Coughs and sneezes staying airborne

Cold and flu pathogens may stay airborne for long
distances after a sneeze or a cough, researchers say.

The next time you feel a sneeze coming on, raise your elbow to cover up that multiphase turbulent buoyant cloud you're about to expel.

That's right: A novel study by MIT researchers shows that coughs and sneezes have associated gas clouds that keep their potentially infectious droplets aloft over much greater distances than previously realized.

"When you cough or sneeze, you see the droplets, or feel them if someone sneezes on you," says John Bush, a professor of applied mathematics at MIT, and co-author of a new paper on the subject.

"But you don't see the cloud, the invisible gas phase. The influence of this gas cloud is to extend the range of the individual droplets, particularly the small ones."

Indeed, the study finds, the smaller droplets that emerge in a cough or sneeze may travel five to 200 times further than they would if those droplets simply moved as groups of unconnected particles � which is what previous estimates had assumed.

The tendency of these droplets to stay airborne, resuspended by gas clouds, means that ventilation systems may be more prone to transmitting potentially infectious particles than had been suspected.

With this in mind, architects and engineers may want to re-examine the design of workplaces and hospitals, or air circulation on airplanes, to reduce the chances of airborne pathogens being transmitted among people.

"You can have ventilation contamination in a much more direct way than we would have expected originally," says Lydia Bourouiba, an assistant professor in MIT's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and another co-author of the study.

The paper, "Violent expiratory events: on coughing and sneezing," was published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics.

It is co-written by Bourouiba, Bush, and Eline Dehandschoewercker, a graduate student at ESPCI ParisTech, a French technical university, who previously was a visiting summer student at MIT, supported by the MIT-France program.

Smaller drops, longer distances

The researchers used high-speed imaging of coughs and sneezes, as well as laboratory simulations and mathematical modeling, to produce a new analysis of coughs and sneezes from a fluid-mechanics perspective.

Their conclusions upend some prior thinking on the subject. For instance: Researchers had previously assumed that larger mucus droplets fly farther than smaller ones, because they have more momentum, classically defined as mass times velocity.

That would be true if the trajectory of each droplet were unconnected to those around it. But close observations show this is not the case; the interactions of the droplets with the gas cloud make all the difference in their trajectories. Indeed, the cough or sneeze resembles, say, a puff emerging from a smokestack.

A cough or sneeze is a "multiphase turbulent buoyant cloud," as the researchers term it in the paper, because the cloud mixes with surrounding air before its payload of liquid droplets falls out, evaporates into solid residues, or both.

"The cloud entrains ambient air into it and continues to grow and mix," Bourouiba says. "But as the cloud grows, it slows down, and so is less able to suspend the droplets within it. You thus cannot model this as isolated droplets moving ballistically."

The MIT researchers are now developing additional tools and studies to extend our knowledge of the subject. For instance, given air conditions in any setting, researchers can better estimate the reach of a given expelled pathogen.

Source: EurekAlert! 

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Scientists say Chinese Bats are the origin of the SARS pandemic

 SARS (black dots) surrounding a cell. 

A team of international scientists has isolated a very close relative of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS) from horseshoe bats in China, confirming them as the origin of the virus responsible for the 2002-3 pandemic.

SARS killed 774 people of the 8094 people infected, a case fatality ratio of almost 10 per cent. With cases diagnosed across the world, the pandemic had a major impact on international travel and trade.

While researchers globally have previously used genetic sequencing to demonstrate that bats are the natural reservoirs of a SARS-like virus, this is the first time that live virus has been successfully isolated from bats to definitively confirm them as the origin of the virus.

Horseshoe bats are found around the world, and play an important ecological role. The scientists say that their role in SARS-CoV transmission highlights the importance of protecting the bat’s natural environment so they are not forced into highly populated urban areas in search of food.

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(Image: Sandra Crameri, CSIRO)
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Diet during pregnancy and early life affects children’s behaviour and intelligence

The statement “you are what you eat” is proving significant for child development.

Researchers from the NUTRIMENTHE project looked at hundreds of European families with young children over a 5 year period. They examined the effect of B-vitamins, folic acid, breast milk versus formula milk, iron, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids - on the cognitive, emotional and behavioural development of children from before birth to age nine.

The study found that folic acid, which is recommended during the first three months of pregnancy, can reduce the likelihood of behavioural problems during early childhood. Eating oily fish is also very beneficial, not only for the omega-3 fatty acids they which are ‘building blocks’ for brain cells, but also for the iodine content which has a positive effect on reading ability in children when measured at age nine.

