Video: Indoor air concerns in baby rooms and nurseries

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

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

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



Concerned about the air quality in your home?

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

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

Heavy kids exposed to air pollution have triple the risk for asthma

Photo: Arvibnd Balaraman

Obese children exposed to high levels of air pollutants were nearly three times as likely to have asthma, compared with non-obese children and lower levels of pollution exposure, report researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC).

Rates of childhood obesity and asthma have both increased dramatically in the past 30 years. The percentage of American children who are obese has increased from 7% in 1980 to 20% in 2008. Childhood asthma is up from 4% in 1980 to 10% in 2009. Rates are higher among urban minority populations.
The researchers followed 311 children in predominantly Dominican and African-American neighborhoods of New York City. They monitored indoor air in each child's home for two weeks at age 5 or 6, to measure exposure to a family of air pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The child's height and weight were measured and respiratory questionnaires were administered. In all, 20% were found to have asthma and 20% were categorized as obese based on body mass index.

The researchers found that high PAH exposure was associated with asthma only among obese children. In particular, the association was with the alkylated forms of PAH, which are emitted by vehicles and by cigarette smoke, cooking, incense, burning candles, and various other indoor air pollution sources. A two- to three-fold increase in asthma risk was seen among obese children exposed to high levels of the PAH chemicals 1-methylphenanthrene and 9-methylphenanthrene. Exposure to PAH or obesity alone did not predict asthma.

"Our results suggest that obesity may magnify the effects of these air pollutants, putting children at greater risk for having asthma," says lead author Kyung Hwa Jung, PhD, associate research scientist in the Department of Medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

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VIDEO: Better U.S. air quality leads to a 35% reduction in air pollution-related deaths

“Some of the best news relative to the air pollution research over the last few years is the evidence that our reducing air pollution in the United States has resulted in measurable improvements in life expectancy and public health”



Arden Pope’s students know him as an excellent economics teacher, but some would be surprised to learn that, thanks to him, the air they breathe today is cleaner than the first breath they ever took.

In fact, a new study by this BYU professor concludes that improvements in U.S. air quality since 1990 have sparked a 35 percent reduction in deaths and disability specifically attributable to air pollution. Pope was a member of a large research team who co-authored the study for the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“Some of the best news relative to the air pollution research over the last few years is the evidence that our reducing air pollution in the United States has resulted in measurable improvements in life expectancy and public health,” said Pope.

It’s no coincidence that 1990 is a point of reference in air quality research. In the late 80s, a steel mill in Utah Valley shut down for one year due to a labor strike. Pope spotted a research opportunity that found big problems caused by small particles floating in the air. Known as “particulate matter,” this kind of pollution is produced by combustion of car engines, power plants and steel mills.

Pope and other scholars found in successive studies that dirty air impacted hospital admissions, mortality rates, and cardiovascular disease – including the risk of heart attacks.

“One of the biggest surprises of this research was that air pollution contributed to cardiovascular disease and not just respiratory disease,” Pope said. “In fact, we’re learning that air pollution not only impacts our lungs but it impacts our heart and our brain.”

The research caught the attention of scientists and regulators, which led to automobile emissions standards and cleaner manufacturing processes.

Now a world-renowned expert on the topic, Pope was asked this year to evaluate the credibility of an intriguing study on China’s air quality by scientists at MIT, Peking University, Tsinghua University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Editors of the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science invited Pope to write a commentary that accompanied a research paper on China’s Huai River policy.

The Huai River runs west to east and is regarded as the geographical dividing line between northern and southern China. In winter, the Chinese government provides free coal to residents north of the river to heat their homes.

In denying coal to people who live south of the river, the Chinese government actually did them a favor. The researchers found that air pollution is 55 percent lower on the south side. They also estimated that life expectancy was five years lower on the north side because of the extra air pollution.

“While their results tend to be a bit higher than what we’d expect based on the rest of the literature, it’s still roughly consistent with what we would expect based on the other studies that we’ve been doing,” Pope said.

For a more in-depth look at Professor Pope’s career, read this fascinating profile from BYU Magazine.

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Improve the air quality in your home with a top-rated medical-grade air purifier. AllerAir air purifiers remove 99.97% of airborne dust, particles and the chemicals and odors that other air cleaners leave behind. Connect with us at www.allerair.com or chat live with an air quality expert:

 

Pollutants from incense causes lung inflammation

Photo: twobee/freedigitalimages.net

Burning incense generates indoor air pollutants that may cause inflammation in human lung cells, say researchers in the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Previous studies have associated incense smoke with a number of health problems, including eye, nose, throat and skin irritation; respiratory symptoms, including asthma; headaches; exacerbation of cardiovascular disease; and changes in lung-cell structure.

