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.
Showing posts with label environmental pollution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environmental pollution. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Air pollution affects children's memory, IQ: Study
 |
| Exposure to air pollution can damage the brain, a new study shows. |
This is among findings from a recent University of Montana study that found children living in cities with significant air pollution are at an increased risk for detrimental impacts to the brain, including short-term memory loss and lower IQ.
Findings by UM Professor Dr. Lilian Calderón-Garcidueñas, MA, MD, Ph.D., and her team of researchers reveal that children with lifetime exposures to concentrations of air pollutants above the current U.S. standards, including fine particulate matter, are at an increased risk for brain inflammation and neurodegenerative changes, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Calderón-Garcidueñas' findings are detailed in a paper titled "Decreases in Short-Term Memory, IQ and Altered Brain Metabolic Rations in Urban Apolipoprotein ε4 Children Exposed to Air Pollution," which can be found online here.
The study found that clinically healthy children who live in a polluted environment and who also carry a gene - the apolipoprotein ε4 allele, already known to increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease - demonstrated compromised cognitive responses when compared with children carrying a gene with apolipoprotein ε3 allele.
Urban growth leads to environmental pollution
Metropolitan Mexico City is an example of extreme urban growth and serious environmental pollution, where 8 million children are involuntarily exposed to harmful concentrations of fine particulate matter in the air every day beginning at conception.
The study matched two groups of children living in Mexico City by multiple variables, including age, gender, socioeconomic status and education, among others.
They then compared children carrying the ε4 allele to children carrying the ε3 allele and found that those with the ε4 allele had three significant alterations.
They had short-term memory shortfalls, an IQ that while within the normal limits measured 10 points less, and changes in key metabolites in the brain that mirror those of people with Alzheimer's disease.
"The results add to growing data suggesting ε4 carriers could have a higher risk of developing early Alzheimer's disease if they reside in a polluted urban environment," Calderón-Garcidueñas said.
She said the study also raises concerns about important educational issues. Since Mexico City children mostly attend underprovided public schools, children do not build cognitive reserves that serve as a defense to pollution impacts.
"A IQ difference of 10 points will likely have a negative impact on academic and social issues, including bullying and teen delinquency," she said.
A serious public health issue
The authors argue that sustained exposures to urban air pollution result in cognitive underperformance and metabolic brain changes that could lead to an acceleration of neurodegenerative changes.
Air pollution is a serious public health issue, and exposures to concentrations of air pollutants at or above the current standards have been linked to neuroinflammation and neuropathology.
In the U.S. alone, 200 million people live in areas where pollutants such as ozone and fine particulate matter exceed the standards.
There are significant associations between exposures to particulate matter and increased mortality due to stroke, cardiovascular disease and respiratory events. The problem in children living in megacities like Mexico City is much worse.
"There is an urgent need to have a broader focus on APOE ε4 and air pollution interactions impacting children's brains, and their responses could provide new avenues toward the unprecedented opportunity for Alzheimer's disease prevention," Calderón-Garcidueñas said.
"We have a 50-year window of opportunity between the time urban children experience the detrimental effects we are describing here and when they will present with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. We need support for studying the current pediatric clinical and imaging evidence in highly exposed urban children. Our efforts should be aimed to identify and mitigate environmental factors influencing Alzheimer's disease."
Source: Press release via EurekAlert
Breathe fresher air indoors
 |
| AllerAir offers units in all sizes and price ranges. |
AllerAir's complete air purifiers with activated carbon, HEPA and optional UV address common ambient air concerns, including airborne chemicals, odors, fumes, particles, allergens and biological contaminants.
AllerAir offers mobile general purpose air purifiers as well as units that address specific concerns, including allergies and asthma, MCS, smoke, and much more.
For a free consultation, contact our team at 1-888-852-8247 or by writing to sales@allerair.com.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Renting vs. owning: How it may affect asthma
 |
| Renters are less likely to follow suggestions to minimize exposure to allergens: Survey |
The survey of people with allergic asthma showed that homeowners are more likely to make the recommended changes to help minimize exposures to allergens that may affect their breathing.
Common asthma triggers in the home include dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold.
Experts say that more than half of asthma sufferers in the U.S. have allergic reactions to environmental pollutants.
Making sure that asthma triggers in the home are under control can help manage asthma, but renters are less likely to make the effort than homeowners were, according to the study. While 91% of homeowners took steps to reduce exposures, only 63% of renters did.
Some of the recommendations may be impractical for renters, including the removal of carpeting, but others are easy to follow and can make a big difference, experts say.
Some recommendations to minimize exposures are
- Wash bedding in hot water to reduce dust mites
- Clean visible mold
- Reduce humidity to below 60% to prevent mold growth
- Avoid smoking in the home
- Wear a dust mask when cleaning
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
- Use an air purifier to reduce dust, allergens and other contaminants in the air
- Don’t allow pets in the bedroom
The study appeared in the August issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Source: WebMD
Air purifiers for asthma and allergy sufferers
Allergens and substances that can trigger asthma are often part of our ambient air, and they can be quickly and efficiently removed by a good air purifier.
