Contact allergies may protect you from cancer

A study shows a link between contact
allergies and a lower risk of cancer.

If your skin reacts to common metals and chemicals (contact allergies), then you may have a lower risk of developing cancer.

Scientists in Denmark have studied environmental allergens that cause contact allergies in adults, including nickel and other chemicals, and the study’s lead author Kaare Engkilde of the National Allergy Research Center at Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte concluded that those who tested positive for such allergies were less likely to develop cancer years later than those who did not have contact allergies.

The study recorded cancer rates over multiple decades and the positive effect of the contact allergies against cancer was strongest for breast and skin cancer that weren't due to melanoma.

Far-fetched connection between allergies and cancer?

According to the researchers, a growing body of evidence suggests that our bodies may have natural defenses against cancer, attacking the first signs of tumors much the way we target invading viruses or bacteria.

Since allergic reactions are essentially heightened immune responses to often benign compounds, such as dust or nickel or other agents, people with allergies might already be primed for any foreign intruders, including tumors.

While the finding is worthy of further study, Engkilde says it's only the first step in better exposing how the immune system might be influencing the cancer process.

Source: Time Healthland.

Worried about chemical exposure?

There are many ways you can reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals, including source control and using an air purifier with many pounds of activated carbon.

AllerAir has designed portable and powerful air cleaners for the home and office, which use a multi-stage filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA or Super-HEPA.

Activated carbon can remove airborne
chemicals, gases and odors.

Activated carbon is the most effective and affordable medium to filter out airborne chemicals, gases, vapors, fumes and irritating odors. It has been shown to be effective in the adsorption of toxins such as ozone, octane, formaldehyde, benzene, acetone, toluene and smog.

AllerAir guarantees that you won’t find an air purifier with more relevant filtration media and more customizable options for a more advantageous price.Don't waste your money. Get a serious air purifier so you can breathe cleaner air. Read testimonials submitted by AllerAir clients.

Contact one of AllerAir’s air quality experts for more information: 1-888-852-8247.

Students make an air pollution detector out of a vacuum cleaner

A robotic vacuum cleaner that can
also detect indoor air pollutants?
(Photo by Christopher)

Students of the Rhode Island School of Design have turned a robotic “Roomba” vacuum cleaner into a machine that can sense air pollution, news reports say.

They installed sensors and light systems on the vacuum cleaner, which can alert users to poor indoor air quality or sources of indoor air pollution in rooms.

“Roomba--the room cleaning vacuum--is programmed to travel all around a room once it is left to roam. Therefore, it is an ideal tool to assess the quality of air through out a room," the students said in an article posted on the Public Laboratory for Open Technology and Science.

The robotic vacuum cleaners can detect an increase in the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, which triggers a light change to alert the user.

"In areas where there are more VOCs the light on 'Roomba' changes from green to blue. Looking at this image you can easily spot an area of indoor air-pollution," the students said.

The students said they planned to add a sensor for formaldehyde, a common indoor and harmful indoor air-pollutant.

An article on tech site CNET said the components involved include a sub-$20 air quality sensor, an LED, and a battery.

Source: TJD, GMA News

Remove indoor air pollutants quickly and efficiently

AllerAir's line of portable air cleaners for the home and office incorporate deep-bed activated carbon and HEPA filters to remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants, including airborne chemicals and VOCs, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold (UV lamp is optional).

Recommended units:

AllerAir's 5000 Series air cleaners.

The 5000 Exec is a trusted, powerful and reliable general purpose air purifier with bottom air intake, and it is equipped with ProDense pre-filters, an 18 lb. carbon filter with 2.5” filter depth and a medical-grade HEPA filter or a Super-HEPA.

The AirMedic+ Series is uniquely engineered to provide the exceptional chemical and odor filtration that clients have come to expect of AllerAir as well as superior particle control. It features a 360-degree air intake system and sealed filters to maximize efficiency. The AirMedic+ comes with an 18 lb. carbon filter, 2” filter depth, a medical-grade HEPA filter and easy-clean pre-filters to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size, as well as chemicals, odors and gases.

Contact AllerAir for more options and expert solutions for your indoor environment.

Air quality during heat waves

Extreme heat can affect the air quality.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Improve indoor air quality with a serious air purifier

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

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

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

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.
   

