Common solvents disrupt hormone systems, scientists warn

Benzene, xylene and other solvents contaminate the home

Low-level, everyday exposures to dangerous
chemicals are linked to many health issues,
scientists say.

Four chemicals present both inside and outside homes might disrupt our endocrine systems at levels considered safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to an analysis.

The chemicals – benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene – are ubiquitous: in the air outside and in many products inside homes and businesses. They have been linked to reproductive, respiratory and heart problems, as well as smaller babies.

Now researchers from The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX) and the University of Colorado, Boulder, say that such health impacts may be due to the chemicals’ ability to interfere with people’s hormones at low exposure levels.

“There’s evidence of connection between the low level, everyday exposures and things like asthma, reduced fetal growth,” said Ashley Bolden, a research associate at TEDX and lead author of the study.

“And for a lot of the health effects found, we think it’s disrupted endocrine-signaling pathways involved in these outcomes.”

Bolden and colleagues – including scientist, activist, author and TEDX founder Theo Colborn who passed away last December – pored over more than 40 studies on the health impacts of low exposure to the chemicals.

They looked at exposures lower than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s reference concentrations for the chemicals, which is the agency’s estimated inhalation exposure level that is not likely to cause health impacts during a person’s lifetime.

Many of the health problems – asthma, low birth weights, cardiovascular, disease, preterm births, abnormal sperm – can be rooted in early disruptions to the developing endocrine system, Bolden said.

The analysis doesn’t prove that exposure to low levels of the chemicals disrupt hormones. However, any potential problems with developing hormone systems are cause for concern.

“Hormones are how the body communicates with itself to get work done. Interrupt that, you can expect all sorts of negative health outcomes,” said Susan Nagel an associate professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health School of Medicine who was not involved in the study.

Cathy Milbourn, a spokesperson for the EPA, said in an emailed response that the agency will "review the study and incorporate the findings into our work as appropriate."

The "EPA is screening thousands of chemicals for potential risk of endocrine disruption," she said. "As potential risk of endocrine disruption is identified, these chemicals are assessed further."

Chemicals found in many consumer products

The four chemicals are retrieved from the wellheads during crude oil and natural gas extraction and, after refining, are used as gasoline additives and in a wide variety of consumer products such as adhesives, detergents, degreasers, dyes, pesticides, polishes and solvents.

Ethylbenzene is one of the top ten chemicals used in children’s products such as toys and playground equipment, according to a 2013 EPA report.

Toluene is in the top ten chemicals used in consumer products such as fuels and paints, the report found.

All four get into indoor and outdoor air via fossil fuel burning, vehicle emissions and by volatizing from products. Bolden said studies that measure the air in and around homes and businesses find the chemicals 90 to 95 percent of the time.

Katie Brown, spokeswoman for Energy in Depth, a program of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, said in an email that the study suggests “products deemed safe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are more dangerous than oil and gas development.

“Contrary to their intentions, what this report actually shows is that people should be no more afraid of oil and gas development than products in their home,” she said.

The Consumer Specialty Products Association, a trade group that represents companies that manufacturer consumer goods including cleaning products, pesticides, polishes, would not comment on the study but a spokesperson said that member groups typically don’t use the chemicals mentioned.

In several of the monitoring studies Bolden and colleagues examined, levels of the chemicals were higher in indoor air than in outdoor air, suggesting that people might be exposed within their homes.

“A lot of time indoor air is poorly circulated,” Bolden said.

Nagel cited a “huge need” to look at the impact of exposure to ambient levels of these chemicals. The study highlights “a whole lot we don’t know” about how these compounds may impact humans, she said.

Using human tissue cells, Nagel’s lab has previously shown that the chemicals can disrupt the androgen and estrogen hormones.

The authors said regulators should give air contaminants the same attention they’ve given greenhouse gas emissions recently.

“Tremendous efforts have led to the development of successful regulations focused on controlling greenhouse gases in an attempt to reduce global temperatures,” the authors wrote in the study published in Environmental Science and Technology journal.

“Similar efforts need to be directed toward compounds that cause poor air quality both indoors and outdoors.”

Source: Environmental Health News

Reduce airborne chemicals in the home

AllerAir has designed a wide range of indoor air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA that effectively remove fumes, gases and chemicals such as toluene, benzene and xylene.

The more granular activated carbon there is, the more efficient the filter will be.