A long-term study was needed as explained by Professor Cristina Campoy, who led the project.

“Short term studies seem unable to detect the real influence of nutrition in early life”, explained Prof Cristina Campoy, “NUTRIMENTHE was designed to be a long-term study, as the brain takes a long time to mature, and early deficiencies may have far-reaching effects. So, early nutrition is most important.”

Many other factors can affect mental performance in children including; the parent’s educational level, socio-economic status of the parents, age of the parents and the genetic background of the mother and child. This can influence how certain nutrients are processed and transferred during pregnancy and breastfeeding and in turn, affect mental performance.

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A greener plastic? Try one made from vegetable oil...

ACS Publications

A new process can convert a wide variety of vegetable and animal fats and oils -- ranging from lard to waste cooking oil -- into a key ingredient for making plastics that currently comes from petroleum, scientists say. Their report on the first-of-its-kind process appears in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.

Douglas Neckers and Maria Muro-Small explain that many of the plastics found in hundreds of everyday products begin with a group of chemical raw materials termed olefins that come from petroleum. They include ethylene, propylene and butadiene, which are building blocks for familiar plastics like polyethylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene. The scientists sought a more sustainable alternative source of olefins.

Their report describes use of "UV-C" light -- used in sanitizing wands to kill bacteria and viruses around the house -- to change lard, tallow, olive oil, canola oil and waste canola cooking oil into olefins. Neckers and Muro-Small say that this is the first report on use of this photochemical process to make olefins.

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For more stories on health, pollution, chemical exposure and improving your indoor air quality visit www.allerair.com or call to speak to an air quality expert about improving the air in your home 1-888-852-8247.

Non-smoking hotel rooms still expose occupants to tobacco smoke

Non-smoking rooms in hotels operating a partial smoking ban don’t protect their occupants from tobacco smoke, reveals research published online in journal Tobacco Control.

Non-smokers should give hotels that allow smoking in certain rooms a wide berth, say the authors, and instead choose completely smoke free hotels.

The researchers analyzed the surfaces and air quality of rooms for evidence of tobacco smoke pollution (nicotine and 3EP), known as third hand smoke, in a random sample of budget to mid-range hotels in San Diego, California.

Ten hotels in the sample operated complete bans and 30 operated partial smoking bans, providing designated non-smoking rooms.

Non-smokers who spent the night at any of the hotels, provided urine and finger wipe samples to assess their exposure to nicotine and a cancer causing agent found specifically in tobacco smoke - known as NKK - as measured by their metabolites cotinine and NNAL.

The findings showed that smoking in hotels left a legacy of tobacco pollution in both smoking and non-smoking rooms. A partial smoking ban did not protect the occupants of non-smoking rooms from exposure to tobacco pollution.

Compared with hotels operating total smoking bans, surface nicotine and air 3EP levels were higher in both non-smoking and smoking rooms of hotels operating partial bans.

Surface nicotine levels were more than twice as high in non-smoking rooms of hotels operating partial bans as those of hotels operating total smoking bans (3.7 µg/m2 compared with 1.4 µg/m2), while air levels of 3EP were more than 7 times as high.

Surface and air nicotine levels in rooms where previous guests had smoked were 35 and 22 times higher than those of rooms in hotels operating a total smoking ban.

Air nicotine levels in smoking rooms were significantly higher than in non-smoking rooms; and they were also higher 40% higher in non-smoking rooms of hotels operating partial smoking bans than in those operating total bans.

Similarly, hallway surfaces outside smoking rooms also showed higher nicotine levels than those outside non-smoking rooms.

Non-smokers who stayed in hotels with partial smoking bans also had higher levels of finger nicotine and urinary cotinine than those staying in hotels operating total bans. Urinary NNAL was also significantly higher in those staying in the 10 rooms containing the highest levels of tobacco pollutants.

“Our findings demonstrate that some non-smoking guest rooms in smoking hotels are as polluted with [third hand smoke] as are some smoking rooms,” write the authors. They go on to say: “Moreover, non-smoking guests staying in smoking rooms may be exposed to tobacco smoke pollutants at levels found among non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke.”

Few countries have adopted a smoking ban that includes hotels, say the authors, but their findings “suggest that it is time to abandon smoke-free exemptions for hotels,” they write.

New hotels should operate total smoking bans to protect not only their guests, but also their employees, say the authors. In the meantime, they advise: “Guests who wish to protect themselves from exposure to tobacco smoke should avoid hotels that permit smoking and instead stay in completely smoke-free hotels.”
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Air Quality News: Why your garage could pose a health threat

Source: CTV

If you have a garage attached to your house, you could be at higher risk of developing leukemia or other forms of cancer.

