Secure Pesticides and Chemicals during Poison Prevention Week

More than 145,000 reports made each year to poison centers involving pesticides and disinfectants

During National Poison Prevention Week, March 17-23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges parents and caregivers to secure pesticides and other household chemicals in locked cabinets out of children's reach.

“Poison Prevention Week is a time to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts to empower parents and caregivers with information about simple steps that can be taken to prevent poisonings," said James Jones, acting assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “EPA continues to take action to help prevent these risks to children and help ensure that the products on the market are both safe and effective for consumers. Our recent move to ban the sale of 12 D-Con mouse and rat poison products produced by Reckitt Benckiser Inc is a prime example of our commitment."

Each year, approximately 65,000 children ages 5 and younger are accidentally exposed to pesticides, and more than 10,000 of those exposures involve mouse and rat poisons. Recently, EPA took steps that, with the help of Americans who use these products around their homes, could help lower these statistics. Under new EPA safety standards, consumer use mouse and rat poison products must include a protective tamper-resistant bait station. These measures prevent children from accessing the poison.

More than 90 percent of poisonings happen in people’s homes. Parents and caregivers can protect children and loved ones against pesticide exposure.
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Poisonings are preventable. Here are some simple tips to prepare and stay safe:

• Always store pesticides and other household chemical products in a locked cabinet.
• To protect children and pets from exposure to mouse and rat poison, use products with a tamper-resistant bait station.
• Go through your home room by room to see where there are potential poisoning hazards and correct accordingly.
• Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use.
• Never transfer pesticides and other household chemical products to containers that may be mistaken for food or drink.

Program the Poison Help Center number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone.
Poison prevention tips and resources to protect your family: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/poisonprevention.htm
Room by room checklist for potential poisoning hazards: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/roombyroom-checklist.htm
List of rat and mouse products that meet the EPA’s safety standards: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/mice-and-rats/rodent-bait-station.html
More on National Poison Prevention Week: http://www.poisonprevention.org/index.htm

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Demystifying household chemicals: Acetic acid

Some bottles of nail polish contain acetic acid
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

"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.

What is the first thing you think about when you hear the words: acetic acid? 

Sounds familiar, right?

Well, acetic acid is found in many different food products and some drinks as well. Small concentrations of this organic compound can be found in wine, cheese and orange juice, but the most common product we think of when we think of acetic acid is vinegar. Many condiments contain a little bit of vinegar, such as prepared mustard, prepared salad dressings and ketchup.

Acetic acid (also called ethanoic acid, ethylic acid, or methane carboxylic acid), is a main component of vinegar. This acid is what makes vinegar smell and taste so distinctive. It is a colorless liquid that is used in many commercial products that, in large quantities, can be dangerous.

Vinegar contains about five percent acetic acid and in that concentration, is considered safe. Once concentrations reach 10 percent, acetic acid becomes an irritant. At 25 percent concentration, it becomes corrosive and at 90 percent concentration, becomes flammable and volatile. 

Close contact to highly concentrated acetic acid can result in blindness and inhalation can cause respiratory problems. If your skin comes into contact with it, burns and blisters can result, though not necessarily right away. Ingestion can cause abdominal pains, the erosion of your teeth enamel, and even kidney failure in extreme cases.

 

Acetic acid is used in many laboratories and industrial industries. Large quantities are used for making:

• Pesticides
• Rubber
• Plastics
• Dyes

 Smaller concentrations can be found in the following household products:

• Nail polish
• Hair spray
• Glass and surface cleaner
• Shaving cream (men’s and women’s)
• Female personal cleansing products
• Moisturizers

For more information on these products and how safe they are, consult the GoodGuide.

Did any of this information surprise you? Share your questions, concerns or stories with us.

Sources: Article Online Directory, Health Protection Agency, Virginia Department of Health

Protecting your home

In order to protect your loved ones from undue exposure to acetic acid, first try to reduce the number of products containing high percentages of the compound. Purchase products that contain 10 percent or less acetic acid. For products containing more than that, make efforts to use them in aerated spaces.

Activated carbon adsorbs gases, chemicals
and odors, thereby improving
your indoor air quality

Using glass cleaners containing acetic acid and water may not be unhealthy, but using an aerosol hair spray in enclosed spaces is potentially toxic because it contains many other harmful chemicals. 

To keep your home as free from detrimental chemicals as possible, invest in an air purifier that will help rid the air of toxic chemicals found in nail polish, pesticides and hair sprays.

AllerAir’s activated carbon filters adsorb gases, odors and chemicals and help improve your indoor air quality.

For more information on our air purifiers, contact AllerAir today.

Show your support for a greener and healthier home by becoming a follower of this blog.

Demystifying household chemicals: Toluene

Spray paint contains the
toxic chemical toluene
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

"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.

It may seem daunting to look at the list of ingredients on the back of a label and try to figure out what all those scientific words mean.  But knowing what they are and how they can affect you and your family are very important. 