Contact AllerAir by calling 1-888-852-8247 or write to sales@allerair.com.

Video: Indoor air concerns in baby rooms and nurseries

The arrival of a new baby prompts periods of extreme happiness - and stress. Keeping babies safe and healthy is paramount, but the advice new parents get is often conflicting.

One thing is for sure: Newborns and babies are among the most vulnerable when it comes to polluted air and exposure to airborne contaminants.

Watch this video courtesy of Cochrane & Associates for more information:



Concerned about the air quality in your home?

AllerAir offers a wide range of air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA air filters that can help remove airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses.

Contact AllerAir for a free consultation by calling 1-888-852-8247 or write to sales@allerair.com.

What's third-hand smoke? Researchers say it's far more dangerous than we ever realized.

"The results indicate potentially severe, long-term consequences, particularly to children."

Have you ever walked out of a building and smelled smoke even after the smoker has moved on? Or maybe caught a whiff on someone's clothes long after their cigarette has been extinguished? That's what scientists have termed - third hand smoke, and its effects may have been greatly underestimated.

Research led by the University of York has highlighted the potential cancer risk in non-smokers – particularly young children – of tobacco smoke gases and particles deposited to surfaces and in household dust.

Until now, the risks of this kind of exposure have not been well studied or considered in public policy.

However, a new study published in the journal Environment International, has estimated for the first time the potential cancer risk by age group through non-dietary ingestion and skin exposure to third hand smoke. The results indicate potentially severe, long-term consequences, particularly to children.

The research was carried out by York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, and the Chromatography and Environmental Applications research group at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain.

The study demonstrates for the first time the widespread presence of tobacco related carcinogens in house dust, even in ‘smoke-free’ environments.

Scientists collected dust samples from private homes occupied by both smokers and non-smokers. Using observations of house dust composition, they estimated the cancer risk by applying the most recent official toxicology information.

They found that for children aged one to six years old, the cancer risks exceeded the limit recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in three quarters of smokers’ homes and two thirds of non-smokers’ homes. The maximum risk predicted from the third hand smoke levels in a smoker occupied home equated to one extra cancer case per one thousand population exposed.

Lead investigator, Dr Jacqueline Hamilton, from York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, said: “The risks of tobacco exposure do not end when a cigarette is extinguished. Non-smokers, especially children, are also at risk through contact with surfaces and dust contaminated with residual smoke gases and particles, the so-called third hand smoke. This risk should not be overlooked and its impact should be included in future educational programs and tobacco-related public health policies.”

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Reduce your exposure to airborne tobacco, chemicals, dust and odors with an AllerAir air purifier for tobacco smoke and odor. Unlike conventional air cleaners, AllerAir air purifiers remove airborne chemicals and smoke odors as well as fine particles. Our units feature the largest industrial-grade activated carbon filters and medical-grade HEPA filters to remove more pollutants. Connect with us to learn more www.allerair.com.

AllerAir shipping air purifiers to worldwide destinations

AllerAir offers a wide range of air purifiers with
activated carbon and HEPA air filtration systems.

When poor indoor air quality becomes a concern, people turn to trusted air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA or Super-HEPA to provide cleaner air.

AllerAir air purifiers have become a go-to product for homeowners, residents, small business owners and office workers in North America and beyond.

The customizable air cleaners from AllerAir remove not only fine particles, dust and allergens, but also irritating airborne chemicals, fumes, odors and gases that can be found in almost any indoor environment.

Now AllerAir offers shipping to international destinations such as Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

For more information, contact AllerAir by writing to info@allerair.com or by calling 1-888-852-8247. For international calls: 514-335-4277.

Study Finds Flame Retardant Pollutants Even in Remote Areas like Nepal

Chemicals used as flame retardants are present as environmental pollutants at locations around the globe, including remote sites in Indonesia, Nepal and Tasmania, according to a study by researchers from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

The study, published this month in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, makes use of a novel but highly effective sampling technique: measuring concentrations of the chemicals in the bark of trees, which absorbs airborne chemical compounds in both vapor and particle phases.

"These findings illustrate further that flame retardants are ubiquitous pollutants and are found all around the world, not only in biota and humans but also in plants," said Amina Salamova, a research associate in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Bloomington and co-author of the study with Ronald A. Hites, Distinguished Professor in SPEA and in the Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The study measured concentrations of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants collected in tree bark samples at 12 locations around the globe: three sites in Canada and single sites in Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Czech Republic, South Africa, Nepal, Indonesia, Tasmania and American Samoa.