Health Canada has expressed concern that benzene from car exhaust and other fumes could be entering homes. It’s now working on guidelines to help homeowners prevent the toxic gas from seeping into their homes.

Benzene is a volatile organic compound, or VOC, that’s found naturally in crude oil and thus in gasoline and vehicle exhaust.

There are already low levels of benzene in the air all around us due to air pollution from motor vehicle exhaust. But now Health Canada wants to make our homes safer.

Most Canadians know about the risks of carbon monoxide in their homes, but many aren’t as familiar with the risk of benzene exposure.

Deborah Schoen, the head of Health Canada’s indoor air section, says the agency has conducted studies measuring levels of the gas in homes across Canada. Those studies found that the levels were generally low, whether the houses had attached garages or not.

“On average, benzene levels in houses with attached garages are three times higher than of other houses,” Schoen told CTV News Channel this week from Ottawa.

Most drivers know not to run their vehicles after entering and closing the garage. What they may not know: after a car is turned off, the engine will continue to emit benzene into the air as it sits in the garage.

As well, the paints and solvents that many homeowners store in their garage also emit benzene as they slowly evaporate.

Schoen says that for the most part, the risk of long-term health effect is not high.

“The cancer risk is extremely low. But Health Canada and the World Health Organization and the European Commission recommend people reduce their exposure to benzene as much as possible,” she says.

“So for this reason, Health Canada advises people to reduce benzene exposure as much as possible.”

Studies have shown that benzene can definitely cause problems if people are exposed to high levels over long periods of time. Workers in industrial settings exposed to high levels of benzene have been shown to have a much higher risk of leukemia.

Benzene is dangerous because of the damage it can do to the blood. It causes bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, while also damaging the immune system by not creating enough white blood cells.

Thanks to regulations brought in in the 1990s that reduced the amount of benzene in gasoline, Canadians’ exposure to benzene has been dropping in recent decades.

But Schoen says it’s important to keep looking for ways to reduce our exposure to the gas even further, which is why Health Canada is focusing on the indoor air quality of homes with attached garages.

The guidelines are expected to advised homeowner to never idle a vehicle inside a garage, but to let it warm up outside.

“People might open the garage door and figure that’s enough,” Schoen said.

But even with the door open, a range of pollutants from vehicle exhaust– not just benzene but carbon monoxide and other pollutants-- accumulate when you idle your car in an attached garage.”

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Foetus suffers when mother lacks vitamin C

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen say maternal vitamin C deficiency during pregnancy can have serious, irreversible consequences for the foetal brain.

“Even marginal vitamin C deficiency in the mother stunts the foetal hippocampus, the important memory centre, by 10-15 per cent, preventing the brain from optimal development,” says Professor Jens Lykkesfeldt.

 Population studies show that between 10-20 per cent of all adults in the developed world suffer from vitamin C deficiency. Therefore, pregnant women should think twice about omitting the daily vitamin pill.

For their study the scientists studied pregnant guinea pigs and their pups. Just like humans, guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C themselves.

“We used to think that the mother could protect the baby. Ordinarily there is a selective transport from mother to foetus of the substances the baby needs during pregnancy. However, it now appears that the transport is not sufficient in the case of vitamin C deficiency. Therefore it is extremely important to draw attention to this problem, which potentially can have serious consequences for the children affected,” says Jens Lykkesfeldt.

The study has also shown that the damage done to the foetal brain cannot be repaired, even if the baby is given vitamin C after birth.

When the vitamin C deficient guinea pig pups were born, scientists divided them into two groups and gave one group vitamin C supplements. However, when the pups were two months old, which corresponds to teenage in humans, there was still no improvement in the group that had been given supplements.

The scientists are now working to find out how early in the pregnancy vitamin C deficiency influences the development of foetal guinea pigs. Preliminary results show that the impact is already made early in the pregnancy, as the foetuses were examined in the second and third trimesters. Scientists hope in the long term to be able to use population studies to illuminate the problem in humans.

The scientists emphasized that if pregnant women eat a varied diet, do not smoke, and for instance take a multi-vitamin tablet daily during pregnancy, there is no reason to fear vitamin C deficiency.

“Because it takes so little to avoid vitamin C deficiency, it is my hope that both politicians and the authorities will become aware that this can be a potential problem,” concludes Jens Lykkesfeldt.

Read the article in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.

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Cleaning out the garage? Keep child safety in mind

An organized garage is safer and healthier.

The garage is a place where a lot of “stuff” accumulates.