Toluene is a clear liquid that has a very distinct smell. You know that strong smell you find in paint thinners? That’s toluene. It is a common ingredient found in many of our household products. 

Toluene is also an aromatic hydrocarbon, like Xylene (discussed in a previous entry), and is most commonly used as a solvent. 

This chemical, though not considered carcinogenic, can have very severe consequences. While toluene naturally occurs in liquid form, it can also be found in gas form, such as in aerosols. 

Inhaling this chemical can cause drowsiness, numbness, nausea and headaches. Irritations to the nose, throat and skin may also occur. There have been instances where toluene has been inhaled for recreational purposes, which results in a chemical high resembling drunkenness.

Exposure to this chemical in confined spaces can affect the central nervous system and in extreme cases, cause unconsciousness and even death.  

The most common household products that contain toluene include:

•         Spray paints
•         Primers
•         Multipurpose cleaners (liquid or aerosol)
•         Contact cement
•         Floor polish
•         Paint thinners
•         Bathmats
•         Wood sealers
•         Some coloring pens and markers

Many people store the products above in the basement or garage. If possible, apply these products outdoors to help reduce the chances of the vapors entering the home. If work needs to be done inside the garage, keep the doors open during that time.  

Keeping your indoor air quality safe

AllerAir's numerical series is made
for odor and chemical control

When working inside the home, make sure to keep all windows and doors open to allow for maximum ventilation or use an air purifier. 

AllerAir’s 5000 or 6000 DX Vocarb air purifier was conceived for the purpose of dealing with spaces that have high concentrations of airborne chemicals, odors and volatile organic chemicals. 

After completing the work on your rooms, set the air purifier at the lowest setting throughout the night or until the windows are opened again the next day. 

Keeping it at the lowest setting will allow the chemicals to be adsorbed more quickly by the activated carbon filter within the air purifier.

Do you have any questions about toluene or how our air purifiers can help keep your home safe? Post your questions or comments here and we'll be happy to respond.

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

Contact us at AllerAir for more information on our products.

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.

Chemical sensitivity may be more common than thought: Study

Exposure to common household chemicals can
trigger reactions in people with chemical intolerance.
Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos

Ever feel like typical household products such as cleaners, perfumes and air fresheners bother you or could be the cause of allergy-like symptoms?

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.

Study finds higher rates of MCS

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.
  

Bed bugs won’t budge with bug-bomb foggers

Bed bugs hide in hard-to-reach
areas and are difficult to eradicate.

When homeowners want to get rid of bed bugs or other common household insects, they often reach for commercially available “bug bombs” or “foggers.”

New research shows, however, that these products are ineffective against bed bugs.

In an article appearing in the June issue of the Journal of Economic Entomology (JEE), researchers warn that bug bombs and foggers should not be recommended for household bed bug control.

Foggers might actually make matters worse, they say, after examining the effects of three different fogger brands on five different bed bug populations.

In order to be effective, pests need to be exposed to the fogger mist, but bed bugs are known to hide in protected sites such as under sheets and mattresses, in cracks and crevices, deep inside carpets and other areas.

In addition, many bed bug populations have become resistant to insecticides and are likely to survive the application.

Ineffective use of the products can lead to further resistance in insects, the researchers say, concluding that most bed bug infestations require professional extermination help.

Source: Entomological Society of America

Air purifiers for odor and chemical control

Whenever homeowners use pesticides, insecticides or other chemical products in and around the home, chances are the indoor air is polluted with airborne chemicals, gases and toxic fumes.

Choosing more natural products will help, and an air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA provides the most complete protection from common indoor air contaminants.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office for general purpose air cleaning as well as air cleaners for specific odor and chemical control feature deep-bed activated carbon filters for chemicals, gases and odors, HEPA filters for particles, dust and pollen as well as optional UV germicidal filtration for the neutralization of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and molds.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Researchers blame autism rise on industrial chemicals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: The Current

Air purifiers for chemicals and environmental pollutants

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

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

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

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

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

Contact AllerAir for more information and personal recommendations.
  

Household products filled with hormone-disrupting chemicals: Study

Many household products contain chemicals
that have been linked to health effects.

Researchers have tested more than 200 common household products and found that they contain chemicals linked to asthma and hormone disruption.

The household products included soaps, lotions, detergents, cleaners, sunscreens, air fresheners, cat litter, shaving cream, shower curtains, pillow protectors, personal care products and perfumes.

The study identified 55 chemicals that could affect human health. These included phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens, which can all negatively affect fetuses and young children.

Part of the problem is that these chemicals are not listed on the product labels, meaning that consumers may not even be aware of the exposure, the researchers say, adding that this applies to major brand names as well as alternative products often believed to be much safer.

According to the researchers, companies should be required to provide more complete labeling, so that consumers can protect themselves.

The study, titled Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products, is published in the March 8 online edition of Environmental Health Perspectives.