The highest concentrations were found at an urban site: Downsview, Ontario, Canada, near Toronto. However, the second-highest concentration of one type of flame retardant, Dechlorane Plus, was found at a remote site at Bukit Kototabang in Indonesia. Researchers don't know the cause of the relatively high concentrations at the site but suspect it may be near a source.

The study was carried out in cooperation with the Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling network, an international monitoring initiative established in 2004 on six continents.

Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants have been used for several decades in consumer products made of plastic, foam, wood and textiles to prevent combustion and slow the spread of fire. They persist in the environment and bio-accumulate in ecosystems and in human tissues. Exposure to the compounds has been associated with thyroid and other endocrine system disruption and with adverse neurological development. As a result, the production and use of certain flame retardants has been restricted in North America and the European Union.

Researchers measured a variety of flame retardants, including widely used polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDE, as well as nonregulated compounds such as Dechlorane Plus and "older" flame retardants that were used in the 1980s. Findings included:

-- Most of the compounds were detected at all the locations, with concentrations varying widely.
-- Concentrations were associated with population density, suggesting the compounds most likely entered the environment through their use in nearby homes and offices.
-- Concentrations found in tree bark are correlated with those measured in previous atmospheric sampling at the sites by the Global Atmospheric Passive Sampling network.

Higher concentrations of flame retardants in bark and the atmosphere have been found by Hites and others in previous studies of the Great Lakes region, especially urban areas near Chicago and Cleveland, and also at cities in China. Even higher concentrations were found in southern Arkansas and at Niagara Falls, N.Y., near the sites of manufacturing facilities for PBDE and Dechlorane Plus, respectively.

The study also confirms the effectiveness of using tree bark as a sampling medium, a technique that Hites and colleagues have used in previous studies of persistent organic pollutants such as flame retardants.

Bark makes an effective sampling medium because of its large surface area and high lipid content. The samples are easy and inexpensive to collect, an advantage in developing countries that lack funding for extensive environmental monitoring programs. Tree bark also collects both vapor and particle phase pollutants, while other samplers collect one or the other.

ZARA to Detox Supply Chain After Being Outed by Greenpeace for Chemical Use

Greenpeace is reporting that that worldwide clothing giant Zara has committed to eliminate all discharge of hazardous chemicals from its supply chain and products by 2020.

Zara’s commitment comes just nine days after Greenpeace launched its report “Toxic Threads: The Big Fashion Stitch-Up”.

“Greenpeace welcomes Zara’s commitment to toxic-free fashion. If the world’s biggest fashion retailer can do it, there’s no excuse for other brands not to clean up their supply chains and make fashion without pollution,” said Martin Hojsik, Detox Campaign Coordinator at Greenpeace International.

The group tested 141 clothing items from major brands for nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and carcinogenic amines from certain dyes.

NPes can break down into hormone-disrupting chemicals when released into the environment and water supplies – as a result, some countries have restricted the industrial use of NPEs for almost 20 years.
Greenpeace said all of the brands had several items containing NPEs, while Zara was the only retailer selling items contaminated with both NPEs and toxic amines.

"Some of the Zara items tested came out positive for substances that break down to form cancer-causing or hormone-disrupting chemicals which is unacceptable for both consumers and the people living near the factories where these clothes are made," said Hojsik
Zara will now require at least 20 suppliers to start releasing pollution discharge data by the end of March 2013, and at least 100 suppliers by the end of 2013. The supply chain disclosure project will include azo dyes that give rise to cancer causing amines.

“People around the world have spoken out against toxic fashion and it’s now time for other brands such as Esprit, Gap and Victoria’s Secret to listen to their customers and urgently Detox.”

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Concerned about your chemical exposure? Visit AllerAir.com to learn more about removing airborne chemicals, gases and odors. 

Urgent Action Needed to Reduce Growing Hazards from Chemicals: UN Report

Learn more about reducing airborne chemicals at home

The United Nations is calling for industry and governments to take urgent to reduce the growing risks to human health and the environment posed by chemicals. A new study by the U.N. Environment Program [UNEP] finds that better management of chemicals could save millions of lives and provide an economic benefit to nations worldwide.