Old paint cans, windshield wiper fluid, recreational equipment, tools, and so many other things can easily take over any semblance of organization or functionality.

But because of the the type of products often stored there, which include a lot of chemical and health hazards, organization and functionality are important to make sure the garage is safe – especially for households with children.

Cleaning out the garage regularly is a great way to prevent clutter, according to professional organizers, and homeowners should keep three bins in the garage at all time, labeled “sell”, “recycle” and “throw away.”

By going through the items in the garage every few months and emptying the bin once they get full, you can keep the clutter at bay.

Locking up hazardous materials or chemicals will keep children safe, and it might be a good idea to divide the garage into kid and adult zones as well as gardening, household supplies and auto care sections (or whatever other sections are needed) to make it easier to find things and to keep everything organized.

Keep things that need to be moved regularly (garbage bins, bikes) near the garage door.

Here are some other tips:

• Get rid of toxic and hazardous materials if you can. Instead, look for non-toxic or alternative products such as low or zero VOC paints, non toxic household supplies and greener fertilizers.
• Check expiration dates and drop off hazardous household items at drop-off spots or drives.
• Reorganize the garage so that dangerous tools and products are out of reach of children.
• Attach cabinets and shelves safely to the walls.

When it comes to paint cans, solvents, chemicals and similar products, the fumes can not only be a hazard in the garage, but they can become a health threat if they make their way into the home.

Making sure that connecting doors are safe and shut tight should be a priority.

Source: The Oregonian

Cleaner air in the home and the garage

Indoor air quality is important, whether it’s in the garage or in the home.

A portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can help remove those airborne chemicals, odors, fumes, particles, allergens, dust, bacteria, viruses and molds that are floating around in the ambient air.

AllerAir has developed highly efficient air purifiers for general purpose air cleaning as well as for specialized IAQ concerns, including mold, allergy and asthma and heavy chemical and odor control.

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Heat and asthma – a dangerous combination

How to control asthma symptoms when the temperatures soar

Hot weather can trigger asthma symptoms,
doctors say. Tips for being outdoors and inside.

High temperatures during the summer months can make breathing difficult for people with asthma.

Hot weather means more air pollution, doctors say, and the heat and humidity can also be triggers for some asthma patients.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affects almost 26 million Americans, 7 million of which are children. The condition is also widespread among low income and minority populations.

Some tips from the experts:

• Limit the time spent in the heat
• Drink lots of water – signs of dehydration include dizziness, confusion, trouble breathing
• Keep in the shade as much as you can
• Take breaks in cooler areas, if possible. Even short breaks in air conditioned spaces, for example, helps the body deal better with the heat

Remove asthma triggers from your indoor air

While summer heat and outdoor air pollution are great risks for those suffering from asthma, indoor air pollution can also trigger attacks or make breathing difficult.

With source control, good ventilation and air cleaning, anyone can improve their indoor air quality.

The best air purifiers for asthma and allergies feature safe and proven air filters that can remove a wide range of indoor air contaminants, including dust, particles, mold, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, odors and gases. All of these can contribute to the inflammation to airways.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for allergy and asthma include a medical-grade HEPA filter as well as a deep-bed activated carbon filter and optional UV germicidal filtration to remove those pollutants.

Studies have shown that keeping an air purifier in the bedroom can help manage asthma.

"I am writing to let you know that the air purifier I purchased from you has helped my condition immensely. I have fewer problems with wheezing and rarely cough at night. As a chronic asthmatic this is definitely an improvement. It's nice to wake up not feeling tired and congested!"
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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.
 

Government offices and hospitals ban fragrances

Policies promise relief to allergy sufferers and chemically sensitive persons

Public buildings with a no-scent policy can help
provide relief to allergy and MCS sufferers.

As chemical sensitivity and allergy rates soar, many public buildings have become a “no-scent” zone to accommodate those who may react to strong fragrances and perfumes.

In Tuttle, Oklahoma, city hall visitors wearing perfumes are asked to remain at the front of the building. City workers in Portland, Oregon, have been banned from using fragrance.

A medical center in Bremerton, Washington, also asks employees and visitors to skip scents and to choose less fragrant flowers, while a hospital in Windom, Minnesota has been fragrance-free since 1999.

Why are fragrances and perfumes bad?

Perfumes and fragrances, or aroma compounds, are chemical compounds that have a smell or odor.

Perfumes can also contain essential oils, solvents and fixatives. The precise formula of commercial perfumes and fragrances is often kept secret.