Indoor air pollution is an international health concern. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1 million people a year die from chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD), primarily a result of exposure to pollutants from cook stoves and open hearths. Burning incense releases similar pollutants, including carbon monoxide.

In the current study, the authors identified and measured the particles and gases emitted from two kinds of common incense. The testing was done over three hours, the typical timeframe during which incense is burned, in a specially designed indoor environmental chamber.

The researchers analyzed both particulate concentrations and levels of gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and formaldehyde.

Human lung cells were placed in the chamber to expose them to the smoke, then incubated for 24 hours to allow particulates to settle and the cells to respond. The resulting inflammatory response, a hallmark of asthma and other respiratory problems, was similar to that of lung cells exposed to cigarette smoke.

Incense is burned weekly in about 94 percent of households in the United Arab Emirates as a cultural practice to perfume clothing and air and to remove cooking odors. Since people there spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors, researchers said, indoor air pollution has become a source of increasing concern.

Adding to the concern is that charcoal briquettes frequently are used to ignite and burn the incense. That adds significantly to potentially harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants, they noted.

Two types of incense (Oudh and Bahkoor) are most often used. Both are made with agarwood, which is taken from trees that develop an aromatic smell in response to fungal infection. Bahkoor has a number of additives, including sandalwood tree resin, essential oils and other substances.

Researchers found that both types of incense emitted significant amounts of particles, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and oxides of nitrogen, resulting in the cellular inflammatory response.

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Study: Indoor air pollution puts female nonsmokers at increased lung cancer risk, especially in China

The hazards of breathing outdoor air in some  cities have been well-documented. Now a University at Buffalo study confirms that breathing indoor air also carries significant cancer risks, especially for Chinese women.

The UB study, published online this month, in the journal Cancer Causes & Control, found that indoor air pollution that generates fine particulate matter is a key contributor to the high rates of lung cancer among Chinese women, despite the fact that few of them smoke.

The research found indoor particulate matter levels that are at least double the maximum level considered acceptable by World Health Organization guidelines. The study is the first to measure particulate matter (PM) levels inside the home and to link it with the incidence of lung cancer in Chinese women.

“Our results show that besides smoking, indoor air pollution contributes significantly to women’s lung cancer risk in China,” says Lina Mu, MD, PhD, assistant professor of social and preventive medicine in the UB School of Public Health and Health Professions and lead author on the paper.

While around 60 percent of Chinese men smoke, Chinese women have extremely low smoking rates – approximately 4 percent. However, women’s rates of lung cancer in China are among the highest in the world, approximately 21 cases per 100,000, while smoking accounts for less than 20 per cent of lung cancer cases in Chinese women, says Mu.

“That’s why we wanted to find out how much indoor air pollution contributes to lung cancer risk among Chinese women,” says Mu. “It has been suspected but not measured.”

The paper notes that since women tend to be home for longer periods of time and to cook more frequently, housing-related exposure is more of a factor among women than men.

The case-control study includes 429 Chinese women: 197 who had lung cancer and 232 who were controls. Of the 197 with lung cancer, 164 were nonsmokers while there were 218 nonsmokers in the control group.

The study was conducted in Taiyuan city, one of the top 10 air polluted cities in the world according to Asian Development Bank’s 2012 annual report. Taiyuan is a large industrial city in northern China, which is home to heavy industry, including steel, coal mining and processing and electronics plants.

The study found that among the nonsmokers, lung cancer was strongly associated with multiple sources of indoor air pollution, which included exposure to tobacco smoke at work, frequent cooking and the use of solid fuel, primarily coal, for cooking and heating.

A particle mass monitor was used to measure PM levels inside the homes – mostly apartments – of study participants.

“We found that the smallest type of particulate matter is the type associated with the higher risk of lung cancer among nonsmoking Chinese women,” she says. “For every additional 10 micrograms per square meter of fine particular matter, there is an associated 45 percent increased risk of lung cancer.”

The paper notes that increased lung cancer risk among women was strongly attributed to the fine particles produced by coal combustion for heating and cooking, and from passive smoking.

Mu says that kitchen ventilation systems, such as fans, are not common in China and that people are reluctant to open windows because they want to keep heat in and prevent outdoor pollution from coming inside.