The release of the study - the first comprehensive assessment of its kind - follows renewed commitments by countries at the Rio+20 summit in June to prevent the illegal dumping of toxic wastes, develop safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals in products, and increase the recycling of waste, among other measures.
By examining global chemicals trends and their economic implications, the UNEP report maps out the most effective approaches for decision-makers to deliver on these commitments.

"Communities worldwide - particularly those in emerging and developing countries - are increasingly dependent on chemical products, from fertilizers and petrochemicals to electronics and plastics, for economic development and improving livelihoods," said UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner.

"But the gains that chemicals can provide must not come at the expense of human health and the environment. Pollution and disease related to the unsustainable use, production and disposal of chemicals can, in fact, hinder progress towards key development targets by affecting water supplies, food security, well-being or worker productivity. Reducing hazards and improving chemicals management - at all stages of the supply chain - is, thus, an essential component of the transition to a low carbon, resource efficient and inclusive Green Economy," added Mr. Steiner.

At the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002, UN member states set a target that by 2020, chemicals should be produced and used in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment.

"The economic analysis presented in the Global Chemicals Outlook demonstrates that sound chemicals management is as valid an area as education, transport, infrastructure, direct health care services and other essential public services. This could foster the creation of many green, decent and healthy jobs and livelihoods for developed and developing countries," said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director for Public Health and Environment.

"Effective long-term management of chemicals and wastes lays the foundations for a thriving Green Economy, for ensuring a healthier environment, and for a fairer distribution of development benefits across society," added Dr. Neira.

In recent years, international conventions, governments and corporations have taken significant steps in developing national and international capacities for managing chemicals safely and soundly.

But the Global Chemicals Outlook states that the pace of progress has been slow, and that results are too often insufficient.

• Of the estimated 140,000+ chemicals on the market today, only a fraction has been thoroughly evaluated to determine their effects on human health and the environment.
• Among primarily OECD countries, the data indicate that inorganic chemicals such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid and organic chemicals such as styrene, formaldehyde, toluene and acetaldehyde are routinely among the chemical air pollutants released in the highest quantities.
• Pollutants commonly discharged in large quantities in primarily OECD countries to surface waters include inorganic chemicals such as nitric acid/nitrate compounds, ammonia and manganese and organic chemicals such as methanol, ethylene glycol, phenol, toluene, and formaldehyde.
• Estimates suggest that up to 75 per cent of the e-waste generated in Europe and approximately 80 per cent of the e-waste generated in the United States goes unaccounted for.
• Poisonings from industrial and agricultural chemicals are among the top five leading causes of death worldwide, contributing to over 1 million deaths annually and 14 million Disability Adjusted Life Years. The scope of unintended industrial accidents involving chemicals continues to grow rapidly.

 

Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

US cities spray pesticides to eradicate West Nile Virus

Spraying pesticides can be a risk for both animals
and humans.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

Since last week, state governments across the United States have been reacting to reports of a West Nile Virus outbreak.

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California have jumped on the bandwagon by dousing large areas with Duet, a mosquito insecticide, in the hopes of eradicating the virus.

The most fervent spraying is being done in Texas, however, where over 400 cases of West Nile Virus have been detected this year. To date, 22 people have died in the state.

Duet is made up of two different pesticides: sumithrin and prallethrin.  Both of these chemicals are pyrethroids, which are used in most household insecticides and considered safe for humans. Not everyone agrees, however.

These chemicals are neuropoisons that can not only kill mosquitoes, but also fish, bees and many other insects and animals, including cats. Some studies have revealed a possible link to cancer, as well as damage to the liver and kidneys in humans.  

The truth is there is no concrete evidence to support or refute whether the chemicals are harmful to humans.Though immediate danger is not foreseen by government agencies, the EPA did admit that people with chemical sensitivities may have adverse reactions to the chemicals.Regardless, it is fair to say that the purpose of pesticides is to kill, and if they can kill insects and mammals, it is better to err on the side of caution.

Have you witnessed the spraying of these pesticides? How are people reacting?

Source: Natural News

Protecting yourselves from airborne pollutants

AllerAir's series of air purifiers.
We have a unit for your needs.

When pest control is occurring city-wide, it is always best to stay inside the home with the doors and windows closed. This will help limit exposure to any outdoor chemicals. 