Do you live in one of the 'Toxic 20' states?

A study identified 20 states with the
worst air pollution levels.

Toxic air pollution was the subject of a recent study aiming to single out the 20 US states with the worst levels of air pollution.

The three "winners" were Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida.

The study, entitled "Toxic Power: How Power Plants Contaminate Our Air and States" was jointly released by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR).

In a press release, the researchers listed the study’s key findings:

• Nearly half of all the toxic air pollution reported from industrial sources in the United States comes from coal- and oil-fired power plants.
  
• Power plants are the single largest industrial source of toxic air pollution in 28 states and the District of Columbia.

"Power plants are the biggest industrial toxic air polluters in our country, putting children and families at risk by dumping deadly and dangerous poisons into the air we breathe," said Dan Lashof, Climate Center Director at NRDC.

"Tougher standards are long overdue. Members of Congress who consider blocking toxic pollution safeguards should understand that this literally will cost American children and families their health and lives."

The states on the "Toxic 20'' list (from worst to best) are:

1.  Ohio
2.  Pennsylvania
3.  Florida
4.  Kentucky
5.  Maryland
6.  Indiana
7.  Michigan
8.  West Virginia
9.  Georgia
10.  North Carolina
11.  South Carolina
12.  Alabama
13.  Texas
14.  Virginia
15.  Tennessee
16.  Missouri
17.  Illinois
18.  Wisconsin
19.  New Hampshire
20.  Iowa

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the reductions of toxic pollution required by the pending "Mercury and Air Toxics" standard would save as many as 17,000 lives every year by 2015 and prevent up to 120,000 cases of childhood asthma symptoms.

The safeguards also would avoid more than 12,000 emergency room and hospital visits and prevent 850,000 lost work days every year. These standards are expected to be finalized in November and public comments are still welcomed. Read the full press release here.

Worried about air pollution?

AirMedic+ Series: Particle and chemical
air cleaners for the home and office.

While you may not be able to control the amount of pollutants you are breathing outdoors, there are simple steps you can take to make sure your indoor air quality is the best it can be.

An indoor air purifier is the quickest and most cost-effective way to remove a wide range of chemicals, gases and particles from the air, along with source control.

AllerAir specializes in powerful and portable indoor air cleaners for odor and chemical control with deep activated carbon filters, custom carbon blends and a HEPA or Super-HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size.

Contact an AllerAir representative to find the right air purifier for your needs: 1-888-852-8247.
 
Related articles in the AllerAir library:

• Air pollution linked to learning and memory problems, depression
• More evidence that air pollution may trigger heart attacks
• Polluted air leads to disease by promoting widespread inflammation

Check AllerAir's air quality library for more related posts by searching for articles in the category "Air Pollution."

Avoid pollutants - and other tips to breathe easier

Breathing fresh air and other
tips to feel relief

Breathing should be easy, but for a variety of reasons millions of people suffer from respiratory diseases.

WebMD recently published a list of tips for people affected by COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), but many of these tips apply to the general public and promote an overall healthy lifestyle, so here is an abbreviated version:

Stop smoking
Smoking and secondhand smoke has been linked to a myriad of health effects and can be especially dangerous for infants and young children. Ban smoking from your indoor space.

Stay at a healthy weight
Shedding extra pounds can improve breathing if you are already overweight.

Avoid pollutants
Many people are affected by environmental pollutants -- including fumes, strong perfumes, pollen, dust, secondhand smoke, air pollution and construction sites. These can cause or aggravate breathing problems. The experts cited in the article suggest avoiding bad air as much as possible. "Using air filters in the house or air conditioning when allergens are prevalent can be helpful," the article states.

Stay healthy
A healthy lifestyle can help you feel better and breathe easier. Avoid people who are sick and build up your immune system as much as possible.

Sleep well
Better sleep is associated with a wide range of benefits, but many people have problems getting a good night's rest. Ask your healthcare professional about sleep disorders and take steps to improve the indoor air quality in your bedroom. A portable air purifier can remove airborne particles, chemicals and other pollutants and add some soothing white noise to help you through the night.

Try breathing exercises and relaxation methods
The article suggests pursed-lip breathing and diaphragm breathing to regulate breathing. Keep stress to a minimum and try different relaxation exercises.