Most air purifiers for asthma rely on a HEPA filter to remove up to 99.97% of fine particles down to 0.3 microns, which can cause inflammation in the lung tissue.
 |
| AllerAir's AirMedic+ Series removes particles, chemicals and other asthmagens. |
AllerAir’s air purifiers for asthma and allergies go one step further. While they boast medical-grade HEPA filters with an efficiency rating of 99.97% at 0.3 microns, they also feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter to remove airborne chemicals, gases and odors that are also known to cause or aggravate asthma and allergies.
Optional UV germicidal filtration can help neutralize biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.
Leaving an air purifier like the AirMedic+ Exec (which was recently chosen as the top pick for an asthmatic on a TV show on the OWN network – read the press release here) or a 5000 Exec on a low setting in the bedroom can make a huge difference in the air quality and the occupant’s well-being.
Contact AllerAir for more information.
Show your support for a greener and healthier home by following this blog.
Monday, July 23, 2012
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.
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 |
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Chemical sensitivity may be more common than thought: Study
 |
| Exposure to common household chemicals can trigger reactions in people with chemical intolerance. Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos |
The condition, often referred to as chemical sensitivity or chemical intolerance, may be more common than you think.
According to a small study conducted at two Texas family medicine practices, a growing number of low-income patients exhibit the typical signs of chemical intolerance when it comes to common household products.
What is multiple chemical sensitivity?
MCS is still a hotly debated topic in the medical community, as there is no agreement as to the cause or the exact symptoms. Some people even say that it should not be considered a disorder unto itself.
However, a standard screening questionnaire exists, which can help shed light on the condition.
The questions ask patients whether they feel sick when they are exposed to various chemicals and smells and about their symptoms.
Common culprits include gasoline, paint, perfumes, cleaning products and chemical pesticides.
 |
| Activated carbon helps remove chemicals, odors and gases from the ambient air. |
The results from the questionnaire showed that 20 percent of the 400 screened patients were affected by chemical sensitivities.
Previous studies on MCS focused on higher-income, white people, while this study’s participants were mostly lower-income and Hispanic.
The researchers say that the findings are substantial because they show that MCS may be understudied in certain population groups that often work jobs, which expose them to chemicals.
The study participants also identified some mental health disorders that may accompany MCS, including higher rates of depression and anxiety disorder for patients affected by chemical intolerance.
Figuring out they are sensitive to chemicals will help patients get some relief or change their lifestyles, the researchers say. If their regular doctor can’t help, they suggest a referral to an allergist.
The research was done at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Source: Reuters
Get rid of airborne chemicals with the right air purifiers
Even with a healthy lifestyle and non-toxic products, chemicals will find a way indoors, either from outside sources or hard to control sources such as building materials and furniture.
AllerAir has designed portable air purifiers for MCS that feature the most efficient air filtration methods and the most inert materials to make sure they are tolerable for chemically sensitive people.
The MCS air purifiers contain many pounds of activated carbon to remove airborne chemicals, volatile organic compounds, odors and gases. Since there are different types and blends of carbon available, MCS clients get to test some of them beforehand to make sure they can tolerate the filtration media.
AllerAir's MCS features include:
- Metal housings and metal filter canisters
- Powder-coated finish on housings and filter canisters
- Organic unbleached cotton pre-filters
- Super-HEPA: A high efficiency particle filter that contains no Polyamide, adhesives and other potentially irritating substances
- Burnt-in motor to reduce new motor smells
- And more!
Contact AllerAir for more information and a personal consultation with an IAQ expert. Find out what other people have to say about AllerAir's air purifiers.
Want to keep in the loop? Become a follower and stay up to date with indoor air quality issues in and around the home and office.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
MCS: Housing accommodations for those with chemical sensitivities
 |
| Chemical sensitivity affects 16% of the population: Experts |
In a recent presentation given at the NCIL Annual Meeting by Mary Lamielle with the title “Accommodating Consumers and Staff with Chemical Sensitivities,” the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies, Inc. pointed out different ways and policies to make those suffering from MCS more comfortable.
What is MCS?
People affected by multiple chemical sensitivities react to low levels of everyday chemical exposures, although individual tolerances vary.
The NCEHS estimates that 16 percent of the population may be affected by chemical sensitivities and that up to 6 percent are chronically ill and disabled due to their chemical sensitivity.
A lack of accessible and affordable housing that is healthy and non-toxic forces many people suffering from debilitating forms of MCS to live in tents or makeshift homes, or to suffer in their contaminated homes.