An air purifier will keep the indoor air free of any harmful chemicals that can come from both indoor and outdoors pollutants. Though outdoor pollutants such as smog, pesticides and exhaust fumes are evident, there are also many indoor air pollutants, such as the chemicals released into the air by hair sprays and cleaning products.

AllerAir offers a varied selection of air purifiers that will help keep your home cleaner and healthier for both you and your family.

For more information on our units, contact AllerAir.

Show your support for greener and healthier lifestyles. Become a member of this blog.

Video: Arizona dust storms and poor air quality

On August 6, 2012, we wrote about the incredible dust storms sweeping southwestern United States.

Below is a video of one of the most recent dust storms in Phoenix, Arizona by Blaine Coury.

With that type of dust activity happening more and more regularly, owning an air purifier is becoming a necessity, as it is important to keep your indoor air free of excess particles, chemicals and bacteria.

Contact AllerAir for more details. Our IAQ experts will be happy to help you find the right air purifier.

Show your support for a greener and healthier lifestyle: become a member of this blog today!

Generation Xers: Indifferent about climate change?

Some people don't believe in global warming
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

This summer is proving to be full of record-breaking temperatures. All across North America, people are suffering from sweltering heat and humidity that can have devastating effects indoors. 

Studies have shown there are more toxic chemicals hovering in homes during heat waves such as these than during cooler periods.

Add to that the fact that environmental scientists have been talking about global climate change for years and we can only imagine what the quality of air is like in our homes.

Interesting new studies, however, have revealed some surprising facts. 

The University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research has determined that Generation Xers (32 -52 years old) are, for the most part, indifferent and even doubtful about climate change. 

Between 2009 and 2011, the study, funded by the National Science Foundation, recorded a decline in interest on the issue. 

Of the 4000 people polled, only 16 percent were still interested in climate change in 2011, compared to 22 percent in 2009.

Upon further exploration, the study revealed that more educated Generation Xers also tended to be more concerned for the environment. It also indicated that adults with children were somewhat less concerned about the environment than those adults without children; a result that surprised researchers.   

Source: University of Michigan

Real environmental threats

Whether or not you believe in global climate change, there are some real indications that we live among many pollutants. Regardless of where we go or what we do, harmful particles and chemicals surround us.

During peak heat periods, smog not only coats the air outside, but also seeps into the home, especially when people are dependent on fans and open windows to keep rooms ventilated.

Every time we open doors or windows, even when we have air conditioning, outside air comes indoors.  This is why it is important to find ways to minimize indoor air pollution.

The benefits of an air purifier

AllerAir's 5000 Exec is part of
the 5000 series

AllerAir’s air purifiers are a great investment when trying to maintain a healthy home environment. 

The 5000 series is a practical, wheeled unit that can easily be moved from room to room. The unit uses activated carbon and HEPA filters to eliminate particles, chemicals and odors from the home.

Place it in the kitchen if you want to mitigate food odors. Keep it in your bedroom to help you to get a fresh night’s sleep.

You can even put the unit in the living room, where it can clear the air of cigarette smoke, as well as the harmful chemicals found in scented candles and air fresheners.

For all you Generation Xers out there…how many of you are concerned with climate change?

For those of you who aren’t convinced the world’s undergoing climate change: what are your reasons for your doubts?

We’d love to hear from you. Post your questions, comments and concerns and we’d be happy to respond.

Show your support for green living by becoming a follower of this blog.

For more information about AllerAir's general purpose air purifiers and specialized units, contact us.

Demystifying household chemicals: Xylene

Xylene is found in many different types of paint

"Demystifying household chemicals" is a series that aims to inform people on the types of chemicals found in and around our homes. The series will be featured every Wednesday where a different chemical, and its everyday uses, will be discussed.

When we buy cleaning products, or even recreational goods for the home, we rarely know what the ingredients on the labels mean.

Is this ingredient toxic? Is repeated exposure putting me and my family at risk? 

These are questions many of us ask ourselves when deciding what to buy.

Xylene is a common chemical found in many cleaning and recreational products, but few people know what it is.

This chemical, also called dimethylbenzene or xylol is usually found in a clear, liquid form. Designated as an aromatic hydrocarbon, xylene is an organic compound made of hydrogen and carbon that gives off a sweet odor. In the commercial world, it is often combined with other compounds to make everyday items such as polyester or plastic bottles.