She adds that hot oil, a staple in traditional Chinese stir-frying and deep-frying, produces carcinogens, and is a key contributor.

“Women are at high risk because they are exposed to solid fuel emissions from heating and cooking as well as from passive smoking,” she says, adding that smoking is a key social ingredient in China. “Men tend to gather and smoke together, often in small, enclosed spaces, especially in offices.”

Mu notes that while in large cities, some restaurants have begun to segregate smokers, people smoke freely in most public places in China.

She says that improvements will depend on significant changes, such as a switch to clean energy sources, the installation of better ventilation systems as well as public education about the benefits of keeping windows open and curbing passive smoking.

Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

American Academy of Pediatrics Weighs In on Organic Foods for Children

AAP report cites lower pesticides in organic produce and potentially lower risk of exposure to drug-resistant bacteria, but says the most important thing for children is to eat a wide variety of produce, whether it’s conventional or organic.

 

Parents know it’s important for children to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. But it’s less clear whether spending the extra money on organic foods will bring a significant benefit to their children’s health.

 

To offer guidance to parents – and the pediatricians caring for their children’s health – the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has conducted an extensive analysis of scientific evidence surrounding organic produce, dairy products and meat. The conclusion is mixed: While organic foods have the same vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, lipids and other nutrients as conventional foods, they also have lower pesticide levels, which may be significant for children. Organically raised animals are also less likely to be contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria because organic farming rules prohibit the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics.

 

However, in the long term, there is currently no direct evidence that consuming an organic diet leads to improved health or lower risk of disease. However, no large studies in humans have been performed that specifically address this issue.

 

“What’s most important is that children eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, whether those are conventional or organic foods. This type of diet has proven health benefits,” said Janet Silverstein, MD, FAAP, a member of the AAP Committee on Nutrition and one of the lead authors of the report. “Many families have a limited food budget, and we do not want families to choose to consume smaller amounts of more expensive organic foods and thus reduce their overall intake of healthy foods like produce.”

 

The AAP report, “Organic Foods: Health and Environmental Advantages and Disadvantages,” will be released at a news conference at 1 p.m. CT Monday, Oct. 22 at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans. It will be published in the November 2012 issue of Pediatrics.

 

The report outlines the research that has been conducted on organic foods, including convincing evidence of lower exposure to pesticides and less contamination of livestock with drug-resistant bacteria.

“At this point, we simply do not have the scientific evidence to know whether the difference in pesticide levels will impact a person’s health over a lifetime, though we do know that children – especially young children whose brains are developing – are uniquely vulnerable to chemical exposures,” said Joel Forman, MD, FAAP, a member of the AAP Council on Environmental Health and one of the lead authors of the AAP clinical report.

 

If cost is a factor, families can be selective in choosing organic foods, Dr. Forman said. Some conventionally grown fruits and vegetables tend to have lower pesticide residues. The AAP cites organic shopper’s guides like those provided by Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group as references for consumers.

 

The AAP found no individual health benefit from purchasing organic milk, but emphasizes that all milk should be pasteurized to reduce the risk of bacterial infections. Raw milk increases the risk of serious infection with bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter and Brucella. 

 

Purchasing meat from organic farms that do not use antibiotics for nontherapeutic uses has the potential to reduce antibiotic resistance in bacteria that infect people. The AAP calls for large, well-designed, prospective cohort studies that directly measure environmental exposures such as estrogen at low levels to understand the impact of hormonal exposure of children through milk and meat.

 

The AAP report also notes that the motivation to choose organic produce, meat and dairy products may be reasonably based on larger environmental issues, as well as human health impacts like pollution and global climate change.

 

“Pediatricians want families to have the information they need to make wise food choices,” said Dr. Forman. “We hope that additional research will improve our understanding of these issues, including large studies that measure environmental exposures and neurodevelopment.” 

 

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Concerned about chemical exposure? Indoor air pollution contains both chemical and particle pollutants. Look into an air purifier with activated carbon plus HEPA filtration.

Source: AAP Press Release

Image: freedigitalphotos.net

What is your home’s air quality?

Poor indoor air quality can affect
your health and well-being.

Indoor air pollution is becoming a major concern for health professionals, and the facts are frightening even for those who are familiar with them:

• Indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Breathing polluted air can cause or aggravate health conditions, including respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergies
• Indoor air pollution can be caused by a wide range of factors, including building materials, cleaning products, furniture, fabrics, renovations, electronic equipment, personal care products, air fresheners, pets, pesticides, and more

A home’s air quality can best be determined by a personal assessment of the home and each individual room, looking at the materials and furniture as well as housekeeping practices.