Better IAQ a must for MCS
The presentation stressed the importance of indoor air quality when it comes to chemical sensitivities, especially since 90 percent of Americans spend 95 percent of their time indoors – either at home, at work, in school or in the car.
Combine that fact with a growing number of indoor air pollution sources, a lack of fresh air as well as new or reformulated products and substances, and it is no wonder that MCS is on the rise.
The Center’s recommendations included:
- Integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pesticide exposure
- Electronic rather than gas appliances
- Hardwood floors instead of carpeting
- Windows that can be opened
- Clean ductwork
- Tolerable or less toxic construction and retrofitting materials
- No smoking policy
- No idling policy
- Non-discrimination policy
- Non-toxic cleaning products
- No air fresheners or scented products
- Notifying tenants of cleaning or renovation projects
- Educating staff and tenants about chemical sensitivities
People affected by MCS may also want to use charcoal masks and activated carbon air filters, the presentation concluded.
Source: National Center for Environmental Health Strategies, Inc.
Charcoal air purifiers for MCS
|
| Carbon (charcoal) filters can remove airborne chemicals, gases and odors. |
A HEPA filter alone is simply a dust collector – it is not designed to remove airborne chemicals and odors.
Chemical sensitivities require a deep-bed activated carbon or charcoal filter, which is the most efficient and trusted filtration media to remove chemicals and gases that may affect people’s health and well-being.
But not every charcoal filter is made alike.
AllerAir has developed air purifiers for people affected by MCS, which come with the following features and bonuses:
- An MCS test kit to find the most tolerable carbon type or blend
- Organic unbleached cotton pre-filter
- A deep-bed activated carbon filter with many pounds of activated carbon
- Super-HEPA particle filter that contains no glue, binders and Polyamide
- Metal housing and metal carbon canisters to prevent off-gassing
- Powder-coated finishes
- Burnt-in motor to reduce the new motor smell
- Positive and negative pressure configurations
- HVAC-compatible components
Some of AllerAir’s most popular models for chemical sensitivities are the 5000 D MCS Supreme and the AirMedic D MCS.
Contact AllerAir for more information or to place your order.
Monday, June 11, 2012
5 easy steps to a healthier home renovation
 |
| Non-toxic materials and products can help improve indoor air quality in the home, experts say. |
Building materials and finishes are major contributors to indoor air pollution for years after they were put in or applied.
And with so many people spending more than 90 percent of their time indoors, it is important to limit risks as much as possible.
Luckily, there are healthier alternatives out there.
Here are some tips compiled by green experts:
1) Take care when selecting materials
Try to use natural materials whenever possible and educate yourself about possible chemical hazards and precautions when installing them. Use low or zero-VOC materials such as paints, adhesives, glues and floor sealants. Avoid pressed-wood products, if possible, since they emit formaldehyde into the ambient air. Look for materials that have been certified by Greenguard or Green Seal.
2) Pay attention to the ventilation system
Strict energy codes and more airtight homes often fail to address indoor air concerns and can lead to higher indoor air pollution. A HVAC contractor can include a fresh-air ventilation system to improve IAQ in the home. During home renovations, HVAC ductwork can become contaminated with dust and other particles, so sealing them off and cleaning them after the work is done may be a good idea.
3) Control moisture
A good ventilation system will help, but it is important to also monitor the home’s humidity levels to control moisture. High humidity levels can lead to building structure problems and mold growth. Any water infiltration problems need to be fixed immediately and moisture buildup can also be prevented by venting clothes dryers, kitchen range hoods and bathroom fans to the outdoors.
4) Test the air
One of the most important tests in any home is the radon test. A home renovation in the basement can easily accommodate a soil vent system to prevent gases from entering the home. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoke.
5) Replace carpets
New carpets can emit VOCs, and older carpets often trap dirt, dust mites, molds and other contaminants. The best alternative may be natural hardwood flooring finished with a non-toxic low-VOC sealant. Smaller carpets that are made of natural fiber and washable are also good options.
Whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor, make sure you do your research into the materials, possible hazards and health effects first and ask the right questions.
Source: Healthy Child, Healthy World
Air purifiers for cleaner, healthier air
Before, during and after home renovations, a portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA filters can help remove toxic chemicals, fumes and particles from the ambient air.
AllerAir has developed versatile and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature the most relevant filter media to address the widest range of indoor air contaminants.
For renovations and heavier concentrations of chemicals and gases, AllerAir recommends a "D" or "DX" air purifier with an extra deep bed of activated carbon. A specific type or blend of carbon may further enhance effectiveness.
While activated carbon filters can typically last between two and five years, those filters used for home renovations involving a lot of fumes and chemicals may have to be replaced earlier.
For more information and options, contact an AllerAir IAQ expert today.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Silent Spring: Landmark book on environmental pollution turns 50
Rachel Carson’s work is widely credited for launching the modern environmental movement
When Silent Spring was published five decades ago, it was met with a public outcry of immense proportions and spawned action on a variety of environmental concerns.
