels and run a dehumidifier if needed. Better ventilation will also help.
• Use a portable air cleaner. Only a complete air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon plus HEPA and optional UV germicidal filtration will be able to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants. Carbon adsorbs airborne chemicals, gases and odors; HEPA traps up to 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns in size and UV helps neutralize bacteria, viruses and mold. Find the right air purifier for your specific indoor air concerns by speaking to IAQ experts before making a decision.

There are many other actions you can take to improve the indoor air quality in your home or office. For more information, contact AllerAir at 888-852-8247.
 

Healthier building options can keep indoor air pollution to a minimum

Home improvement can add value, but
deteriorate indoor air quality.

Home improvement has become of huge interest in the past decade, with tons of inspiring reality TV shows focusing on construction and design.

But anybody who has ever had new carpeting installed in the home or painted room and subsequently suffered from a cough or respiratory problems has experienced the effect that some home improvement materials can have on their health and well-being.

New carpets are often installed with an adhesive that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde. These noxious chemicals can aggravate asthma or allergies and in high concentrations over an extended period of time some of them have also been linked to cancer.

Too much carpet in a home may decrease the indoor air quality because they are difficult to keep clean and often harbor dust and dust mites, mold and other pollutants, but other options may be just as bad in terms of VOC emissions.

Vinyl tile, for example, is a big offender.

Fortunately, there are many healthier and greener choices homeowners can make when they want to update a space.

Healthier options include:

• Hardwood floors, especially from sustainable sources such as bamboo (look for low-VOC adhesives and glues, available in green stores online)
• Ceramic tile – they are easy to clean, do not emit VOCs and they are eco-friendly
• Low-VOC or no-VOC paints

Source: Journal Sentinel

Room air purifiers with carbon + HEPA clear the air

Polluted indoor air can be a hazard for all residents in a home, but there is an increased risk for children and the elderly.

A complete air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon and HEPA can help keep the air clean and fresh.

AllerAir’s general purpose home and office air purifiers and specialized air treatment systems can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals, gases, odors, bacteria, viruses, mold, particles and dust.

The air purifiers are easy to move from room too room, if needed, they are designed to clean the air quickly and effectively, and they are energy efficient even when being run on a 24/7 basis.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Act now for better indoor air quality throughout winter

Indoor air pollution can affect
the whole family.

In order to keep warm and save money, most of us do everything we can to seal up our home during winter.

But while an airtight home saves energy, it also locks in indoor air pollutants that can affect your health and well-being.

Most HVAC systems are contaminated and spread pollutants such as mold, fungi, bacteria and tiny dust particles in the home. A regularly changed filter will help reduce the particles, but it won’t protect residents from the particles and chemicals that are present in the rooms.

In any given indoor environment, the air may be polluted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing from building materials, furniture, textiles, cleaning products, personal care products and electronic equipment. Dust is always present in homes, and so are mold spores.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is often five times as polluted as outdoor air.

And when do we spend most time indoors? In the winter, of course.

There are simple steps people can take to improve their indoor air:

• Change the HVAC filter regularly, at least once a year
• Check the HVAC system for contamination, insulation deterioration, a dirty evaporator coil
• Open the windows for short periods of time to let some fresh air in
• Clean regularly with natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda
• Don’t use scented candles, fragrances or commercial air fresheners – they introduce more pollutants into the ambient air.
• Use a portable air purifier in your bedroom or living space – AllerAir’s air purifiers feature the most advanced cleaning system with activated carbon + HEPA that removes chemicals, gases, odors, particles, allergens and mold.

For cost-effective and efficient general purpose air cleaning, opt for one of AllerAir's popular 5000 Exec models.

For more tips and further information, contact AllerAir at 1.888.852.8247.

Source: Journal Sentinel

Keep your baby safe from hidden toxins in the nursery

Exposure to indoor air pollutants may affect babies and small
children most, experts warn.

Almost every home features some building materials, furnishings or products that will off-gas dangerous toxins into the home.

While adults may not be immediately bothered by them, they can affect newborns and small children, who belong to the most vulnerable groups of indoor air pollution, experts say.

The concerns center most on BPA (bisphenol A) exposure and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and more, which come from everyday products such as paint, furniture, adhesives and petroleum-based products.

BPA is a toxic chemical found in plastics, which can be found in baby bottles and toys. Many states and countries have moved toward a ban of the chemical in baby products.

Pediatricians and researchers worry about the effect these chemical pollutants may have on developing bodies, since many of them may mimic hormone functions.

