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.

5 tips to keep the home naturally cool

Easy ways to cool down a home
and breathe cleaner air.

With summer in full swing and heat waves sweeping large parts of North America, houses are bound to heat up – but running the air conditioner continually can be costly.

Dirty filters and sealed homes can also lead to poor indoor air quality, which has been linked to health problems such as headaches and respiratory conditions, allergies and more.

For better indoor air quality and a cooler home naturally, try these 5 tips:

1) Open windows in the morning and evening
Opening windows during the coolest parts of the day lets fresh air in and pushes indoor air pollutants out. It helps to increase ventilation naturally and to control common household odors.

2) Turn off electronic equipment when not in use
Electronics can create and radiate heat; switching them off completely or unplugging them when not in use can make a difference in a home’s indoor temperature. Also, lamps with compact fluorescent light bulbs provide cooler lighting. Avoid using the oven and stove as much as possible and opt for salads or the microwave instead.

3) Choose the right furniture and materials
Wood, bamboo and wicker furniture is a better choice than metal furniture, which can absorb more heat and remain hot, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. Soothing colors are the best choice for summer, while dark and loud shades are best avoided for bigger objects such as curtains, sofas and bed sheets. Leather and similar materials don’t let air through them and are therefore not the best choices for homes that remain hot for most part of the year.
Avoid clutter as much as possible for better ventilation, indoor air quality and a cooler home.

4) Use drapes, blinds and shutters to shut out the heat
Control the heat indoors by closing window treatments on windows facing East in the morning, and windows facing West in the evening.

5) Keep the air conditioner at a relatively high temperature and use fans to cool down
The air conditioning unit doesn’t have to run on high all the time, or cool down the home to Arctic temperature. Setting the thermostat to 25 degrees Celsius or another comfortable temperature will help provide relief when outdoor temperatures are climbing. For those without AC, indoor fans can provide relief.

Source:  The Deccan Herald

Keep odors out with portable air purifiers

Odors, chemicals, allergens and other indoor air pollutants can wreak havoc on a person’s health and well-being.

An air purifier like the
5000 Exec helps clean
the air and move it around.

A portable, powerful air purifier with carbon and HEPA filters offers the best protection from these irritants and provides healthier and cleaner air.

AllerAir is proud of its strong lineup of activated carbon and HEPA air purifiers, which provide the most suitable solutions for virtually any indoor air quality concern.

For general purpose air cleaning or more specific air treatment problems, AllerAir’s air purifiers come with the best options and features.

For more information, contact an AllerAir IAQ specialist.
 

Air quality during heat waves

Extreme heat can affect the air quality.

In many parts of North America, a heat wave is affecting the health and well-being of individuals.

Many are wondering why the air is so bad - or does it only feel that way because it is so hot?

Not so, according to experts. Air quality decreases during times of hot temperatures because the heat and sunlight "cook" the air along with all the chemical compounds in it.

This chemical soup combines with the naturally occurring nitrogen oxide in the air, creating a “smog” of ground-level ozone gas.

This makes breathing difficult for those who already have respiratory ailments or heart problems and can also make healthy people more susceptible to respiratory infections.

Many authorities suggest that people stay hydrated and stay indoors if they have air conditioning, or go to air-conditioned buildings such as the mall or the cinema for at least a few hours a day.

Improve indoor air quality with a serious air purifier

Keep a portable, energy-efficient air purifier running on the lowest setting around the clock to benefit from added protection from airborne chemicals, gases and particles with a deep bed of activated carbon and HEPA.

Contact one of AllerAir's air quality experts to find out more.

More info: Why do heat waves make air quality worse?