Evidence in peer-reviewed journals shows that some fragrances can cause asthmatic reactions in some individuals, especially those with severe or atopic asthma. Many fragrance ingredients can also cause headaches, allergic skin reactions or nausea.

In a two-phase population study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, perfume was one of three main culprits of triggering attacks in people with chemical sensitivities, along with cleaning agents and pesticides.

Source: USA Today, other

Ban perfumes and irritants from your surroundings

AllerAir's air purifiers clean
the air around the clock.

Public spaces are not the only danger zones when it comes to people suffering from allergies or chemical sensitivities.

The air inside our homes can be polluted by chemical and irritating substances as well.

AllerAir offers proven and safe air filtration technologies to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants from the ambient air, including chemicals, gases and odors, particles, dust, mold, bacteria and viruses.

AllerAir has developed air purifiers for the home and office that provide general purpose air cleaning strength as well as specialized air purifiers for:

• Allergy and Asthma
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)
• Odor and Chemical Control

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Specific bacteria tied to mold, indoor water damage

Mold-infested homes can expose inhabitants to
specific strains of bacteria, researchers found.

Water infiltration in buildings often leads to bacterial contamination, which can cause health problems such as infection, respiratory conditions, aggravated asthma and more.

New research by University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers has identified which specific bacteria are responsible for the health problems, potentially opening the doors for health officials to develop the right tools for treatment.

The UC environmental health research team identified two specific strains of bacteria (Stenotrophomonas and Mycobacterium) in indoor mold from water damage.

Part of the researchers’ mandate is to shed some light on role of indoor bacteria on human health to protect children and other vulnerable groups from the health effects.

It has been very difficult for scientists to determine which types of bacteria are growing in homes, so any advancement will be a step in the right direction.

The researchers analyzed samples from 42 homes from the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study, a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences-funded project examining the long-term effects of environmental exposures on respiratory health and allergy development in children.

The homes with higher levels of mold also had higher levels of the two strains of bacteria.

Stenotrophomonas is a multidrug-resistant microorganism that poses an inhalation hazard to homeowners and family members.

Source: University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center

Air purifiers for mold and microorganisms

Mold, bacteria, viruses – together with other indoor air pollutants, these microorganisms can have a major impact on people’s health and well-being.

Ultraviolet rays help neutralize
biological contaminants.

While the source of the water infiltration problem needs to be addressed, an air purifier with the right types of air purification systems can help provide cleaner and healthier air in homes and offices.

AllerAir has developed a range of air purifiers for mold as well as air purifiers for allergies and asthma.

For best results, these air purifiers should be equipped with UV germicidal filtration lamps to neutralize mold spores, bacteria and viruses, a medical-grade HEPA filter to remove biological particles as well as other fine particles and a deep-bed activated carbon filter for chemicals, gases and odors as well as mold mycotoxins.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

Please note: The information contained herein is not meant to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, treat or cure a disease or condition. It may be necessary to consult a physician.

Household risks: Stain repellents linked to liver damage

Researchers link stain repellent chemicals to
liver damage and possible liver disease.

High levels of two stain-resistant chemicals in the blood of adults living near a chemical plant indicated enzyme activity that could lead to liver damage and liver disease, a study found.

The study involved 47,000 people from West Virginia’s Mid-Ohio Valley and examined their exposure to perfluorinated acids PFOA and PFOS, chemicals that are used to make cookware, food packaging and fabrics. They are often used to make the materials resistant to stains and water.

The study results confirm findings of studies that involved lab animals and chemical plant workers, finding clear links between the blood levels of the chemicals and an enzyme’s activity among water districts, individuals and within the population.

While most household products only contain low levels of PFOA and PFOS, the chemicals are often formed when other fluorinated chemicals degrade in the atmosphere or break down in the body.

Almost all Americans have low levels of PFOA and PFOS in their blood. Exposure occurs through drinking water, ingesting food and inhaling dust and air.

Source: Environmental Health News

Air purifiers for homes and offices

AllerAir air purifiers
with carbon + HEPA

Since most people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors, indoor air quality becomes a main concern in people’s exposures to chemicals, dust and irritants.

Source control and good ventilation help to control exposures, but an air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can help provide cleaner and healthier air on a 24/7 basis.

AllerAir has developed some of the most efficient and longest lasting air purifiers on the market, with many pounds of virgin activated carbon to remove VOCs, chemicals, odors and gases, medical-grade or micro-HEPA to trap up to 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, easy-change pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration to neutralize biological contaminants.

Popular base models like the 5000 Exec and the AirMedic Exec provide reliable general purpose air cleaning. Read some of AllerAir’s client testimonials.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.
 

