Why you need an air purifier in your home or office

Poor indoor air quality can lead to short-term and long-term
health effects, especially in children and the elderly.

As air purifier manufacturers, we get a lot of calls from people who are starting to notice the effects of poor indoor air quality.

This comes as no surprise. After all, people spend up to 90% of their time indoors (think about yourself – where do you spend most of your time? At home, at the office, in school, in other indoor spaces?)

Fact is, we spend most of our time indoors and many buildings are not equipped to provide the best quality air.

Common indoor air contaminants include:

• Airborne chemicals coming from various sources such as building materials, cleaning products, cosmetics, scents (air “fresheners”), paint, furniture, cooking
• Stale air
• Mold
• Radon
• Dust
• Tobacco smoke
• Pollen
• Mold

We have no choice in breathing. But if we keep breathing contaminated air, we run the risk of developing health concerns, either short-term, or long-term.

The American College of Allergists says that 50% of all illnesses are either caused by, or aggravated by, polluted indoor air. Pregnant women, fetuses, infants, children and the elderly are most vulnerable to indoor air pollution.

And while short-term health effects sound merely bothersome, including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches and fatigue, the long-term health effects are rather scary: These can include respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer (EPA). 

According to the latest research, cancer has become the second leading cause of death worldwide. Toxic exposures in the environment are responsible for a substantial percentage of all cancers, between 7 and 19%, according to Environmental Health Perspectives.

How to protect yourself from poor IAQ

Even though we have no choice in breathing, we can control the quality of the air we are exposed to the most. This can be done through source control, improved ventilation and humidity control,

Open windows regularly. Even when it is cold outside, it is important to avoid a buildup of stale and contaminated air indoors.

Avoid using products that can release harmful chemicals or fumes.

Replace your HVAC filters regularly.

Use an indoor air purifier. A complete indoor air purifier needs to have activated carbon, HEPA and UV filters as well as prefilters. They can be free-standing, or attached to the HVAC system and they can run continuously to help remove airborne chemicals, fumes, odors, particles, allergens, asthmagens, mold, bacteria and viruses.

Not every air purifier is built the same. AllerAir offers the most trusted filters and a variety of options to give you the most effective air purifier for your IAQ concerns. Guaranteed.

Call 1-888-852-8247 for a free consultation or write to sales@allerair.com for more information.

Do you live in an allergy-prone city?

Sniffling and sneezing are common spring allergy
health effects affecting millions of Americans.

Airborne irritants are the reason why 40 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies each year.

This overreaction of the immune system is characterized by health symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, nasal or sinus congestion and sometimes even difficulty breathing.

Where you live may have a direct impact on the severity of your allergies, according to researchers.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) helps people determine the worst cities for allergies by nation, after researchers examine the 100 largest urban areas in the United States according to three factors: Pollen levels in the city, sales of prescription and over the counter allergy medicines as well as the number of certified allergists and immunologists per patient.

The data was provided by three different sources: Pollen.com, IMS Health and the American Board of Medical Specialties.

According to researchers, some of the worst cities for allergies include:

1. Knoxville, TN
2. McAllen, TX
3. Louisville, KY
4. Jackson, MS
5. Wichita, KS

While many southern cities were named some of the worst spots, a majority of the "allergy capitals" are located in the Eastern United States, including northeast and southeast states.

Typically, spring allergies last from March to May, when trees like oak, mountain cedar, elm and maple begin to pollinate, but this year’s season may last longer since high temperatures made pollen counts spike much earlier.

Experts suggest that those suffering from hay fever get tested, use antihistamines, eye drops and a saline wash for the sinuses, avoid outdoor activities between 10 am and 2 pm when pollen production is highest and take quick showers at night to wash off pollen.

Keeping a home clean and uncluttered also helps reduce the allergen count indoors.

Source: Forbes

Indoor air can make a difference for allergies

Indoor air pollution can aggravate or even cause allergic reactions, so experts suggest keeping a home tidy and clean, vacuuming regularly and using a HEPA air filter to help trap allergens.