The book forced readers to take a close look at what was being done to animals, human health and the environment.
Carson accused the chemical industry of spreading disinformation, and public officials of accepting industry claims uncritically.
The book exposed the effects of pesticides on the environment and fueled public opposition against those chemicals hazards, eventually leading to a ban on DDT in 1972 in the U.S.
Rachel Carson (1907-1964) was a marine biologist and conservationist, who became interested in the effects of extensive pesticide spraying after a friend described the death of birds around her property because of DDT that was being sprayed to kill mosquitoes.
She was worried also about human exposure, since many chemicals and pesticides can be stored in the body or end up in the food chain.
While there was a lot of support, there were also many critics of the book, who say that some of her conclusions were incorrect or exaggerated.
But studies continue to show the harmful effects of pesticides, including a possible link to the mysterious death of bees.
Source: Haaretz
Reduce chemical exposure – outdoors and in
In the past 50 years, the use of chemicals in household products and materials has gone up, and we are all exposed to a wide range of chemicals and substances in our everyday lives.
Choosing more natural and non-toxic materials when possible, providing adequate ventilation and a serious air filtration system can help reduce chemical exposure indoors (where we spend most of our time).
AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for homes and offices that provide a complete air cleaning system with activated carbon (charcoal), HEPA and optional UV germicidal filtration.
With specialized units for chemicals and odors, tobacco smoke, mold, MCS, allergies and asthma as well as many others, AllerAir helps solve indoor air quality problems in North America and beyond.
Contact AllerAir for more information.
 |
| Pesticide spraying could harm more than weeds, book author warned. |
The book forced readers to take a close look at what was being done to animals, human health and the environment.
Carson accused the chemical industry of spreading disinformation, and public officials of accepting industry claims uncritically.
The book exposed the effects of pesticides on the environment and fueled public opposition against those chemicals hazards, eventually leading to a ban on DDT in 1972 in the U.S.
Rachel Carson (1907-1964) was a marine biologist and conservationist, who became interested in the effects of extensive pesticide spraying after a friend described the death of birds around her property because of DDT that was being sprayed to kill mosquitoes.
She was worried also about human exposure, since many chemicals and pesticides can be stored in the body or end up in the food chain.
While there was a lot of support, there were also many critics of the book, who say that some of her conclusions were incorrect or exaggerated.
But studies continue to show the harmful effects of pesticides, including a possible link to the mysterious death of bees.
Source: Haaretz
Reduce chemical exposure – outdoors and in
In the past 50 years, the use of chemicals in household products and materials has gone up, and we are all exposed to a wide range of chemicals and substances in our everyday lives.
Choosing more natural and non-toxic materials when possible, providing adequate ventilation and a serious air filtration system can help reduce chemical exposure indoors (where we spend most of our time).
AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for homes and offices that provide a complete air cleaning system with activated carbon (charcoal), HEPA and optional UV germicidal filtration.
With specialized units for chemicals and odors, tobacco smoke, mold, MCS, allergies and asthma as well as many others, AllerAir helps solve indoor air quality problems in North America and beyond.
Contact AllerAir for more information.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Some toddlers more exposed than others to flame retardants
 |
| Furniture is a common source of exposure to flame retardants, researchers say. |
A study of North Caroline toddlers shows that non-white toddlers are more exposed to flame-retardant chemicals than white toddlers.
Exposure may be higher in toddlers whose fathers do not have a college degree, which serves as a proxy measure of lower socioeconomic background.
The toddlers are usually exposed through hand-to-mouth activity or factors related to age and duration of breastfeeding, the researchers say.
The study examined the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in 83 toddlers between 12 and 36 months of age.
Sources of chemical exposure
PBDEs are a class of long-lasting chemicals, which were widely used as flame retardant additives in consumer products such as polyurethane foam padding, electronics, mattresses and furniture.
Toddlers (and adults) can inhale or ingest these chemicals, which can accumulate in the body and may be linked to disrupted endocrine activity and thyroid regulation, low birth weight and developmental problems.
House dust is a big source of exposure for toddlers, the study shows.
But dust can’t be the reason why there was such a big difference in exposure between nonwhite and white toddlers: white toddlers averaged 32 parts per billion of PBDE chemicals in their blood, while nonwhite toddlers averaged 60 parts per billion.
According to the researchers, the best ways to reduce exposure include:
- Frequent hand-washing
- Researching household products to find out which, if any, flame retardants are being used
Source: Duke University
Air purifiers to battle dust, particles, airborne chemicals
Source control is a great way to reduce chemical exposures in the home, but so many products that are already there may be off-gassing chemicals and contribute to contaminated dust and other exposures.
 |
| The AirMedics are effective dust, particle and chemical busters. |
AllerAir has designed powerful portable air purifiers for the home and office that can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants, including airborne chemicals and odors, particles and dust, even bacteria, viruses and mold.