Industry representatives are warning that the mere presence of chemicals does not mean they are unsafe and that the research on health effects is inconclusive.

In order to protect themselves as much as possible, experts are advising consumers to

• Choose natural (plant-based) products
• Use natural cleaning agents such as water, baking soda and vinegar
• Use less sunscreen and cover up with hats and other materials
• Avoid fragrances and scented products when possible
• Get rid of vinyl pillow and mattress protectors
• Avoid parabens in personal care products
• Use “normal” soap instead of antimicrobial products

Source: Health Day

Reduce airborne chemicals with AllerAir air purifiers

The points above are great starting points for a healthier and more natural living environment. However, many people will still be exposed to airborne chemicals and gases from building materials, furniture, paints, outdoor air pollution and other sources.

AllerAir offers portable and powerful air purifiers with activated carbon, HEPA and optional UV germicidal filtration to remove chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses, molds and other contaminants from the ambient air.

With many customizable options and different air filters, AllerAir air purifiers can handle virtually any indoor air concern, including

• General purpose air cleaning
• Mold
• Allergy and Asthma
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)
• Tobacco smoke
• And more

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

Household chemicals impair children’s immunity: Study

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The next questions the researchers need to answer are:

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

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

Source: HealthDay

Reduce your chemical exposure at home

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

The 5000 Exec is a powerful
general purpose air purifier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEO: Toxic chemicals in scented products

Commonly used household products that contain fragrance can emit dangerous chemicals, a study found.

The products in question include cleaning products, laundry detergents, soaps and dishwashing liquids, personal care products and more.



How to reduce exposure to chemicals

Since so many commercially available household products contain these chemicals, experts advise to

• Read labels and avoid products that say "fragrance"
• Opt for natural products and cleaning agents (such as lemon, baking soda, vinegar)
• Make sure your home is well ventilated
• Use a portable air purifier -- a good system needs many pounds of activated carbon plus HEPA air filters

For more information, contact AllerAir.

Housedold products emiting chemicals classified as toxic or hazardous under federal laws

A University of Washington study analyzed more than two dozen commonly used scented household items - all of them emitted chemicals that are classified as toxic or hazardous under federal laws. Watch this CBS news report - it follows a short commercial for colon cancer screening...


Will an air cleaner remove these airborne chemicals? Don't be fooled by misleading advertising! A HEPA filter cannot remove airborne odors, fragrances and chemcials. Only an air purifier with a deep-bed activated carbon filter (like what you'd find in a military gas mask) can remove airborne chemicals, gases and odors.

What's lingering in the air after you clean? SC Johnson challenged in court over "green" list

SC Johnson is being challenged on two fronts about its self-imposed labeling of products as being environmentally-friendly.

A two-year-old civil suit accused the household products giant of being deceptive in implying that its Windex glass cleaner and Shout stain remover were tested by a neutral party. Also, the federal government is considering new regulations on the subject. Both products carry the “Green-list” seal of approval. But a customer has to look on the inside label to see that Johnson actually holds the patent to “Green-list.” The legal cases are still pending in Wisconsin and California. Under the proposed federal regulations, it would be considered deceptive for a company to imply that a product has been certified by an outside party when it’s really not.

SC Johnson spokesman Christopher Beard denies that its “Green-list” label is misleading. He says the company’s program has eliminated 48-million pounds of volatile organic chemicals from its cleaning products in the past five years.

(Source: http://www.piercecountyherald.com/event/article/id/32983/)

__________________________________________
Green may never been green enough for optimal indoor air qualiy. Consider an air cleaner to remove airborne chemicals, osoe and particles.

Pesticides inhibit proper childhood development

(NaturalNews) Mothers exposed to high levels of pesticides bear children with lower intelligence levels than children born to mothers not exposed, says a new study published online in the journal Pediatrics. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a common chemical used in thousands of household insecticides to boost the effectiveness of another chemical known as pyrethroid, delays childhood development and causes brain damage.

Megan Horton, a postdoctoral research fellow from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, and her team tracked 348 mothers from around New York City for their study. They took both air and blood samples of the women to track their exposure to PBO, and compared the intelligence levels of children from each exposure grouping. Based on this assessment, the team observed a significant connection between high levels of PBO exposure and delayed development in children.

"Kids who were in the highest quartile range of exposure to PBO were three times as likely to be in the delayed category, compared to kids with lower exposure," said Horton, noting that the research took into account other factors that may affect development, including exposure to tobacco.

Pyrethroid insecticides have largely taken the place of organophosphorus (OP) insecticides, which were used more widely in the past but are now known to cause serious nerve damage and other problems in birds and mammals. But based on the evidence, pyrethroids are not much better as they cause significant harm to both children and adults.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pyrethroids are used in over 3,500 registered insecticide products. Known side effects caused by exposure include breathing problems, chest pains, rashes, blisters, endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, learning disorders, chromosome damage, blood abnormalities, and thyroid problems.