Some general statements apply universally. For example, a home with lots of carpeting may have more indoor air pollutants than a home with smooth flooring such as hardwood and ceramic tiles. Newer carpets often release volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde, while older carpets often teem with dust particles, mold, bacteria and other contaminants.

Smoking is one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution in the home and should be relegated to outside areas.

Air quality in the bedroom
The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the home to keep clean and healthy, since we spend so much time in it. Replacing carpet with hardwood floors (and a few small area rugs for comfort) will cut down on pollutants, as will the following tips:

• Keep clutter to a minimum. The less there is to clean and distract in the bedroom, the better.
• Don’t allow animals in the bedroom. Household pets can leave hair, dander, feathers or skin particles behind that can cause or aggravate allergic reactions.
• No more moth balls. Moth balls can contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, a pesticide. Try natural alternatives such as lavender.
• Air out dry-cleaned clothes before bringing them in. The chemicals used in the cleaning process can be irritating and harmful to health.
• Be mindful of peeling paint. If the house was built before 1978, the paint on the walls probably contained lead, which can lead to particle pollution when peeling off.

IAQ tips for the living room
The living room area is typically a popular hangout for members of the family, but there are many sources of possible IAQ contaminants:

• Assess the furniture. Sofas and armchairs can contain foam with flame retardants, and lighter fabrics are often treated with a stain-resistant product, which can off-gas fumes. Cover furniture in untreated, natural fabrics that can be washed and opt for the least toxic materials possible.
• Be wary of pressed-wood furniture and cabinets. These often release formaldehyde and other VOCs.
• Switch draperies and curtains with natural blinds or shutters. Curtain fabrics often attract dust and particles, and if they are treated, they can also release harmful chemicals and gases.

Tips for better IAQ in the home

Bathroom air quality tips
In the bathroom, it is recommended to run the vent to avoid high humidity levels and mold growth. Personal care products and air fresheners can expose household members to VOCs.

In the kitchen
Kitchen odors can affect indoor air quality, so using a stovetop range, keeping the kitchen clean with non-toxic cleaning agents such as vinegar and baking soda and keeping up impeccable household practices will help keep indoor air pollution to a minimum.

Basement and garage
The two areas in the home need extra attention because they are often used as storage areas. Keep these spaces as organized as possible, dispose of hazardous products properly and make sure there is proper ventilation. In the garage, be mindful of pesticides, fertilizers, stored fuels, old cans of paint and automotive products that can emit dangerous chemical fumes.

Need better indoor air? Make it happen with a carbon air purifier

Unusual or noticeable odors, stale air, excessive humidity and health reactions are all signs of indoor air quality problems that need to be addressed.

AllerAir has developed some of the best general purpose air purifiers on the market that feature a complete air filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA as well as optional UV to remove the widest range of contaminants.

AllerAir’s specialized air purifiers can handle concerns such as

• Chemical and odor control
• Mold
• Allergy and asthma
• Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS)
• Tobacco smoke and more

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 
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Improving indoor air around the world: Video

The TedxEvents (TedTalks) video below discusses how indoor fuel-based cookstoves, used by most people in developing countries, impacts their health and the world's environment.





Though people in North America rarely use open fires to cook with, the cooking process, whether it is with gas or electric burners, does cause indoor air pollution. Ventilation and air cleaning are very important for reducing your risks of developing respiratory problems.


AllerAir's air purifiers can help remove the harmful chemicals and gases that are generated during the cooking process.

For more information on our air purifiers, contact AllerAir.

Renting vs. owning: How it may affect asthma

Renters are less likely to follow suggestions
to minimize exposure to allergens: Survey

Whether you rent or own your home can make a difference in the way you handle your asthma, a new survey suggests.

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.

Demystifying household chemicals: Phthalates

Phthalates can be found in shaving cream
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’s not really news that pretty much everything around us contains some kind of harmful chemical. Many chemicals are actually difficult to avoid. Car fumes, smokers on the street and even barbecues all contain harmful chemicals, yet we can rarely control our exposure to them.

What is conscious, however, is the morning or evening ritual of applying toners, creams, lotions, acne medication, shampoos, shaving creams, perfumes…  Many of these products contain phthalates (pronounced tha-layts).

Phthalates are most commonly used in plastics to make them more transparent, durable, flexible and lasting. These chemicals are therefore often referred to as plasticizers.