Air purifiers of the 5000 Series, the 6000 Series or the AirMedic and AirMedic + Series come with many options and customization to guarantee the right level of air purification for your individual concerns.
Find out more by contacting AllerAir.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Chemical inheritance: Exposures affect future generations
 |
| Chemical exposures may have an effect on future generations, researchers show. |
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.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Researchers blame autism rise on industrial chemicals
 |
| The rise in autism cases has researchers looking for possible causes, including environmental pollution. |
The condition is hard to ignore: One in 88 children may now be diagnosed with autism by the age of 8, a 77 percent increase since 2002.
The numbers are shocking and have researchers, parents and teachers scratching their heads as to why autism has become such a widespread concern.
Of course, more awareness and better spotting methods could also contribute to the higher numbers, and other factors may be obesity and age of parents, but the scientific community is most divided over the question of genetics vs. environment.
Environmental factors have been disregarded for a long time, but new research from San Antonio and elsewhere are increasingly putting the blame on chemicals in the environment.
Ambient mercury emissions (close to coal burning power plants, for example) as well as poorly regulated common chemicals in households and workplaces have been pointed out specifically, although it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which chemicals may be to blame because of a lack of information.
More research is needed, but the shortlist of possible chemicals to blame includes
- Lead
- Methylmercury
- Organophosphate insecticides
- Polychlorinated biphenyls
- Arsenic
- Manganese
- Ethyl alcohol
Even before children are born, they are exposed to hundreds of chemicals from cosmetics, building materials, polluted air, food and drinking water. Many of these chemicals are neurotoxic to adult brains and they have only come onto the market in the past few decades.
Avoiding chemicals as much as possible, especially during pregnancy and early childhood may be one of the best ways to reduce risks at this point in time, researchers say.
Source: The Current
Air purifiers for chemicals and environmental pollutants
Household products and materials are a major source of exposure to chemicals and other toxins.
Choosing more natural alternatives, providing good ventilation and cleaner air will help reduce the risks at home and at the office.
AllerAir has designed portable and powerful general purpose air purifiers with the most trusted and effective air filters for maximum air cleaning capabilities.
The air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon and HEPA filter system, plus optional UV germicidal filtration to remove airborne chemicals, gases, fumes and odors as well as particles, dust, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses.
AllerAir offers air purifiers of different sizes, including the AirTube series for nurseries and baby rooms.
Contact AllerAir for more information and personal recommendations.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Are allergies actually good for you?
 |
| Researchers suggest that a body's reaction to allergens may be designed to keep environmental pollutants out. |
These scientists reject the idea that allergies are misdirected immune reactions to innocuous substances and are rogue workers from the body’s parasite-fighting workforce.
For them, parasites and the substances that trigger allergies share nothing in common and there are too many possible allergens.
Also, the body’s response to allergy triggers can be immediate, whereas a response to parasites often takes longer.
In a paper published in April in Nature, the researchers instead propose that allergic reactions may be there to protect us from potentially dangerous substances in the environment.
They cite studies that show that allergic responses to tick saliva, for example, prevent the pests from attaching and feeding.
Allergy symptoms keep pollutants out of the body
The symptoms many people experience with allergies (runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy skin and so on) would then serve the function to keep unhealthy environmental pollutants out of the body.
Allergic reactions could also serve to make people become more aware of their environment and to avoid certain places because of their experience, they say.
Of course, in some cases, allergies can be very excessive and even deadly – and sometimes they don’t seem to make sense. Why, for example, are one in 12 children affected by food allergies?
The researchers suggest different possible causes, including our evolutionary past and a guilt-by-association mechanism that could lead to allergies after eating something in a polluted environment.
It’s an interesting theory that might warrant some further speculation and research.
Source: Scientific American
Make breathing easier by filtering out allergens
Once a person suffers from allergies, airborne triggers can make reactions worse. Diligent source control, ventilation and air cleaning can all help in providing a clean and healthy environment.
For air purifiers for allergies and asthma, a medical-grade HEPA filter is an important feature to trap airborne particles, allergens, pollen and dust.
However, the air cleaner should also have an activated carbon filter to remove chemicals, gases and odors that can contribute to or aggravate the symptoms as well.
AllerAir air purifiers like the AirMedic+ Series contain a multistage filtration system made for the most complete protection from irritating airborne pollutants.
Contact AllerAir for more information and options.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
List of chemicals suspected to cause autism and learning disabilities
 |
| The rising incidence of autism and neuodevelopmental disorders has researchers looking for environmental causes. |
The editorial by Philip Landrigan, MD, MSc, and Luca Lambertini, PhD, MPH, MSc, from Mount Sinai as well as Linda Birnbaum, Director of the National Institute OF Environmental Health Sciences, was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives alongside other papers that suggested links between chemicals and autism.