However, allergens and particles are not the only irritants that can aggravate people’s symptoms. Airborne chemicals and odors also contribute to the indoor air pollution.

A HEPA filter is an invaluable
tool for people with allergies,
but a complete system requires
additional filters like carbon & UV.

AllerAir has developed portable and highly efficient air purifiers for allergies and asthma that not only feature a medical-grade HEPA filter and a 360-degree air intake for maximum protection from allergens, but also a deep-bed activated carbon filter for the removal of chemicals, odors and gases.

Some of AllerAir’s most popular allergy air purifiers include the AirMedic Exec, the AirMedic+ Exec (with optional UV lamp for the neutralization of mold spores, bacteria and viruses) and the 5000 Exec.

For more information, contact AllerAir to speak to an IAQ expert.

Pet allergies can be a pain

Dogs may suffer from allergies to pollen, fleas
and more.

Allergy season does not only affect people – pets can also suffer from allergies, and their symptoms may not be as easy to recognize and treat.

Veterinarians say there are four main types of allergies that most dogs and cats can get:

• Airborne (tree, grass and weed pollen; mold, mildew and dust mites)
• Fleas
• Foods
• Contact (carpeting, detergent or other substances)

The most common reaction is scratching, vets say. Other symptoms may include discoloration of hair between toes, rashes, open sores, watery eyes, ear infections, runny noses, vomiting and diarrhea.

Cats are often allergic to certain foods.

Pinpointing what causes an allergic reaction in pets can take time and money and often has to be done by exclusion.

Most pet owners will try to figure out what the allergy is, vets say.

Source: Myrtle Beach Online

Keep indoor air clear of allergens

Having the best possible indoor air can help allergic pets and their owners find relief.

AllerAir offers a variety of air purifiers for the home and office that can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants, including pollen, dust, chemicals, odors, gases, particles, mold and more.

From AllerAir’s powerful base model, the 5000 Exec, to advanced units for those dealing with allergies and asthma (AllerAir’s AirMedic Series and AirMedic+ Series), it’s easy to find the right unit for every household.

For more information, contact AllerAir.
  

Poor air quality indoors can make you sick

Experts share tips on improving indoor air quality.

The air in homes is often more polluted than outdoor air, according to experts, and since most people tend to spend 90 percent of their time indoors, this prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution may lead to poor health.

Indoor air pollution is caused by a wide range of synthetic materials commonly found in homes, including paints, plastics, household cleaners, particleboard furniture and more. These can off-gas chemicals and volatile organic compounds into the ambient air.

Other indoor air contaminants include dust, pollen, mold and other allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, indoor allergens can lead to infections and respiratory problems.

In order to avoid problems with indoor air quality in the home, experts are asking homeowners to make sure that they

• Avoid adding more contaminants by using more natural products and cleaning agents and letting new materials air out before using them indoors
   
• Monitor everyone’s health symptoms to see if allergy symptoms or other ailments can be traced back to the air quality inside
   
• Maintain the ventilation system and replace filters often, every 3-6 months
   
• Open windows regularly if the weather and outdoor air allow it
   
• Fix any plumbing problems or water leaks promptly to prevent mold from growing (mold can start growing after 24-48 hours of standing water)
   
• If you suspect an air quality problem without being able to pin down the cause, call professionals or look into high-quality testing kits.
   
• Use a portable air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA to help remove pollutants such as chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, allergens and pathogens.

Source: News 8000

Get the most filtration media for the best price

AllerAir offers highly efficient and portable air purifiers for the home and office that contain the most relevant filtration media in their price range.

AllerAir's
5000 Exec
air purifier

One of their most popular general purpose air purifiers, the 5000 Exec, features an 18 lb. carbon filter and medical-grade HEPA as well as pre-filters and optional UV filtration for maximum protection.

Activated carbon is the best filter media for chemicals, gases, odors, vapors and fumes – including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and most household odors.