Providing a list of the multitude of alternate names for phthalates would consist of writing a novel, so instead, find a list on Wikipedia as well as a complementary one on Environmental Working Group.

In 2009, Author Rick Smith published Slow Death by Rubber Duck. In that book, he experimented with skin-care products by applying them regularly and then testing his blood. The number of phthalate byproducts found in his blood spiked after just three days, indicating how present this chemical is in our everyday lives.

What can phthalates do to you?

Phthalates can be blamed for several health issues, including decreased sperm count, male genital birth defects, damage to the DNA, as well as negative impacts on the nervous and immune systems. Recent studies have now revealed that phthalates may very well be linked to the development of diabetes. After following 1000 senior women, researchers noted that the women with diabetes also had higher levels of phthalates in their system.

What other products contain phthalates?

Apart from skin-care products, you can find phthalates in certain children’s toys as well as PVC, though many manufacturers have now stopped using this chemical in kid’s products.

Phthalates can also be found in:

• Waxes
• Paints
• Pharmaceuticals (including diabetes medication!)
• Some food products
• Textiles
• Sex toys (made of ‘jelly rubber’)
• Hair sprays
• Shower curtains
• Cleaning products
• Liquid soap
• Eye shadow
• Insect repellant

It is often difficult to tell what ingredients go into our skin care products because many companies don’t state every ingredient. If they do, chemicals, herbs and fragrances are often hidden in scientific jargon, which can be difficult to decipher. That is why websites, such as SkinDeep and GoodGuide, are useful. They can help you discover what chemicals are found in your current products, as well as choose the best and greenest products on the market.

How many of you actually read the list of ingredients on the back of your skin-care products? Does this information surprise you? Share your comments with us!

Sources: The Age, Environmental Health Perspective

Minimizing phthalate exposure

AllerAir's 5000 DX Vocarb

The first thing you can do to reduce the number of phthalates in your home and your body is to replace your skin-care and household products with safer alternatives. This will help you naturally improve your indoor air quality and minimize air pollution.

Using an air purifier is also a great way to remove odors and chemicals from the air, particularly if you place one in the bathroom where most of these harmful products are used.  

AllerAir’s 5000 DX Vocarb is made for areas that have a heavy concentration of chemicals and odors. The deep-bed activated carbon filter will help remove toxins from the air through adsorption, while the micro HEPA will take particles as small as 0.1 microns out of the air. With this heavy-duty air purifier, you and your family will enjoy a much healthier living environment..

For more information on AllerAir’s air purifiers, speak to one of our IAQ experts at 1-888-852-8247 or contact us through our website.

Follow our blog and show your support for greener and healthier living.

Study shows high levels of pesticides in pregnant women’s homes

Indoor pesticide use can
affect a baby's development.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A Texas-Mexico border study of indoor air found multiple pesticides in a majority of homes of Hispanic expectant mothers.

When women are in their third trimester of pregnancy, the baby’s body and brain undergo a growth spurt.

Pesticides have previously been linked to adverse effects in mental and motor development in infancy and childhood. They may also cause disorders such as autism and ADHD.

In two thirds of the households tested in the study, pesticides were used to control cockroaches, rodents and other pests indoors. Only 12 percent of the homes tested positive for agricultural pesticides that could have been used on nearby fields.

Poor IAQ a concern for mothers-to-be

Indoor air quality is a major concern for pregnant women and infants, since they often spend 90 percent of their time indoors.

Experts suggest integrated pest management (IPM) as an affordable and less toxic alternative to residential pesticides.

IPM stresses the importance of prevention of household pests by installing screens, caulking doors and windows, putting away food and using boric acid in walls.

The study was conducted by the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.

Source: Science Daily

Remove indoor air pollutants with air filters

The 5000 series and 6000 series
air purifiers can remove chemicals,
odors, particles and other pollutants.

Whether it’s for households with expectant mothers, young children or older residents, better indoor air quality is a must for those who spend most of their time at home.

A portable room air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses.

AllerAir offers some of the most efficient and powerful air purifiers for general purpose air cleaning as well as for specific indoor air quality issues such as chemical and odor control, mold, allergy and asthma as well as multiple chemical sensitivities.

Are you worried about your home’s indoor air quality?

Show your support for a green and healthy living environment by following this blog.

Contact AllerAir for more information on air purifiers and better indoor air quality.

Make your home ‘greener’ with the right renovations

Many home renovation projects can lead to
more energy efficient and healthier homes.