Stay active
Getting exercise, even if it is just walking for a few minutes, is important. Don't overdo it, but keep with it. Eventually, the body will get stronger.

Get more information
If you have a breathing disorder, you need to know what you can or cannot do and talk to your healthcare provider. Most of these tips are common sense, but they may not be suitable for everyone. 

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.

Remove indoor air pollutants with AllerAir air purifiers

AllerAir's numerical series with deep
carbon filters and enhanced particle filters

AllerAir offers powerful and portable room air purifiers for the home and office, and specializes in complete air cleaning solutions with a multi-stage filtration system.

AllerAir units feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter, ProDense pre-filter and a HEPA or Super-HEPA filter as well as optional UV germicidal filtration to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants - including harmful chemicals, gases, odors, particles and pathogens.

Contact AllerAir today to find an air purifier suited for your specific needs and find out what other people think by reading some testimonials.

Chemical safety at home

Many household chemicals and toxic
substances are stored in the garage or
workbench area.

Chemicals hide in many common household products, and prolonged exposure to these volatile organic compounds and other substances has been linked to short-term and long-term health effects.

In fact, the indoor air quality in many homes is bad enough to become a serious concern. Pollutants include particulate matter (dust, dander, particles), biological contaminants (bacteria, viruses, mold) and chemicals (volatile organic compounds etc).

While all of the pollutants can affect the health and well-being of residents, AllerAir’s industry experts are most concerned about chemicals, since many of the commonly available chemicals have not been tested yet, or have been liked with serious health effects like cancer, among others.

Possible sources of chemicals in the home:

• Building materials
• Paints
• Glues, varnishes
• Cleaning agents
• Air fresheners
• Aerosol sprays, hair styling products
• Perfume and personal care products
• And more

Many household chores involve chemicals that can cause health problems, if they are not handled carefully.

Most toxic household chemicals are likely to be stored in the garage, workshop or shed, making them the most toxic areas around the home and increasing the chance of exposure.

An article about the health of men and the many chemicals they are exposed to traditionally warned about the following sources:

• Lawn fertilizer and pesticides
• Automotive products such as oil, antifreeze, batteries
• Furniture strippers, glues, paint removers
• Drain cleaners
• Pool chemicals
• Metal cleaners

The article also offers guidelines and tips on preventing chemical exposure and to keep the entire family safe.

These tips include reading the label and choosing less toxic products, wearing protective equipment and keeping the number for the poison control center handy.

Air purifiers remove dangerous airborne chemicals (and other pollutants)

AllerAir has designed a wide range of air purifiers for the home and office that are equipped with many pounds of activated carbon for the removal of chemicals and odors as well as a HEPA filter to trap particles. These powerful air cleaners are cost-effective, portable and versatile.

Contact one of AllerAir’s IAQ experts to get the right unit, best options and most helpful features or check out the interactive guide on the AllerAir home page, 5 Steps to find the right air purifier.

Bad news for allergic dog-lovers: Study finds "hypoallergenic" dogs no better for household allergen levels

Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

"Based on these results it may be better to simply pick a dog you love and actively remove as much of the allergens as possible," says AllerAir Air Quality Expert Stephanie Bristow. 

It's a blow to allergic dog-lovers everywhere...it seems the concept of a so-called "hypoallergenic" dog is a myth.

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital says their study revealed that  "hypoallergenic"dogs do not have lower household allergen levels than other dogs.

Hypoallergenic dogs are believed to produce less dander and saliva and shed less fur.

"We found no scientific basis to the claim hypoallergenic dogs have less allergen," says Christine Cole Johnson, Ph.D., MPH, chair of Henry Ford's Department of Public Health Sciences and senior author of the study.

"Based on previous allergy studies conducted here at Henry Ford, exposure to a dog early in life provides protection against dog allergy development. But the idea that you can buy a certain breed of dog and think it will cause less allergy problems for a person already dog-allergic is not borne out by our study."

This is believed to be the first time researchers measured environmental allergen associated with hypoallergenic dogs. Previous studies analyzed hair samples from only a handful of dogs in a small number of breeds.

Henry Ford researchers analyzed dust samples collected from 173 homes one month after a newborn was brought home. The dust samples were collected from the carpet or floor in the baby's bedroom and analyzed for the dog allergen Can f 1. Only homes with one dog were involved in the study. Sixty dog breeds were involved in the study, 11 of which are considered hypoallergenic dogs.