For allergy and asthma sufferers, AllerAir also developed a highly efficient air purifier for particle concerns, the AirMedic Series.

These air purifiers have a 360-degree air intake and feature the best HEPA and particle filters as well as a deep bed of activated carbon for all-around protection from allergens and other irritants.

For more information, contact AllerAir today.

The science of dust particles

Indoor dust is made up of organic matter like
skin particles, allergens, quartz and chemicals.

Dust is something we simply have to live with, no matter how much we clean or what we clean with.

At any given time, dust particles will be present in any given room – even the most sterile scientific cleanrooms.

But not all dust is created equal.

Researchers at Ohio State University have looked at the composition of unique dust particles in their lab and isolated a whopping 63 different dust particles.

What kind of dust are we breathing?

Organic matter was the most common ingredient of indoor dust, including skin particles, dander, pollen and more.

Indoor dust also includes quartz, one of the most abundant minerals on the planet’s surface after feldspar.

Many dust particles also contained synthetic chemicals coming from air pollution, fertilizers (pesticides) and construction materials like drywall.

Small dust particles have long been a public health concern, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause inflammation, aggravate existing health conditions or lead to serious illness down the road.

The researchers’ findings have been published in the recent issue of The Journal of Physical Chemistry C.

Capture irritating dust and other pollutants for cleaner air

AllerAir's AirMedic is a popular air
purifier for dust, allergens and chemicals.

AllerAir is a leader in portable, powerful air purifiers for the home and office that capture the widest range of indoor air pollutants with a multi-stage filtration system.

The air purifiers remove dust and particulate matter with HEPA filters and particle pre-filters, and they also get rid of odors, harmful chemicals and gases with a deep-bed activated carbon filter.

With the most extensive product line on the market, AllerAir offers the right filtration system for virtually any need.  

Contact us for more information: 1-888-852-8247.

Still got the sniffles? Blame the wet summer and longer allergy seasons

Warm weather, lots of rain and a longer
season: Optimal allergy conditions.

An extremely wet summer, extreme weather events such as Hurricane Irene, and a longer-than-usual allergy season could mean that you need to keep your tissues handy for a while.

Allergy sufferers have had a tough time after pollen counts reached record-breaking highs in the summer months and mold counts shot up due to floods and humidity, leading to continual itching, sneezing, coughing and sniffling.

The first frost usually brings some relief, but this year it is expected to arrive much later than usual.

Experts have been saying for years now that warmer temperatures due to climate change create the perfect conditions for plants to produce more pollen.

Some tips for allergy sufferers:

• Keep windows and doors closed to shut out allergens
• Wear a mask and goggles when gardening or cleaning indoors
• Talk to your healthcare provider about allergy shots, over-the-counter-medications and other tips
• Use an air purifier with carbon + HEPA to breathe clean air

Remove common allergens with an air purifier

AirMedic air purifier with
carbon and HEPA filters

A room air cleaner with a medical-grade HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of airborne pollen, particles and other allergens.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for allergies and asthma feature a multistage filtration system to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants and provide cleaner, more breathable air.

Check out AllerAir’s AirMedic that also removes airborne chemicals, gases and odors. The AirMedic+ Series can also accommodate UV germicidal filtration to provide enhanced protection from mold spores and mold mycotoxins, bacteria and viruses.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Harsh summer allergy season? Blame spring

An air purifier can bring relief to those
suffering from allergies.

If you are suffering from bad allergies this summer, it's probably because of a late, wet spring.

Allergists said grass and weeds can be the culprit for allergies during the summer months.

People allergic to said grass and weeds have said the past few months have been miserable. Many report waking up with runny noses and are constantly sneezing.

“We did have a really wet winter and late spring so it seems when the pollens are playing catchup, we seem to have a stronger season because they are more intense," said allergy specialist Steven Kernerman in a NWCN report in Spokane.

The spring rain grew grass tall, which fuels pollen sources. It also shortened the pollinating season.