Home renovations can have a number of positive effects:

1. They can address environmental issues such as climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
2. They can lower a home’s operating costs and add value to a home
3. They can lead to healthier homes and better indoor air quality

Experts suggest working with professional renovators, if homeowners don’t have the time, know-how or interest to do the work themselves.

A green renovation project is characterized by three main factors: Increasing energy and water efficiency, ensuring clean indoor air and using resource-smart materials and products.

The most effective renovation jobs that can significantly increase energy and water efficiency include

• Replacing or upgrading a home’s heating system with high-efficiency equipment
• Installing new windows
• Upgrading light fixtures and bulbs to compact fluorescent, halogen and LED lights
• Getting more energy efficient water-heating equipment when the time comes
• Replacing old appliances with energy efficient models

A home energy assessment from an independent certified evaluator may help homeowners decide which projects need to be tackled first.

In some areas, homeowners can also apply for certain grants or financial incentives for energy-wise upgrades.

Keep indoor air quality in mind

When making homes more energy efficient and airtight, it is important to consider the indoor air quality, which can be affected by mold, chemicals and other pollutants, experts warn.

Homes are a system, and changing one part of it can have an impact on other parts.

After certain renovations, homes may need additional ventilation.

Using non-toxic and low-VOC products can also help prevent pollutants from building up inside.

Source: Regina Leader-Post

Air purifiers to improve indoor air quality

AllerAir's 5000 series and
6000 series contain powerful
room air purifiers.

Even with the best intentions, indoor air pollution is a common concern in homes and buildings and can affect people’s health and well-being.

A room air purifier  with activated carbon and HEPA can help provide cleaner and healthier air on a 24/7 basis.

AllerAir offers powerful general purpose air purifiers for the home and office as well as the most efficient specialized units for IAQ concerns such as mold, allergies and asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), tobacco smoke and more.

Have you renovated your home recently and noticed a difference in your air quality? We’d love to hear your story.

Show your support for greener and healthier homes by following this blog.

Contact AllerAir for more information about its products and IAQ solutions.
 

Make your home a toxic-free zone

A home's indoor air may be polluted with chemicals,
particles and biological contaminants such as mold.

Our home is a place that should feel safe – not only from outside dangers, but also from less obvious hazards such as harmful indoor air pollutants.

The air in many homes is full of chemicals, gases, particles, dust, carcinogens, allergens, pathogens – the more we learn about the air we breathe, the scarier it gets.

Thankfully, there are many actions homeowners can take to make sure that they live in the least toxic environment possible. Here are a few tips:

No more plastics
Plastic is a very common household substance, but it can be dangerous for our health and the environment. BPA in plastic containers, bottles, shower curtains and other products acts as an endocrine disruptor (affecting the hormone system). Better products to use: Glass containers, stainless steel water bottles, natural fabrics.

Ban the air fresheners and scented candles
Typical brand name air fresheners contain a wide range of toxic chemicals – and they don’t really clean the air, they usually cover up smells. Natural ventilation with the help of open windows, for example, help keep the air fresh. Scented candles are also a big no-no because they can spread toxic fumes. For a pleasant scent, some people boil cinnamon, bake or make their own, non-toxic air fresheners. Natural essential oils can also add some fragrance to the room. Instead of scented candles, use pure beeswax candles.

Better cleaning agents
Too many commercial cleaning products are loaded with harsh chemicals that promise to kill bacteria and germs. These toxins can also be highly irritating to the eyes, respiratory system and skin, and many of the substances have been linked to cancer. Better products include more natural cleaning agents or homemade varieties (for example, vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice).

Other tips for a cleaner and healthier home include using stainless steel and cast iron cookware instead of non-stick ones, disconnecting electronics when they are not in use to reduce electromagnetic radiation, and taking off shoes at the door to prevent outside dirt, pesticides and environmental pollutants from entering the home.

Source: Living Green Magazine

Cleaner indoor air all year round

AllerAir air purifiers contain
carbon, HEPA and UV filters.

Getting rid of common sources of indoor air pollution will go a long way toward a cleaner and healthier home, but during many months of the year, opening windows may not be a good idea due to extreme temperatures, outdoor air pollution or other considerations.

That is why so many homeowners turn to portable air purifiers for some relief.

A room or whole home air purifier from AllerAir can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants from the home, including airborne chemicals, VOCs, gases, odors, fumes, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses, mold, pollen and more.

The air purifiers feature an efficient activated carbon and HEPA filtration system, plus optional UV germicidal filtration and pre-filters.