Exposure to VOCs in babies, for example, can change how your body makes blood, cause rashes and respiratory ailments depending on the exposure level.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has warned that VOC levels indoors can be two to five times higher than outdoors.

How to protect your baby from chemical exposure

• Do your research on products and choose natural products as much as possible

• If you need to redecorate the nursery, choose low-VOC or zero VOC paint

• Invest in a high-quality crib mattress – Traditional mattresses are filled with polyurethane foam covered in flame retardants, which are both toxic and off-gas.

• Open windows regularly, one hour at a time, to get rid of unwanted toxins

• If opening windows is not always practical (due to long, harsh winters or outdoor air pollution, for example), use a serious air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA filtration to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants. The carbon removes dangerous chemicals and odors, while the HEPA takes care of particles and dust. AllerAir offers small, compact air purifiers for baby's room and small nurseries.

• Beware of brand new items. The “new-car” smell on brand new items is actually an indication that it off-gases toxins into your ambient air. Experts recommend keeping new items in the garage or other place to air out for a while before using it.

• Ban smoking indoors – smoke contains thousands of chemicals and the toxins tend to cling to surfaces, where they pose an exposure risk later, especially for babies and pets who are close to the floor. You can also remove stale odors with one of AllerAir's air purifiers for tobacco smoke.

• Replace harsh chemical cleaning products with natural alternatives. You don’t need toxic chemicals to clean your home. A regular cleaning schedule and natural ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda will do a great cleaning job as well. The smell of vinegar quickly disappears.

AllerAir specializes in room air purifiers that remove airborne chemicals, odors, VOCs, particles, allergens and biological contaminants quickly and efficiently.

Find out more about our

1. General purpose air purifiers like the popular 5000 Exec
2. Air purifiers for allergies and asthma
3. Air purifiers for mold

Not sure about what you need? Check out our sizing guides or contact one of AllerAir’s air quality experts for a personalized recommendation.

Source: ABC7 Denver News

Air Quality in The Aftermath of The Oil Spill Disaster

The rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that occurred in April has caused a catastrophic oil spill that continues to gush. This is possibly America’s largest environmental disaster yet, given the impact it has and will continue to have on both water and air quality. Although the spill appears to have hit Louisiana the hardest, the effects will be felt across the Gulf States (including Florida, Alabama and Mississippi). While some action is being taken to address aquatic issues, little is being said with regards to the air quality disaster that has clearly developed, and that continues to worsen.


The evaporation of crude oil releases noxious air contaminants, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) like: toluene, benzene and xylene. The EPA “says” that it is currently monitoring air quality with Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzers (TAGA); they expect the thick sheets of oil will impact air quality in the Gulf region and higher concentrations of dipropylene glycol mono butyl ether and butoxyethanol (dispersants) are to be expected. The question now is how it is possible that, thus far, their findings indicate that everything is normal in this region?

Kindra Arnesen revealed the answer to this burning question on CNN.  Arnesen’ s husband, Dave, and his fellow shrimpers have all fallen ill since the oil spill disaster; symptoms include: headache, nausea, a hacking cough and other respiratory problems. Although BP has suggested these symptoms are due to food poisoning, Arnesen believes otherwise.  Fishermen are scared to lose the only income they have right now, but it’s costing them their health. The air quality in the immediate and surrounding areas of the oil spill are toxic.

Air quality is compromised fairly quickly when an oil spill occurs. History has shown that VOCs tend to disperse quickly once oil reaches water surfaces. Long-term exposure to VOCs can cause a number of respiratory diseases, and in many cases, cancer. SVOCs are released from weathered oil and take longer to reach shore; they evaporate slowly. Normally, exposure to these air pollutants is a result of vehicular exhaust, which is known for its toxicity and carcinogenic chemicals.

Toxicologists warn of the harmful short and long-term effects of dispersants on human health; moreover, Corexit (the dispersant that is currently in use) comes with a label that warns users that as a result of “repeat or excessive use” red blood cell, kidney and liver damage may occur. Albeit BP’s “good intentions”, the 700,000 gallons of dispersants used in the Gulf are composed of chemicals that can cause serious harm to humans and other living species. A review of previous oil spill cases shows that the use of dispersants may cause an increase in the toxicity of hydrocarbons.

Fishermen in Louisiana assisting with clean-up efforts have reported symptoms, such as: nausea, crippling headaches, coughing and respiratory problems. In one report, a fisherman revealed that after experiencing malaise and coughing, he visited a doctor and an x-ray of his lungs resembled that of a lifetime smoker—he’d never smoked a day in his life. On CNN, Arnesen said “Anything that ever starts, starts with one.” I sure hope she’s right in this case.