Dog house dust linked to lower risk of asthma

Homes with dogs may protect children from
developing childhood asthma.

Dogs are often called man’s best friend – but they may also protect children from developing asthma.

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, showed that house dust from homes with dogs appears to protect against infection with a common respiratory virus that has been linked to the development of asthma in children.

For the study, the scientists fed mice with house dust from homes with dogs, which made them less vulnerable to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common childhood airway infectious agent.

They compared this group with mice that were infected with RSV without exposure to the dust and a control group of mice not infected with RSV.

Many children develop mild to severe symptoms from RSV infection, but severe infection in infancy is associated with a higher risk of developing childhood asthma, the researchers say.

Pets in the home beneficial to health

However, exposure to the dog house dust gave the mice a distinct gastrointestinal bacterial composition that appears to protect them from the symptoms associated with RSV infection, including inflammation and mucus production.

The researchers showed in a previous study that house dust in homes with pets such as dogs or cats features different bacterial communities than house dust in homes with no pets.

This research was presented as part of the 2012 General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology this month.

Source: American Society for Microbiology

Air purifiers for the home and children’s rooms

While inhalation and ingestion of a little bit of house dust is unavoidable, too much house dust may be harmful. Studies show that house dust can contain pollutants such as chemicals and toxins that may be harmful to human health – especially to the developing bodies and immune systems of children.

Regular cleaning, use of non-toxic products and air cleaning can help reduce those risks.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature the most complete filtration system with activated carbon, HEPA, pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration.

For nurseries and baby’s rooms, the AirTube series provide reliable protection from airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust and biological contaminants.

For more information, contact AllerAir.

MCS: Housing accommodations for those with chemical sensitivities

Chemical sensitivity affects 16% of
the population: Experts

Chemical sensitivities are on the rise – and many organizations and individuals are taking notice.

In a recent presentation given at the NCIL Annual Meeting by Mary Lamielle with the title “Accommodating Consumers and Staff with Chemical Sensitivities,” the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies, Inc. pointed out different ways and policies to make those suffering from MCS more comfortable.

What is MCS?

People affected by multiple chemical sensitivities react to low levels of everyday chemical exposures, although individual tolerances vary.

The NCEHS estimates that 16 percent of the population may be affected by chemical sensitivities and that up to 6 percent are chronically ill and disabled due to their chemical sensitivity.

A lack of accessible and affordable housing that is healthy and non-toxic forces many people suffering from debilitating forms of MCS to live in tents or makeshift homes, or to suffer in their contaminated homes.

Better IAQ a must for MCS

The presentation stressed the importance of indoor air quality when it comes to chemical sensitivities, especially since 90 percent of Americans spend 95 percent of their time indoors – either at home, at work, in school or in the car.

Combine that fact with a growing number of indoor air pollution sources, a lack of fresh air as well as new or reformulated products and substances,  and it is no wonder that MCS is on the rise.

The Center’s recommendations included:

• Integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pesticide exposure
• Electronic rather than gas appliances
• Hardwood floors instead of carpeting
• Windows that can be opened
• Clean ductwork
• Tolerable or less toxic construction and retrofitting materials
• No smoking policy
• No idling policy
• Non-discrimination policy
• Non-toxic cleaning products
• No air fresheners or scented products
• Notifying tenants of cleaning or renovation projects
• Educating staff and tenants about chemical sensitivities

People affected by MCS may also want to use charcoal masks and activated carbon air filters, the presentation concluded.

Source: National Center for Environmental Health Strategies, Inc.

Charcoal air purifiers for MCS

Carbon (charcoal) filters can remove
airborne chemicals, gases and odors.

A HEPA filter alone is simply a dust collector – it is not designed to remove airborne chemicals and odors.

Chemical sensitivities require a deep-bed activated carbon or charcoal filter, which is the most efficient and trusted filtration media to remove chemicals and gases that may affect people’s health and well-being.

But not every charcoal filter is made alike.

AllerAir has developed air purifiers for people affected by MCS, which come with the following features and bonuses:

• An MCS test kit to find the most tolerable carbon type or blend
• Organic unbleached cotton pre-filter
• A deep-bed activated carbon filter with many pounds of activated carbon
• Super-HEPA particle filter that contains no glue, binders and Polyamide
• Metal housing and metal carbon canisters to prevent off-gassing
• Powder-coated finishes
• Burnt-in motor to reduce the new motor smell
• Positive and negative pressure configurations
• HVAC-compatible components

Some of AllerAir’s most popular models for chemical sensitivities are the 5000 D MCS Supreme and the AirMedic D MCS.