For general purpose air cleaning, AllerAir recommends its 5000 Exec air purifier or other units in the 5000 series as well as the AirMedic air purifiers.

For more information, please contact AllerAir.

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Children’s asthma connected to fine particles inside homes

Children's asthma was more common in homes with
higher levels of fine particulate matter, study shows.

A new study found that homes in neighborhoods where more kids have asthma usually also have elevated levels of black carbon indoors.

The homes may be located close to major truck routes, or the buildings may be using low-quality fuel oil, the researchers found.

Black carbon is a major contributor to air pollution known as fine particulate matter. It is formed when fossil fuels and wood are being burned.

Fine particulate matter is a health concern because the small particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and affect the heart and respiratory system.

Outdoor air affects indoor air quality

If there is a lot of air pollution outside, the indoor air quality in nearby homes often suffers as well, the researchers say, and this study adds to the bulk of research warning about the respiratory effects of air pollution on children.

The study involved 240 children from middle-income families in New York City, who lived in neighborhoods that were either classified as low asthma prevalence or high asthma prevalence.

The researchers also measured other types of indoor air contaminants that may trigger asthma, including dust mite allergens and evidence of dogs, cats, mice or cockroaches in the home.

The study appeared in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology.

Source: Environmental Health News

Air purifiers for cleaner indoor air

Indoor air pollution plays a major role in the development and control of asthma symptoms in children (and adults).

The AirMedic air purifiers clean the air with
activated carbon and HEPA filters as well as
a 360-degree air intake.

Fewer airborne triggers help avoid asthma attacks, studies have shown. For the cleanest indoor air possible, homeowners need to limit products and activities that may lead to poor indoor air quality, ensure that there is good ventilation and make the best use of an air purifier.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for asthma and allergies combine the most effective and longest lasting air filters to provide relief from indoor air pollutants such as fine particles and dust, allergens, chemicals, fumes, odors, bacteria, viruses and mold spores.

The air filtration system contains a deep-bed activated carbon filter for chemicals and VOCs, a medical-grade HEPA filter for the particles and optional UV germicidal filtration for biological contaminants.

AllerAir’s most popular air purifiers for asthma include the AirMedic Exec and other units from the AirMedic or AirMedic+ Series.

Contact AllerAir for more information.
  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Air purifiers for mold, allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities

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

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

AllerAir's
5000 D MCS Supreme

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

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

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

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Radon gas: The hidden health risk in the home

Radon levels can vary greatly from one house
to the next, experts say.

Health officials in North America have been ringing the alarm bells over radon for years – the colorless and odorless radioactive gas is difficult to detect, but it may be present in thousands of homes.

People know about the risks of tobacco smoke when it comes to lung cancer, but radon doesn’t get nearly as much publicity and public awareness, experts warn.

And this, even though radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

What is radon?

Radon occurs naturally in the soil and it can enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation and the house itself. With so many homes being more energy efficient and airtight, it can build up indoors to dangerous levels.

In fact, the risk of dying of lung cancer because of radon in your home is one out of 50, the experts say.

In some regions, radon may be more prevalent than in other areas, and lung cancer rates often reflect that.

Testing for radon

Radon testing is recommended for every home – and it is very easy and inexpensive. Radon levels can vary greatly from one house to the next, so a neighbor’s results do not reflect one’s own risks.

Testing for radon takes about three months to get a good average, and health officials recommend retesting every two years since radon levels depends on the soil conditions and the pressure in the home and can fluctuate a lot over time.

Home renovation projects can change the pressure in a home as well, so radon testing should be done after the work is completed.

Source: WSIL3 ABC News

Radon and other indoor air hazards

Radon and other indoor air pollutants can be mitigated with better ventilation, certain home improvement projects and air cleaning systems.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA that can help reduce exposure to chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, dust, particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses and mold.

The multistage filtration system offers the most relevant filtration media at the best price – guaranteed (ask about the guarantee when speaking to an AllerAir IAQ expert or when placing your order).

AllerAir’s air purifiers are powerful general purpose air cleaners, and they can be equipped with special features and options to address specific air quality concerns such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, allergy and asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities, tobacco smoke and more.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

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.
 

How to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Researchers suggest a simpler lifestyle could be the answer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals?

Endocrine disruptors interfere with the body’s hormone system.

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

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

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

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Toys
• Medical supplies
• Cosmetics

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

The study appeared in the journal NeuroToxicology.