While researchers acknowledged limitations in their study – the amount of time the dog spent in the baby's bedroom was not recorded and the size of its sample did not allow looking at specific breeds – they say parents should not rely on dog breeds classified as hypoallergenic.

"Based on these results it may be better to simply pick a dog you love and actively remove as much of the allergens as possible," says AllerAir Air Quality Expert Stephanie Bristow. "An ideal mix of preventive measures would be the use of a high efficiency air purifier for airborne allergens, and a good cleaning regime that involves washing bedding once a week in warm to hot water (whatever the fabric permits) and using a HEPA vacuum."

Interested in learning more about air purifiers for pet allergies and odors? Connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

Diesel fumes pose risk to heart as well as lungs, study shows

Image: EA / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Scientists have found that ultrafine particles produced when diesel burns are harmful to blood vessels and can increase the chances of blood clots forming in arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

The research by the University of Edinburgh measured the impact of diesel exhaust fumes on healthy volunteers at levels that would be found in heavily polluted cities.

Scientists compared how people reacted to the gases found in diesel fumes – such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide – with those caused by the ultrafine chemical particles from exhausts.

The research, funded by the British Heart Foundation, showed that the tiny particles, and not the gases, impaired the function of blood vessels that control how blood is channelled to the body's organs.

The 'invisible' particles – less than a millionth of a metre wide – can be filtered out of exhaust emissions by fitting special particle traps to vehicles. Particle traps are already being fitted retrospectively to public transport vehicles in the US to minimise the potential effects of pollution.

The results are published in the European Heart Journal.

Dr Mark Miller, of the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Cardiovascular Science, said: "While many people tend to think of the effects of air pollution in terms of damage to the lungs, there is strong evidence that it has an impact on the heart and blood vessels as well.

"Our research shows that while both gases and particles can affect our blood pressure, it is actually the miniscule chemical particles that are emitted by car exhausts that are really harmful.

"These particles produce highly reactive molecules called free radicals that can injure our blood vessels and lead to vascular disease

"We are now investigating which of the chemicals carried by these particles cause these harmful actions, so that in the future we can try and remove these chemicals, and prevent the health effects of vehicle emissions"

Researchers want environmental health measures that are designed to reduce emissions to be tested to determine whether they reduce the incidence of heart attacks.

Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "We've known for a long time that air pollution is a major heart health issue and that's why we're funding this team in Edinburgh to continue their vital research. Their findings suggest that lives could be saved by cutting these harmful nanoparticles out of exhaust - perhaps by taking them out of the fuel, or making manufacturers add gadgets to their vehicles that can trap particles before they escape. The best approach isn't clear yet.

"For now our advice remains the same - people with heart disease should avoid spending long periods outside in areas where traffic pollution is likely to be high, such as on or near busy roads."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you live near a large highway or in a heavily polluted area? Keep you indoor air clean with a high efficiency indoor air purifier with a medical-grade HEPA filter for small particle pollution and a deep-bed carbon filter for airborne chemicals, gases and odors. Contact an AllerAir Indoor Air Quality Expert for a personalized product recommendation or connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

New York Daily News: Indoor Air Filter Recommended for Asthma Prevention

This article was published in the New York Daily News: 

As director of pediatric emergency medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. Adam Vella treats patients under the age of 22 for everything from cardiac emergencies to ear infections and broken arms. Every day, as many as 10 kids come through his ER as a as a result of severe asthma attacks.

Who's at risk
Summer can be a dangerous time for children with asthma, as humidity, temperatures, air pollution and pollen counts all rise. "Asthma is an allergy specific to the lungs, where the airways are hyper-reactive and respond to allergens by shutting down," says Vella. "Though millions of adults have asthma, too, it's even more common in kids, many of whom will grow out of it."

About one in 10 American children is living with asthma. "It's a genetic predisposition that responds to an environmental trigger," says Vella. "For these kids, an asthma attack can be triggered by a simple cold or an airborne allergen like pollen."

The long list of common triggers includes viral infections, dust, pollen, cockroaches, animals and house pets, pollution and changes in the weather.