Though this may start to sound overly technical, you might be surprised to know how present this chemical is in our daily lives. 

Xylene may be found, in varying concentrations, in the following products:

•     Perfumes 
•      Insect repellents 
•     Dyes  
•      Insecticides 
•      Floor polish 
•      Liquid and aerosol household cleaners 
•      Markers, fine point and broad-tipped 
•      Paint 
•      Pet flea and tick products, including collars 
•      Art materials (i.e. clay, water/tempera colors, finger paint…) 
•      Automobile body polish and cleaners

These everyday materials may not contain large quantities of xylene, but long-term or extensive exposure to it in enclosed spaces can lead to various skin irritations, anemia, depression and even liver problems.

Choosing organic materials when cleaning the house is a far safer option, but if you must use xylene-based products, keep the windows open while engaged in your activities.  Leave them open for another 20 minutes after completing your chores. 

Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Ensuring a safe home for you and your family

AllerAir's 5000 D Vocarb

Taking precautions when using some of the products above is highly recommended, but using an air purifier, such as AllerAir’s air purifiers for chemical and odor control, will give you the peace of mind necessary to protect you and your family.

These air purifiers can be purchased as is, or customized for our clients' individual needs. The units not only rid the air of odors, but remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles from your indoor space with the help of our HEPA  filters.

Additionally, our special carbon filters adsorb several household chemicals, thereby providing an environment that is safe for you and your family.

Do you have any questions, comments or concerns about xylene? Let us know by posting a message. We’ll be happy to respond.

Show your support for green living by becoming a follower of this blog.

For more information on AllerAir’s air purifiers, please visit our website.

AllerAir's Super-HEPA - a new barrier for particles

FlexTuff Super-HEPA is available
for AllerAir's 5000 Series.

AllerAir is committed to continuous research and development to improve indoor air quality. Now AllerAir is raising the bar again – this time for particle filtration – with a new FlexTuff Super-HEPA particle filter.

A standard HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is typically made out of randomly arranged fiberglass fibers and is pleated in a V pattern to increase its surface area. It’s an effective particle filter, but its rigid nature requires careful handling, as the material gets damaged easily.

For outstanding particle filtration with more advantages, AllerAir now offers the FlexTuff Super-HEPA, which is wrapped around the carbon canister and made out of a robust and flexible material (FlexTuff) that contains no binders, no glue and no Polyamide (plastic) to keep the filter in place.

The Super-HEPA has been shown to remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. In addition, its strong and flexible nature guarantees that the FlexTuff Super-HEPA won’t get damaged during normal handling – and it emits zero odors.

The Super-HEPA is available for AllerAir’s numerical series, including the MCS units.

Take control of your indoor air environment

AllerAir’s powerful, portable air filtration systems for the home or office are an ideal choice for those who are concerned about chemicals, gases, odors and particles in the air.

AllerAir uses only the most effective filtration technologies with a deep bed of activated carbon, a 5” to 7” filtration path through the carbon, an advanced Super-HEPA particle filter and ProDense pre-filters (or 100% unbleached organic cotton pre-filters for MCS units) to clean the air.

With a smart airflow design and different carbon blends, AllerAir air purifiers allow you to target specific airborne pollutants.

Many units can also be equipped with a UV lamp, which neutralizes biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold mycotoxins for added protection (UV is not recommended for clients affected by MCS).

AllerAir also offers units that are configured for positive and negative pressure.

Contact one of AllerAir’s air quality experts for more information: 1-888-852-8247.

Mold and chemical allergies: From mild symptoms to serious life impact

Debilitating mold allergies and chemical sensitivities
are on the rise, numbers show.

Allergies to mold spores and chemicals are on the rise - and they are driving some sufferers to stay in tents or on balconies year round.

Even tiny amounts of mold spores or low levels of chemical exposure can cause reactions in these people, leading to symptoms such as disabling pain, numbness, bleeding of the mouth, headaches and more.

In some cities, health officials have started taking notice and are trying to find solutions to these "mold refugees".

In many cases, living or working in a mold-infested environment for a prolonged period of time caused the allergies or sensitivities to appear, and in extreme cases, people can lose their jobs, homes and belongings trying to manage the condition.