Source: The Mount Sinai Hospital

Air purifiers for chemicals and more

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

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

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

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

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

Contact AllerAir for more information.

BPA exposure may have social effects: Study

Is BPA to blame for a lack of friends?

Researchers have linked the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) with a host of bad health problems, including reproductive and developmental effects – but it may affect social behavior as well.

In a new study, researchers at the University of Virginia and University of Missouri found that mice exposed to BPA weren’t as social as other mice.

The scientists injected a dose of BPA into maternal mouse plasma and evaluated their offspring’s behavior. The dose reflected the concentrations that can be found in the blood of most Americans.

Starting with the first generation of offspring – and lasting the next four generations of mice – the BPA-exposed mice weren’t interacting as much with their peers, didn’t want to spend as much time with adult males when they were juvenile males.

Since BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, these results are to be expected, according to the researchers. The endocrine system regulates chemicals such as oxytocin, which helps us trust others. If that system is disrupted, social behavior may be affected.

More research is needed to see if human exposure to BPA produces similar outcomes, of course.

Source: Fast Company

Air purifiers to reduce chemical exposures

Our homes and offices can expose us to a wide range of chemicals and VOCs that are emitted by building materials, furnishings, household products and more sources.

An air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon can help reduce exposure to these chemicals, odors and gases.

AllerAir has developed powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter and optional UV germicidal filtration to remove gaseous pollutants as well as particles, dust, pathogens and more.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Household chemicals: Protect your child with these 5 swaps

Children are more susceptible to chemical
exposure than adults, experts warn.

In the first few years of their lives, children grow like weeds, and their developing systems make them especially vulnerable to environmental pollutants.

Common chemicals and toxins in the home may affect them more because they tend to play closer to the floor, put more things into their mouths and inhale more air than adults in proportion to their body weight.

Parents can limit their children’s exposure to potentially harmful pollutants by making a few changes:

1. Swap “antibacterial” products for soap and water. Antibacterial hand soaps, gels and body washes contain the chemical triclosan, which can interfere with thyroid function and contribute to the resistance to antibiotics. Soap and water are more than enough to get things clean, according to health authorities like the EPA and Health Canada.
     
2. Choose organic cotton over flame-retardant materials. Flame retardant chemicals found in children’s clothing and mattresses have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including delayed brain development, reproductive problems and cancer. Organic cotton clothing is a much better choice and if you can afford it, so is a child’s mattress made from organic cotton or natural latex.  Or, let the mattress off-gas as much as possible and cover it with organic cotton protectors and sheets.
     
3. Use natural products instead of pesticides. Pesticides generally use harsh chemicals to manage household pests, but these can be harmful to children – the EPA says most pesticides can block absorption of nutrients and cause biological changes. Studies have linked pesticide exposure with childhood leukemia and birth defects. Natural products that work against pests such as ants and roaches are vinegar sprayed around doors, windows and countertops, borax and sugar to kill roaches, and diatomaceous earth (careful, some of these natural products can also be hazardous if ingested).
     
4. Ditch the air fresheners for actual clean air. Air freshening products contribute to indoor air pollution with hormone disrupting phthalates and VOCs, including formaldehyde (a known carcinogen). Open windows to increase ventilation and let some fresh air in. Use an air purifier with activated carbon (for chemicals and odors) and HEPA (for particles and dust) and opt for soy-based candles over petroleum-based ones.
      
5. Swap chemical cleaning products with natural alternatives. Most commercially available cleaning products from the store contain harsh chemicals that can cause or aggravate respiratory problems. Natural cleaning agents include vinegar, baking soda and plain old soap and warm water. The vinegar has antibacterial properties and can be used on almost any surface in the home. The smell disappears after a few minutes. And baking soda makes a great natural scrubbing paste.

Source: The Kansas City Star

Cleaner air for a healthier home

AllerAir's air purifiers come in
different sizes and styles.

Sometimes, it’s not so easy to keep indoor air at its cleanest – homeowners may want to keep windows and doors closed to keep cooled or heated air inside and conserve energy. But indoor air pollution can be harmful to children as well as other family members.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants.

The proven and safe air filtration system includes a deep-bed activated carbon filter for airborne chemicals, gases and odors as well as HEPA for particles and dust and optional UV germicidal filtration for biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold.

With special units for allergies and asthma, mold, multiple chemical sensitivities, smoke and even volcanic smog, AllerAir’s extensive product line promises the right air purifier for virtually any indoor air concern.

Contact AllerAir for more information or a personalized recommendation.