Autism and autism-related disorders have been rising in incidence, but the exact environmental causes are still not understood.
A growing number of researchers believe that environmental pollution does have an impact on the development of autism (the hereditary component is also very strong) and that certain toxic chemicals may affect between 400,000 and 600,000 of the 4 million children born in the U.S. each year.
There should be a priority on the research of these environmental pollutants because they are potentially controllable or preventable, the researchers say.
The top 10 chemicals are
- Lead
- Methylmercury
- PCBs
- Organophosphate pesticides
- Organochlorine pesticides
- Endocrine disruptors
- Automotive exhaust
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- Brominated flame retardants
- Perfluorinated compounds
Automotive exhaust can become a problem indoors as well if a home is located close to a busy road or highway.
Many products (especially children’s products) contain flame retardants that can get into the air and affect children, pets and everyone else.
Other chemicals on the list are persistent organic pollutants or pesticides that can build up in the environment, the food chain and people’s bodies and there may have a big impact as well.
Source: Mount Sinai Medical Center
Filter out indoor air pollutants and chemicals with suitable air purifiers
Every indoor environment can be polluted by airborne chemicals, gases, vapors, dust, particles, bacteria, viruses and molds – and over time, poor indoor air quality has been linked to a variety of health issues.
With source control, ventilation and air cleaning, everyone can reduce the impact of poor indoor air quality.
A good air purifier needs to be equipped with the right air filters, however, to be effective for all of the pollutants mentioned above. Don't waste your money on inferior units.
AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office provide the most complete protection by drawing the air through a deep-bed activated carbon filter for the removal of gases and chemicals, a HEPA filter for trapping particles and dust and ultraviolet rays for the neutralization of biological contaminants such as mold and bacteria.
Contact AllerAir for more information and personalized recommendations.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Cleaning experts tout natural alternatives
 |
| Cleaning products found on store shelves often contain harmful chemicals and toxins. |
But if your arsenal of cleaning products includes a variety of store-bought products, you could be putting your health at risk.
Many household cleaners on store shelves today contain toxic ingredients and volatile organic compounds that have been linked to health problems in humans.
According to the EPA, chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than air pollution. Most people spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors and cleaning is a regular part of household duties.
Thankfully, there are many available alternatives, which are not only safer but also often much less expensive.
However, beware of traditional products jumping onto the green bandwagon and making claims that are suspect or downright false.
Third-party certifications or a look at the manufacturers; data sheets will provide some reliable answers – or homeowners can make their own cleaning solutions.
Homemade cleaners do not have preservatives, so it’s better to make small batches and use them up quickly.
Use sponges or washable rags when cleaning – it’s much more environmentally friendly than paper towels and single-use cleaning pads.
Here are some cleaning agents that are non-toxic, effective and easily available:
- Baking soda: Fights odors and can be used as a scrubbing paste
- Vinegar: Natural cleaner and disinfectant; the smell disappears after a few minutes
- Castile soap: Foaming cleaner
- Olive oil: Great for polishing wood furniture and picking up dust
- Lemon juice: Grease fighter, disinfectant, fresh smell
Source: The Journal Sentinel
Reduce airborne chemicals with air purifiers
Toxic cleaning products are not the only sources of potentially harmful chemicals in the home.
 |
| Other household items can contribute to indoor air pollution. |
A high-quality air purifier with activated carbon and other filters can help keep the air clean and healthy. Activated carbon is the safest and most effective filtration media for the removal of airborne chemicals and VOCs, odors and fumes.
AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office contain not only the largest activated carbon filters but also HEPA filters, pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration to trap and neutralize particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold as well.
Contact AllerAir for more information and more options.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Chemical exposure linked to childhood obesity
 |
| Obesity is a growing problem among children. |
According to a recent study in New York City, overweight children had higher urinary concentrations of phthalates, a trend that was not seen in normal weight children.
The relationship was evident only with one phthalate called MEP (monoethylene phthalate).
The study results are consistent with previous studies showing similar associations between the phthalate MEP and obesity in teens and women.
Experts worry about the growing childhood obesity epidemic and blame different factors, including poor diet and lack of exercise as well as exposure to environmental contaminants.
Children may be more affected by environmental pollution because their bodies and organs are still developing and they eat more, drink more and breathe more in proportion to their body size.
Phthalates can be found in many plastic products, in medical devices, food packaging, flooring, food processing equipment, personal care products (perfumes and cosmetics) and more. They can leach from these products and be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
Some phthalates have been identified as endocrine disrupting compounds that can interfere with hormones.
Source: Environmental Health News
Filter out airborne pollutants
 |
| AllerAir air purifiers with carbon, HEPA and UV (optional). |
Environmental pollution is a big concern and can be present in all areas of our lives, especially at home, in school and at work.
A complete air purification system with activated carbon, HEPA and (optional) UV germicidal filtration can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants and help keep the air clean.