That means plants are making up for a shorter time to pollinate and now doing so at a higher concentration - and summer allergies can be more pronounced.

Allergies and better indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality can aggravate or cause allergy symptoms.

AllerAir has designed air purifiers for those affected by allergies and asthma. The AirMedic and AirMedic+ Series are uniquely engineered to provide exceptional chemical and odor filtration as well as superior particle and pollen control.

The air purifiers feature a 360-degree air intake system and sealed filters to maximize efficiency.

"I've been on allergy medication for years and nothing was working. My doctor recommended AllerAir, so I purchased two for my home and now wake up with a clear nose. My husband says that I don't snore as loudly either. AllerAir has improved our quality of life!"
Debra H.

Create a "safe zone" in the bedroom or in any space you frequent often to get some relief from allergens.  Contact AllerAir today for more information.
   

Best Air Purifiers for Allergies and Allergy Relief

Are facial tissues becoming a hot commodity in your home? Seasonal allergies are taking sufferers by storm in 2010, with millions of American seeking some sort of allergy relief. Probably most surprising is the number of first-time allergy sufferers. According to experts, the pollen count has been hit record highs in some regions. In some parts of the country 6,000 pollen particles per cubic meter of air have been recorded – you only need 10 particles per cubic meter to trigger a reaction in some people.  

Best Air Purifiers for Allergies and Allergy Relief

You can’t control the pollen count outdoors, but you can control your indoor environment. Using a room air cleaner with the right filtration can help clean the air of airborne pollen, mold, chemicals, dust and other triggers which aggravate the respiratory system. Look for a room air cleaner with a medical-grade HEPA filter which can remove over 99% of airborne particles and an activated carbon filter which removes chemicals, gases and odors. Among our top sellers for allergy relief is the AllerAir Air Medic which is designed to be used 24/7 for continuously clean air. Other units which are best for allergies:


4000 Exec
5000 Exec
5000 HEPA

Additional Tips for Allergy Relief:

• For your medication to be most effective, take it 30 minutes before going outside
• Keep your doors and windows closed
• Dry laundry indoors
• Shower before bed
• Wipe down your pets when they come in from outdoors
• Leave your shoes outside or at the door to avoid tracking in pollen and mold

Allergy Information:
Outdoor Allergens
FAQ About Pollen
FAQ About Mold

Seasonal Allergies Making Your Life Miserable? Blame Your SUV.

If you’re among the millions who suffer from allergies and allergic asthma, you know that this allergy season has been particularly bad and we all may be to blame.

According to a new report, our warming planet is creating the perfect conditions for a significant increase in pollen levels and bumper fall crops of ragweed in the years to come.

The National Wildlife Federation and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that the changes will affect more than just your Kleenex consumption, but will cost the American economy more than $32 billion dollars in lost productivity, missed workdays and medical costs stemming directly from allergies.

Amanda Staudt, a climate scientist at the Wildlife Federation says that spring conditions are already arriving two weeks earlier than 20 years ago. She says that these longer growing seasons will produce even more allergy-provoking pollen and may allow highly allergenic trees like oaks and hickories to start replacing pines, spruces and firs that generally don't trigger allergies.

To cap off the bad news, the worst allergy-inducing plant, ragweed, will actually thrive over a longer, warmer growing season. In fact, there’s evidence that ragweed actually grows faster as carbon dioxide levels increase in our atmosphere.

Harvard University researchers reported similar results in 2002 study .
Hum…maybe we shouldn't be driving military vehicles to the grocery store after all.


Allergy Tip:
Speak to your HR manager or supervisor at work about installing air purifiers in your office.

Most companies are on the look-out for ways to cut absenteeism and implement “green” initiatives. Clean air has been proven to have a direct impact on productivity and employee satisfaction. A room air cleaner with a medical-grade HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of airborne pollen and other allergens. Check out AllerAir’s AirMedic that also remove airborne chemicals, gases and odors.