Treatments and assistance are hard to come by, since the medical community has not yet acknowledged the existence of such a condition and make an official diagnosis possible
    
Those suffering from mold allergies and chemical sensitivities blame construction methods and exposure to chemicals, which makes the mold spores produce toxins that triggers their reactions.
          
Source: Helsingin Sanomat

Air purifiers for mold, allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities

Good indoor air quality can make a major difference in the health and well-being of those who are sensitive to mold and chemicals.

AllerAir has designed highly efficient air purifiers for multiple chemical sensitivities that come with the a wide range of options and features to bring some relief to people affected by MCS.

AllerAir's
5000 D MCS Supreme

The air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter for chemicals, gases, odors and even mold mycotoxins, a medical-grade, micro- or Super-HEPA for airborne particles, dust and allergens as well as unbleached organic cotton pre-filters.

A carbon test kit helps MCS sufferers determine which type of activated carbon is the most tolerable for them, and other inert materials include all-metal housing, powder-coated finish on the housing and carbon filter canisters, a burnt-in motor and more.

AllerAir's air purifiers for mold and allergies (especially the AirMedic series) also features inert materials and the most customizable options for maximum protection from indoor air pollutants, including mold spores, particles and allergens.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

How to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Researchers suggest a simpler lifestyle could be the answer

A small population study shows that lifestyle could be one of the most important factors to curb exposure to endocrine disruptors such as BPA and phthalates.

The lifestyle with the best results focuses on fresh foods and limited use of products likely to contain environmental chemicals.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been linked
to adverse health effects, researchers say.

The researchers examined urine samples and individual lifestyle choices of a group of Old Order Mennonite (OOM) women in mid-pregnancy and found that they have much lower concentrations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) than the general population.

The Mennonite community provided a good control group because their lifestyle includes mostly fresh foods, farming without pesticides, no cosmetics and limited use of personal care products.

The scientists compared the data on 10 OOM women in mid-pregnancy with pregnant women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

While more research is needed to confirm their findings, the researchers say that the results show how important lifestyle factors and the home environment are when it comes to chemical exposures.

Why avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals?

Endocrine disruptors interfere with the body’s hormone system.

Recent studies have linked EDCs to adverse health effects such as neuro-developmental delays, behavioral issues and fertility problems.

BPA and phthalates have also been associated with obesity, asthma, allergies and heart disease.

It is next to impossible to completely avoid exposure, since these chemicals can be found in a wide range of household products that contain certain plastics, including

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Toys
• Medical supplies
• Cosmetics

Adopting a simpler lifestyle similar to the OOM women may help reduce exposure, the researchers say.

The study appeared in the journal NeuroToxicology.

Source: The Mount Sinai Hospital

Air purifiers for chemicals and more

The air in homes and offices is often contaminated with chemicals (especially volatile organic compounds, or VOCs), odors and other pollutants such as dust, pollen and mold.

Conventional air purifiers with a HEPA filter are incapable of removing those potentially harmful chemicals and gases, since they can only filter out particulate matter (dust, biological particles, etc).

The best air filtration media for chemicals and gases is activated carbon – and the more carbon there is, the better the filter will be and the longer it will last.

AllerAir specializes in air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA to bring the most complete filtration systems to people’s homes and offices.

By offering different carbon blends and countless options as well as other features (including optional UV germicidal filtration for the neutralization of bacteria, viruses and mold spores), AllerAir promises to deliver a custom-fit solution for virtually any indoor air quality concern.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

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.

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.

Chemical inheritance: Exposures affect future generations

Chemical exposures may have an effect on
future generations, researchers show.

It’s not only our own health we need to worry about when it comes to environmental pollution and chemical exposures - it's also our offspring we have to keep in mind.

According to a recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and Washington State University, animals whose ancestors were exposed to an environmental compound three generations earlier showed an increased reaction to stress.

In the study, female rats were exposed to a fungicide known to disrupt hormones. The researchers put the rats’ third generation of offspring through a variety of behavioral tests and found they were significantly more anxious and sensitive to stress than descendants of unexposed rats.

Third human generation since chemical revolution

The scientists chose the third generation specifically because we are now in the third human generation since the start of the chemical revolution, since humans have been exposed to these kinds of toxins.

This means that the chemical exposures of our great grandmothers could have programmed us in how we react to stress, the researchers say, which could explain why some people get post-traumatic stress syndrome while others do not.

In a previous study, the researchers already showed that ancestors’ environmental exposures altered how rats chose their mates.