Anyone can have an asthma attack, but kids with chronic asthma end up in the ER or doctor's office again and again.

"Generally it's kids with a genetic predisposition who end up with chronic asthma, also called reactive airway disease," says Vella. "In the past 10 years, asthma is just getting more and more common — and so far, we don't know why."

Certain groups are at higher risk of  developing asthma than others.

"Asthma is more common in kids who were preemies, kids with reflux and kids with heart conditions," says Vella. "But the biggest chunk of kids just have a genetic predisposition."
 
Children living in inner cities are at higher risk of severe asthma because their environment is full of triggers like pollution, cockroaches and fungus.

Signs and symptoms
Asthma is easy to identify once you know the signs. "The classic symptoms are shortness of breath with coughing, trouble catching breath, and fast breathing," says Vella. "As opposed to a cold, which causes nasal congestion and cough, asthma is lower down in the lungs, so we can hear wheezing in the cough or when they breathe out."

It's important to take any trouble with breathing seriously.

"For a mom or dad at home, if it seems like your child is having difficulty breathing, don't blow that off," says Vella. "Once they start breathing faster than normal or they have trouble breathing, you should get on the phone with the pediatrician."

A trip to the ER may be necessary.

Fever on its own can also cause fast breathing, so treat the fever first and breathing should go back to normal.

Traditional treatment
Preventing asthma attacks from happening is the first line of defense.

"Reducing your kid's exposure to allergens is a key first step," says Vella. "That can be as simple as not letting them play on the grass right after it's been mown or not staying with relatives who smoke or have a pet."

Other allergens — like pollution, pollen and dust — may be impossible to avoid, but you can minimize exposure by taking steps like getting an indoor air filter and cleaning the filter on your air conditioner.

While no one can avoid all allergens, the current generation of drugs offers many ways of managing the disease. "For most kids, medicine is taken when they feel the onset of an attack," says Vella.

"They start to feel shortness of breath and take two puffs on their inhaler."
The most common of these broncho-dilators is albuterol, which is often taken as two puffs every four hours.

"The sooner your child takes medication, the better."

As the attack goes on untreated, it gets harder to reverse," says Vella. "When kids come in with bad outcomes, it's usually because the parents delayed care."

Acute emergencies can lead to hospitalization and the insertion of a breathing tube. In the worst cases, asthma attacks can be fatal.

For kids at higher risk, low-dose steroids are an option as a controller medication and can cut down on the number of attacks.

"Not every kid with asthma needs an inhaled steroid, but a kid who is coming into the ER frequently should be on it," says Vella.

"There used to be some controversy about whether inhaled steroids stunt growth, but the studies have found these kids may grow slower for a few years, but then they catch up."

The good news for parents is that most kids will outgrow asthma.

"We can't tell which kids will outgrow it and which won't, but parents and doctors can work together to manage this disease," says Vella.

Research breakthroughs
Since millions of Americans are living with asthma — and cases are on the rise — there is booming research on providing better treatment. "There are a lot of new medications out there, including anti-inflammatories like Singulair," says Vella. "It's for kids who don't quite make the cut to go on an inhaled steroid, but could benefit from an alternative controller therapy."

Questions for your doctor
Parents need to take steps to learn how to take care of asthmatic children. Be sure to ask, "How can I recognize a significant asthma attack?" and "What's the first thing I should do when my child has an asthma attack?"

Medications are constantly changing, so ask "What medications are available for my child?" Even if you or your older children were treated for asthma with certain drugs, there probably is a better option for your child today.

_________________________________________________________

Would you like to learn more about indoor air filters for environmental pollutants like dust, dander and chemicals? Connect with us: 

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

AllerAir Q&A: You use lots of Activated Carbon in your air purifiers, does that have anything to do with the term Carbon Footprint?

Answer:
The word “carbon” in the term Carbon Footprint refers to“carbon dioxide”. In terms of pollution, carbon dioxide is a waste gas produced by fossil fuel combustion and in this context can be considered an environmental pollutant. 

Ironically, “Activated Carbon” is actually a physical material that removes pollutants. It’s made from natural sources like wood and coconut shells and is highly efficient for filtering airborne and waterborne toxins, especially chemicals and odors. Its use has actually been traced back thousands of years.