Contact AllerAir for more information or to place your order.

Rainfalls can lead to mold and health problems

Extreme weather events and heavy rains can lead
to mold growth in homes, experts warn.

When heavy rain moves through regions, homeowners need to watch out for water infiltration, which unchecked could lead to mold and health concerns, experts warn.

Allergy and immunology experts say that rainfalls and other extreme weather conditions may turn even small leaks into significant health risks, if mold starts to grow.

Rain can hit clogged gutters, back up under eaves and drip into the home, water can get under crawl spaces or enter a home through tiny leaks that a homeowner may not be aware of or may not have gotten around to fixing.

The water infiltration can lead to structural problems in the home and to mold, which can lead to wheezing and aggravated asthma symptoms as well as nose and throat problems or other allergic-type reactions.

The mold can grow behind walls or in areas that are hidden from view, exposing the home’s residents to spores and mycotoxins.

After heavy rains and other weather events, homeowners should inspect the home and fix any water infiltration problems immediately to prevent mold from growing.

Source: The Augusta Chronicle

Air purifiers for mold can help provide cleaner air

Indoor air quality can be a concern at any time, but once mold becomes an issue, it can quickly turn into a source of irritants and pollutants.

AllerAir has developed air purifiers specifically for mold, which feature

• A deep-bed activated carbon filter for mycotoxins and odors associated with many molds
• A HEPA filter to trap mold spores and particles
• Pre-filters 
• Optional UV germicidal filtration, which neutralizes mold spores and other biological contaminants

The air purifiers remove not only mold spores and toxins, but also airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses.

"In the year 2000 I was diagnosed with multiple allergies (including molds), as well being chemically sensitive. As I suspected mold in my basement, my specialist recommended an air purifier from AllerAir. I placed my unit in my basement, and within 24 hours the moldy, musty smell had disappeared! I was so happy with your product, I purchased a second unit for my bedroom! I believe these air purifiers have improved the air quality in my home."
A. Morton, St. Thomas, Ontario
Read more testimonials

Contact AllerAir for more information.

5 common chemical concerns at home

Indoor air pollution is a serious health risk,
according to health authorities such as the EPA.

Rarely do we pause to think about the air we are breathing every day at home and at the office.

But indoor air pollution has become a serious concern, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality among its top four environmental health concerns.

Air quality indoors has become a bigger problem with the advent of more airtight homes and buildings, poor ventilation and higher emissions from a wide range of products.

As part of their 2012 National Men’s Health Week, Men’s Health Magazine published a guide to the 5 most common chemicals at home that can affect people’s health and well-being.

Household Cleaners and Disinfectants
Homeowners may like the “fresh” smell, but many of these products contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and cause headaches as well as nausea. Look for non-toxic cleaning products or use cleaning agents such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.

Radon
Radon can become a problem in almost any house. The odorless, colorless and radioactive gas comes naturally from the decay of uranium in the soil and can enter homes through cracks and fissures in the foundation or building envelope. Since radon is often named as the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoke, it’s important to have the home tested and the problem mitigated, if necessary.

Paint
Many renovation and finishing products like paints, paint strippers, varnish removers and more contain harmful VOCs, including possible carcinogens benzene and methylene chloride. Opt for low- or zero-VOC products, or make sure the area is well ventilated.

Carbon Monoxide
The odorless gas comes from wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, gas cook tops and other sources and can be extremely harmful to human health.Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas.

Formaldehyde
This known irritant and carcinogen is a common pollutant in any home, coming from furniture and building materials (especially pressed wood and particleboard), appliances, paints and many other sources. Good ventilation and air cleaning are key to reduce exposure.

Source: Men’s Health (pdf)

Air purifiers for the home and office

Airborne chemicals may be a common concern, but homeowners and family members may reduce their exposure by using a portable room air purifier with the right type of air filters.

A commercial air purifier with a HEPA filter is more like a dust collector than an air purifier, and it won’t be effective for chemicals, gases and odors. For those gaseous contaminants, a granular activated carbon filter is needed with at least 15-18 pounds of carbon.

AllerAir offers some of the most efficient and long-lasting air purifiers on the market with the most relevant filtration media and the most customizable options. For help in choosing the right air purifier, check out AllerAir's air quality sizing and model selection guides.

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

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.

5 easy steps to a healthier home renovation

Non-toxic materials and products can help improve
indoor air quality in the home, experts say.

Every home is in need of an update or renovation at some time – and making the right choices can be one of the most important factors for providing a healthier environment for the entire family.