Activated carbon is the most effective filter media for the removal of airborne chemicals, gases, VOCs and odors, while HEPA is the gold standard for particle filtration. UV helps neutralize contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.
AllerAir offers portable and powerful general purpose air purifiers as well as specialized units, for example for Chemical and Odor Control, MCS, Allergies and Asthma, Tobacco Smoke and Mold.
Contact AllerAir for more information and options.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Children could be more exposed to chemicals than their mothers
 |
| Almost all U.S. citizens have the chemical PFOA in their blood, research suggests. It's a long-lasting environmental pollutant. |
The researchers found that the children, who were exposed to the chemical from drinking water as well as their mom’s breast milk, had 44 percent more of the chemical in their blood compared to the mothers.
The industrial chemical is perfluorooctanoate (PFOA, or C8).
What is C8?
PFOA, or C8, persists indefinitely in the environment. It is a toxicant and carcinogen in animals.
PFOA has been detected in the blood of more than 98% of the general US population in the low and sub-parts per billion range, and levels are higher in chemical plant employees and surrounding residents.
The chemical is used in the manufacture of Teflon nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging and other products. It can be found in house dust, carpet cleaning liquids, microwave popcorn bags and many other products.
For this study, the researchers picked people living near the DuPont plant because the chemical has contaminated drinking water supplies and the people nearby have levels of about seven times more than the US average.
The study involved 4,943 children and their mothers who were exposed to the chemical in the drinking water for at least one year.
Children more at risk: Researchers
Children seemed to concentrate the chemical more than their mothers, the researchers say. Another study linked perfluorinated compounds to reduced effectiveness of childhood vaccinations (see previous blog post).
Environmental health scientists fear that exposure to these industrial chemicals can interfere with the development of the brain, reproductive tract, hormones and possibly the immune system.
Previous research also linked exposure to these chemicals to kidney problems, including an increased risk of kidney cancer, and certain pregnancy complications.
Full results from the studies are expected in 2012.
Source: Scientific American
Reduce chemical exposure at home
 |
| AllerAir's 5000 Exec: All-star air purifier |
The air purifiers feature a complete air filtration system with large activated carbon filters, HEPA filters, pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration.
Along with source control and adequate ventilation, a 24/7 air purifier with the right filters can help reduce indoor air pollutants that may be affecting your health and well-being.
Contact us for more information and options.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
New flame retardants, new concerns
 |
| Researchers found that flame retardant levels are rising. |
Originally created to replace older chemicals that were believed to be a threat to the environment, the new flame retardants are now widespread in the air near the Great Lakes, a new report shows.
Back in the 1970s, manufacturers started using old flame retardant chemicals in their products (including upholstered furniture, electronics, clothing, mattresses).
The problem with those flame retardants was their volatility. The polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) easily off-gas into the ambient air where they can become an environmental threat.
In order to replace PBDEs, the industry introduced new formulations that contain 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH). But these chemicals could also have environmental risks: Research has suggested that the compounds can build up in fish and damage their DNA.
As it turns out, these new flame retardants can be found in the air in the Great Lakes region. Researchers monitored the air for levels of TBB and TBPH and collected samples between 2008 and 2010.
They detected TBB and TBPH in the vast majority of samples from Chicago and Cleveland, where levels of the compounds doubled approximately every 13 months.
It wasn’t only an urban phenomenon, as they also found the compounds in air samples from rural sites (those levels doubled every 19 months).
More research is needed into the effects of these new flame retardants on the environment.
Source: Chemical & Engineering News
Want to know more about indoor air quality and the pollutants that may affect you at home or at the office? AllerAir has designed portable and powerful air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA that can help remove a wide range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals, gases, VOCs, odors, mold, bacteria, viruses, particles and dust. Contact us for more information.
Friday, December 02, 2011
A toxic world: Women, men and children react differently to environmental pollution
 |
| You can't hide from environmental pollutants. |
They are found in our home's building materials, our furniture, our household products, our food and our clothing.
As of now, environmental experts are relying on biomonitoring studies that take samples of people’s blood, hair or fingernails to find out which chemicals make up the body burden.
As our bodies accumulate more synthetic chemicals and our body burdens grow heavier, there is also an incidental rise in diseases and disorders like cancer, development syndromes, reproductive disorders and autoimmune diseases.
Most studies, however, don’t take into account how women, men and children may react differently to environmental pollutants and could suffer from different health outcomes.
Children, for example, are still developing their bodily systems and they breathe more and ingest more in relation to their body size. Women, too, may be more at risk, according to the director of the National Network on Environments and Women's Health.
In the organization's recent report Sex, Gender & Chemicals: Factoring Women into the Chemicals Management Plan, they examine Canada’s way to assess a chemical’s risk to determine whether it is toxic.