To learn more about our activated carbon filters for chemicals and odors, connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

Phoenix, Arizona Dust Storm: Check all your home and vehicle air filters ASAP



AllerAir HEPA filter

 Now that the dust has settled in Arizona, it's very important to verify and potentially replace all of your home and vehicle air filters.

Air Purifiers

If you're lucky enough to have a high efficiency HEPA air purifier in your home, it may have trapped the dust the potentially dangerous soil spores that could lead to "valley fever".  The condition is caused by inhaling spores of a fungus which grows in the soil in the Southwest. The spores become airborne when stirred by wind and can cause a wide range of symptoms like fatigue, fever, coughs and muscle and joint aches. At AllerAir, we recommend that customers replace all pre-filters and HEPA filers in their units. Some dust may become airborne when removing heavily soiled filters, so we advise using a face mask. E-mail us to order your AllerAir replacement filters or contact your dealer. You may also order filters from the parts and accessories tab located with your specific model.

Air Conditioners and HVAC systems
Replacing these filters is not only essential, it will save you money. Even a slightly dirty filter may increase your AC bill by 5 to 10%. If you have a forced air system with ducting, you may also want to consider having your air ducts professionally cleaned.

Car Filters
The air filter in your car cleans the air before it comes into your engine. A filthy air filter will actually affect your vehicle's performance.

Vacuum HEPA filters
If you don't have a HEPA vacuum, now may be the time to buy one. A HEPA vacuum actually traps the dust you pick up, while other vacuums may leak dust particles back into the air. If you've already given your home a good vacuuming following the storm, replace your filter.

________________________________________________

Want to be ready for the next dust storm? Connect with us for more on our high efficiency home air purifiers ideal for dust and other airborne pollutants.

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247



Q&A: Air cleaners for volcanic smog (VOG)

Volcanic smog can pose serious
health risks.

Q: Do you have air cleaners specifically designed for the pollutants in volcanic smog?

A: With serious volcanic eruptions disrupting the lives of residents in Chile, Iceland, Hawaii and other regions, AllerAir has been receiving inquiries about air purifiers for volcanic smog.

Volcanic eruptions release noxious sulfur dioxide gas and other pollutants into the atmosphere, which react with the oxygen and atmospheric moisture to produce volcanic smog (VOG) and acid rain.

Far from simply affecting flight traffic, billowing ash clouds can pose serious health risks for the people living in the affected regions.

Health effects of volcanic smog

VOG has been shown to aggravate pre-existing respiratory ailments, while acid rain can damage crops and leach lead into household water supplies.

People living in areas downwind of active volcanoes have complained about a wide range of health effects, including skin irritation and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

VOG consists of gases as well as tiny liquid and solid particles. It is composed of sulfuric acid and other sulfate compounds and it can also contain toxic metals.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2, the main component of VOG) is a poisonous gas that can penetrate deeply into the airway and cause respiratory distress in some individuals.

The tiny aerosol particles in volcanic smog can also penetrate deeply into the lungs and irritate the tissue.

Source: US Geological Survey (USGS)


Air cleaners for VOG

AllerAir’s air purifiers for VOG help to remove the dangerous airborne chemicals, gases and particles associated with VOG.

The specially designed air cleaners feature a custom blend of deep-bed activated carbon for enhanced adsorption of noxious chemicals and gases, as well as a medical grade HEPA or Super-HEPA for the removal of fine particles.

Suggested air purifiers from AllerAir include

• 5000 DX VOG
• 5000 VOG
• Air Medic VOG
• Air Medic + VOG 

Contact AllerAir for more information and additional options.

Note: Always follow public advisories and evacuation orders. 


Related posts:

• Hawaii's Big Island and VOG study: Respiratory illnesses rise when volcanic gases and VOG increase
• Kilauea VOG: Sulfur Dioxide Emission Rates Elevated

   

Early Chemical Exposures May Affect Breast Health

From the Silent Spring Institute Press Room:

Pregnant women already know that consuming alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco can be harmful to their babies’ health.  But they may be surprised to learn that some chemicals women are exposed to in their daily lives—from their food packaging to their drinking water—could affect their children’s development and health later on.

A new review, published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives, reports the conclusions of an international workshop on ways to improve chemicals safety testing for effects on the breast.