Building materials and finishes are major contributors to indoor air pollution for years after they were put in or applied.

And with so many people spending more than 90 percent of their time indoors, it is important to limit risks as much as possible.

Luckily, there are healthier alternatives out there.

Here are some tips compiled by green experts:

1) Take care when selecting materials
Try to use natural materials whenever possible and educate yourself about possible chemical hazards and precautions when installing them. Use low or zero-VOC materials such as paints, adhesives, glues and floor sealants. Avoid pressed-wood products, if possible, since they emit formaldehyde into the ambient air. Look for materials that have been certified by Greenguard or Green Seal.

2) Pay attention to the ventilation system
Strict energy codes and more airtight homes often fail to address indoor air concerns and can lead to higher indoor air pollution. A HVAC contractor can include a fresh-air ventilation system to improve IAQ in the home. During home renovations, HVAC ductwork can become contaminated with dust and other particles, so sealing them off and cleaning them after the work is done may be a good idea.

3) Control moisture
A good ventilation system will help, but it is important to also monitor the home’s humidity levels to control moisture. High humidity levels can lead to building structure problems and mold growth. Any water infiltration problems need to be fixed immediately and moisture buildup can also be prevented by venting clothes dryers, kitchen range hoods and bathroom fans to the outdoors.

4) Test the air
One of the most important tests in any home is the radon test. A home renovation in the basement can easily accommodate a soil vent system to prevent gases from entering the home. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoke.

5) Replace carpets
New carpets can emit VOCs, and older carpets often trap dirt, dust mites, molds and other contaminants. The best alternative may be natural hardwood flooring finished with a non-toxic low-VOC sealant. Smaller carpets that are made of natural fiber and washable are also good options.

Whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor, make sure you do your research into the materials, possible hazards and health effects first and ask the right questions.

Source: Healthy Child, Healthy World

Air purifiers for cleaner, healthier air

Before, during and after home renovations, a portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA filters can help remove toxic chemicals, fumes and particles from the ambient air.

AllerAir has developed versatile and powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature the most relevant filter media to address the widest range of indoor air contaminants.

For renovations and heavier concentrations of chemicals and gases, AllerAir recommends a "D" or "DX" air purifier with an extra deep bed of activated carbon. A specific type or blend of carbon may further enhance effectiveness.

While activated carbon filters can typically last between two and five years, those filters used for home renovations involving a lot of fumes and chemicals may have to be replaced earlier.

For more information and options, contact an AllerAir IAQ expert today.

Reducing indoor air pollution: Use a kitchen exhaust fan!

An over-the-range hood can be effective in removing
indoor air pollutants - if used regularly, experts say.

Cooking is a great habit that can help promote healthier eating habits, strengthen family bonds and create financial stability – but it can also produce high levels of indoor air pollution.

Cooking with high heat or gas burners on stove tops and in ovens can spread airborne chemicals and particles that may affect people’s health and well-being.

Experts often advocate the use of kitchen exhaust fans as one way to reduce indoor air pollution.

However, the exhaust systems vary in terms of price, noise, power consumption and effectiveness, and there is no standard to rate them.

In a recent study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of seven different over-the-range hood designs.

They found that no device excelled in all categories, as those fans that were efficient in removing pollutants tended to have high fan speeds that hurt efficiencies or were so loud that normal conversation became impossible.

In the end, buying a new hood may not be necessary, the researchers say: Using even moderately effective kitchen exhaust fans can make a positive difference in the air quality at home.

Another tip: Cooking on the back burners instead of the front burners allows for even greater efficiency.

The study was published in ACS’ journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Source: American Chemical Society

Air purifiers for better indoor air

Cooking odors can be quite irritating, but they are not the worst pollutants in indoor environments.

AllerAir's 5000 Exec:
Powerful room air purifier

Most homes and offices feature a variety of toxins in the air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

While better ventilation and source control will help, a portable and powerful air purifier with the right air filters will provide healthier and cleaner air – guaranteed.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office have been designed with the most efficient airflow configurations, the most effective air filters and the most versatile options in mind, to provide the best possible air cleaning solution for virtually any indoor air quality concern.

The air purifiers boast a deep-bed granular activated carbon filter, a trusted and proven filtration media for airborne chemicals, gases, odors, VOCs and fumes.

The carbon and HEPA filter combination also takes care of particulate matter, dust, pollen and dander, while optional UV germicidal filtration helps neutralize biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.

Not sure what you need? Consult our air quality and model selection guides.

Contact AllerAir for more information as well as personalized recommendations, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.