The research could also provide answers about the rise in autism and bipolar disorder, the researchers say, and it might even provide some insight into the obesity epidemic.

Source: Washington State University

Keep chemical exposure to a minimum at home and at work

No matter where we are, we can be exposed to a toxic chemical soup coming from building materials, household products, equipment, personal care products, outdoor air pollution and more.

Along with source control and good ventilation, a portable air purifier with the right air filters can help reduce chemical exposures indoors and provide cleaner air.

AllerAir has developed air purifiers for the home and office with the most efficient and longest lasting air filters available, including a deep-bed activated carbon filter for the removal of airborne chemicals, gases, odors and fumes, a HEPA filter for particles and dust and optional UV germicidal filtration for biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.

For more information and other specialized units, please contact AllerAir.
  

Experts probe possible link between asthma inhalers and birth defects

An inquiry will look at prescription
drug usage during pregnancy.

A Europe-wide study will be following thousands of pregnant women taking prescription drugs for asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and depression to see if there is an increased risk of birth defects and health problems in babies.

The study will examine nearly four million births and concentrate in asthma inhalers, man-made insulin, new anti-epileptics and Prozac-style anti-depressants called SSRIs, which many pregnant women with chronic conditions need to take even during pregnancy.

The researchers urged pregnant women to keep taking their medications and to talk to their health care providers if they are worried.

Traditionally, women have been cautioned to be careful with drugs during pregnancy because it is very difficult to establish safety in pregnancy.

Some prescription drugs have already been linked to birth defects or health problems, including preventive asthma inhalers, which can increase the risk of hormonal and metabolic disorders in infants.

Doctors say that risks need to be weighed with the benefits of taking medications and that more research is needed to determine the risks.

Source: The Daily Mail

Find relief with better indoor air quality

Women and others suffering from asthma and respiratory diseases can benefit from breathing cleaner and fresher air.

AllerAir air purifiers clean the air with activated
carbon and HEPA air filters.

The best ways to improve indoor air quality are source control (avoid adding pollutants to the indoor environment as much as possible), ventilation (open windows, maintain ventilation system) and air cleaning (a high-quality air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can remove the widest range of pollutants).

Many indoor air contaminants are known to cause or aggravate asthma symptoms as well as other health effects.

AllerAir offers the most efficient and long-lasting air purifiers for asthma and allergies with a deep-bed activated carbon filter as well as a HEPA filter and optional UV germicidal filtration.

The AirMedic Series includes AllerAir’s best air purifiers for particle concerns, while the 5000 Exec also provides superior protection.

For more information, contact AllerAir.
 

Q&A: How often do I have to change the activated carbon filter?

AllerAir's deep-bed activated carbon
filters typically last 2-5 years.

An air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can remove a wide range of indoor air pollutants – but many clients are wondering about the filter changes.

How long does activated carbon last? When is it saturated?

There is no all-encompassing easy answer. Activated carbon is the best and safest filter media to adsorb (meaning to trap by way of chemical reaction on its internal surface area) a large number of gaseous pollutants and chemicals.

AllerAir is proud to offer customers 100% virgin activated carbon, meaning it hasn’t been recycled or restocked (that’s why we also don’t accept air filter returns). So when you get your air purifier, it is performing at full capacity and adsorbing a wide range of odors, chemicals and gases.

How long the carbon will last depends on your indoor air quality and requirements. It is not an exact science.

Typically, an activated carbon filter will last about two years, but in many reasonably “green” or “non-toxic” households, it can last up to 5 years. For optimal performance and ease of mind, most people decide to change it after 2 years.

AllerAir suggests the following:

• Asses your indoor air quality. An air quality test is good, but make sure it takes not only dust and mold into account, but also chemicals and gases. Make a list of possible sources: Building materials such as drywall, paint, adhesives, glues, particleboard, carpeting, window treatments, cleaning agents, pets, etc.
• When was the last time you renovated? Renovations will put extra strain on your air purifier, since the chemicals, fumes and particles released in the process may fill up the filter faster than usual
• Make a note in your calendar or put up a reminder notice. Then reassess the situation after two years.

Many people will realize their carbon filter needs changing because it doesn’t seem to be working as well as before – the nose is a good guide.

More questions? Please submit them to askus@allerair.com, consult our FAQ section or contact AllerAir directly.