Studies reviewed by the scientists show that exposures to common chemicals during critical windows of development—such as in the womb and during infancy and puberty—may lead to changes that cause problems later in life with breast-feeding and increase the risk of breast cancer.  Exposures may also lead to enlarged breasts in boys and men.
 
The review and a related editorial identify a major gap in chemicals safety testing, which currently does not assess how chemicals may affect breast development.

The scientists recommend that future chemical safety testing evaluate these effects. By studying how environmental chemicals influence breast development, scientists can help government, manufacturers, and consumers make better decisions about chemicals in consumer products and water and  air pollution.
______________________________________________

Interested in learning more about chemical exposure and the air you breathe? Connect with us and consider a high quality AllerAir air cleaner that removes not only dust, but chemicals, gases and odors.

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

Air Purifiers Recommended When Preparing for California Wildfire Season

Excellent advice from California's Redwood Times, "Preparing for the wildfire season."

Editor's note: AllerAir has 49 air cleaners and air purifiers certified by the California Air Resources Board and eligible for sale in California. We specialize in air cleaners for smoke, chemicals and odors.

 
"If you have health concerns, are elderly, pregnant, or have a child in your care, consider talking with your doctor now about what to do if the air becomes smoky. Remember that in 2008 over 600,000 acres burned in this area and eight Hazardous Air Quality Alerts were issued. 
 

Concentrations of smoke will vary depending upon location, weather, and distance to the fire. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. 

People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with respiratory disease such as asthma and/or heart disease. If you or members of your family have lung or heart disease, contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms that get worse. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. If you are in a wildfire prone area, consider buying an air purifier to use in the event of smoky air. 

Some air cleaners can help reduce indoor pollutants if they are the right type and size for your home. Air cleaners with ozone generators are not appropriate for home use. The Air Resources Board recommends avoiding them. Ozone is a gas that can cause health problems including lung irritation and breathing difficulty. Go towww.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html for more information about aircleaners or air purifiers."

_________________________________________________


If you'd like more information on our California certified air cleaners and our air purifiers for smoke connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

Reducing BPA exposure: It's much easier than you think.

Photo by DAN

Chemicals in your air and even your food...now do something about it!

Long before my mommy friends were on the bandwagon, my tot was carrying around his stainless-steel sippy cup to the odd stares and rolling eyes of parents everywhere.

With concern about BPA now mainstream, I was fascinated by this study by scientists at the Breast Cancer Fund.

They chose five families who tended to eat out, drink out of plastic water bottles, microwave plastic containers and eat canned and packaged food. Then they put them on a diet --- a package-free diet.

For just three short days the families were provided freshly prepared organic meals - no canned food and only glass storage containers.

The scientists evaluated their urine while they ate their typical diets, when they ate the fresh food and then again after returning to their normal eating habits. What they discovered was pretty remarkable.

While the families were eating the fresh-food diet, their BPA levels dropped on average by 60%, some as high as 75%.  When families returned to their regular diets, their BPA levels increased back to the pre-intervention levels.

In addition to the BPA, participants were also tested for phthalates (plastic-softening chemicals that can interfere with reproductive development). Levels of DEHP (a phthalate used in food packaging) dropped by an average of 50%.

"This study suggests that removing BPA from food packaging will remove the number one source of BPA exposure,” said Janet Gray, Ph.D., Science Advisor to the Breast Cancer Fund and professor at Vassar College. “The study should serve as a call to action for industry and government to get BPA out of food packaging and to fix the broken chemical management system that allows it to be there in the first place.”

So what should be on the top of your list to avoid? According to tests, the Breast Cancer Fund found that BPA especially leaches into canned foods that are acidic, salty or fatty. This is their top ten list:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interested in learning more about removing chemicals from your daily life? Have you ever considered chemicals and odors in your air? In one study of commonly used household products EVERY one of the 25 air fresheners, personal care products, laundry soaps and cleaning products tested emitted chemicals that are classified as toxic or hazardous under federal laws.

Learn more about indoor air quality and chemical exposure. Connect with us:
Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/

Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert

Follow us on twitter

E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

VIDEO: Natural Gas & Air Pollution



Play Video



This is an interesting video report done for the New York Times on the concerns of local residents living in the shadows of natural gas development.

Touted as a "greener" energy source, natural gas production has had an explosion of growth all over North America.