According to the report, there are several places where the government did not consider sex and gender in the risk assessments for common chemicals, and where -- if they had done so -- a chemical may have been listed toxic, but instead remains in circulation.
Examples include
- BHA, an additive used as a preservative in foods, drugs and personal care products. The government did not take into account that women use more personal care products than men, on average and may be exposed to much higher quantities
- HBCD, a flame retardant found in furniture and window coverings and carpets. The government did not consider higher exposure of northern communities or infants
- BPA, a common chemicals that was finally banned in baby bottles, but there was no action to ban it from other sources of exposure, including can linings and debit receipts.
The organization calls for more protection and to put people’s interest over industry interest, since there is limited individual control over exposures outside of the home (or with a limited budget).
Reduce chemical exposure at home
 |
| AllerAir's numerical series helps keep the air clean. |
There are many steps people can take to reduce their exposure to chemicals at home:
- Avoid products with synthetic chemicals as much as possible
- Keep the home well ventilated
- Use a room air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA
The activated carbon filters in AllerAir air purifiers can remove a wide range of chemicals, gases, odors, VOCs and fumes. The carbon boasts a large internal surface area where gaseous pollutants get trapped by way of a chemical reaction.
The HEPA and pre-filter in the multistage filtration system filter out airborne particles and dust as well as microorganisms (for extra protection against bacteria, mold and viruses, opt for UV germicidal filtration).
Contact AllerAir for more information.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Heart at risk from exposure to environmental pollution
 |
| Environmental toxins build up in the body over time, scientists say |
Now you can add the increased risk of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, to that list.
In the latest of several environmental studies, researchers in Sweden tested more than 1,000 study participants for 23 environmental toxins.
Many of these toxins have been banned for some time, but because they have such a long half life, they are still a major factor in people’s exposure.
The study concentrated on people age 70 or older, since the toxins are stored in the body at increasingly higher levels over time.
The researcher compared the levels of environmental exposure to the health of their arteries, determined by the amount of plaque build-up in the carotid artery.
The more plaque there is, the narrower the arteries get and will reduce blood flow to the heart; if an area of plaque ruptures, it blocks the blood flow completely and can cause a heart attack.
Even after controlling for other cardiovascular risk factors, the researchers found a strong link between seven environmental pollutants and increased plaque build-up in the carotid artery.
Heart attack and stroke are leading causes of death in industrialized countries, and they are both associated with atherosclerosis, so studying the effects of environmental pollutants may be beneficial for the public health, the researchers said.
Source: TIME Healthland
Remove environmental pollutants at home or at work
The danger of environmental pollution is that people often don’t know they are breathing in contaminants or how they can affect them.
Many homes and buildings could benefit from improved indoor air quality, but department store air purifiers often rely on HEPA to remove particles and allergens.
 |
| Activated carbon can adsorb harmful chemicals, gases and VOCs. |
For people who are also concerned about chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors and gases, an air purifier with deep bed activated carbon will remove a wide range of environmental pollutants.
AllerAir has designed portable and versatile air purifiers for the home and office that feature a powerful activated carbon + HEPA + UV (optional) filter combination.
Contact us to find out more.
Friday, November 04, 2011
The link between environmental chemicals and infertility
 |
| Millions of couples in the U.S. are infertile or dealing with infertility, statistics show. |
Every year in the United States, approximately 6 million women deal with infertility and around 2 million married couples are infertile.
The causes include hormonal imbalances, defects of the uterus, misshapen sperm, low sperm count and low sperm motility, for example.
And new research has just added another potential cause to the list: endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment.
Studies have found higher blood levels of pollutants such as bisphenol A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), which can interfere with a woman’s ability to get pregnant and reduce fertility.
Chemicals mimic hormones
More than 1,200 chemicals belong to the category of endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mimic or block hormones, including estrogen, the primary female sex hormone involved in pregnancy.
The researchers warn that even low levels of chemicals such as PCBs affect the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
PCBs and HCB are long-lived pollutants that take decades to break down. That is why even though they have been banned for 25 years or more, exposure in the general U.S. population is still widespread.
Most people are exposed through food, since the chemicals are often found in hard plastic beverage containers, food can linings and traces of pesticides.
To reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, experts advise to:
- Avoid canned foods
- Not use disposable water bottles
- Buy BPA-free plastics
- Avoid animal and fish fats that are high in PCBs
Use an air purifier to remove airborne chemicals
 |
| Remove chemicals, odors and other toxins with the 5000 Exec air purifier. |
The ambient air in most indoor environments contains dust particles and allergens, but also chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins that are often off-gassing from construction materials, paints, electronic equipment, furniture, cleaning agents and scented products like air fresheners and candles.
An air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon and HEPA can remove the widest range of these contaminants and keep the air cleaner and healthier.
Check out AllerAir’s 5000 Exec for powerful, portable air filtration where you need it, or contact us to determine which unit is best suited for your needs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)