Opponents argue that producing  it spews serious pollutants into the air like VOC's and other toxins that may have serious long-term health effects. One former EPA employee says the industry has been given a pass on environmental laws.

Are you concerned about natural gas, VOC's and your air quality? AllerAir is the industry leader in heavy-duty chemical and odor control air cleaners for residential use.

Our units use deep-bed activated carbon air filters (the same material often used in gas masks) to remove airborne chemicals, gases and odors.

To learn more about our products and cleaner indoor air quality, connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/

Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert

Follow us on twitter

E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

Smell-O-Vision: TV & Cell that Generates Scents a Chemical Exposure Death Trap?

"Some.... chemicals have no safe exposure level"

Coming to TV and cell screens of the future: a sense of smell? Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, say it is possible. They've just published a paper discussing their two year study in which they say electronic devices like TV's and phones can be outfitted with a compact device able to potentially generate thousands of different odors.

“For example, if people are eating pizza, the viewer smells pizza coming from a TV or cell phone,” said Sungho Jin, professor in the departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and NanoEngineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. “And if a beautiful lady walks by, they smell perfume. Instantaneously generated fragrances or odors would match the scene shown on a TV or cell phone, and that’s the idea."

Advertisers across the country are no doubt salivating at the thought, but what effect will this new assault on our senses have on our health? One only has to look at research on other scented projects to form an educated guess.

Dr. Anne Steinemann is  a scientist at the University of Washington who studies scented products. Her lab analyzed 25  "commonly" used scented products like air fresheners, personal care products, laundry soap and cleaning supplies.

"All of them emitted chemicals that are classified as toxic or hazardous under federal laws," she says in a CBS news report. "These chemicals are ones that can damage the brain, the lungs, the central nervous system and cause cancer. Some of these chemicals have no safe exposure level, that means even one molecule is not safe to inhale."

So it's true that while we don't yet know the exact exposure level and chemical make-up of a scent-generating TV, can it be very different from a vanilla cookie air freshener or a papaya shampoo? The principle will likely be similar --- a chemical or mix of chemicals used to generate a scent. In this case the authors suggest:

"....an aqueous solution such as ammonia, which forms an odorous gas when heated through a thin metal wire by an electrical current...as the heat and odor pressure build, a tiny compressed hole is opened, releasing the odor."

That doesn't exactly sound like something we should be breathing more than 34 hours per week - yes, that's the average amount of TV time logged by the typical American last year.

With indoor air quality already up to 5 times more polluted that outdoor air, why introduce more pollutants? We think the idea smells a bit off.
 
____________________________________________________

To learn more about indoor air quality and chemical exposure connect with us:

Air purifiers for chemicals and odors.

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/

Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert

Follow us on twitter

E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

Formaldehyde, Styrene Added To U.S. Health Department's Carcinogens List

"....an air cleaner with a deep-bed of activated carbon can remove a wide range of dangerous airborne chemicals."

The preservative formaldehyde and styrene, the chemical used to make styrofoam, have officially been added to the U.S. health department's list of chemicals that may put people at increased risk for cancer.

"Reducing exposure to cancer-causing agents is something we all want, and the Report on Carcinogens provides important information on substances that pose a cancer risk," said Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of both the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP).


The Report on Carcinogens is a congressionally mandated document that identifies agents, substances, mixtures, or exposures in two categories: known to be a human carcinogen and reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

"This report underscores the critical connection between our nation's health and what's in our environment." added John Bucher, Ph.D., associate director of the NTP.

Formaldehyde was first listed in the 2nd Report on Carcinogens as a substance that was reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, after laboratory studies showed it caused nasal cancer in rats. There is now sufficient evidence from studies in humans to show that individuals with higher measures of exposure to formaldehyde are at increased risk for certain types of rare cancers.

What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is widely used to make resins for household items, such as composite wood products, paper product coatings, plastics, synthetic fibers, and textile finishes. Formaldehyde is also commonly used as a preservative in medical laboratories, mortuaries, and some consumer products, including some hair straightening products.

What is Styrene?

Styrene is a synthetic chemical used worldwide in the manufacture of products such as rubber, plastic, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile parts, food containers, and carpet backing. People may be exposed to styrene by breathing indoor air that has styrene vapors from building materials, tobacco smoke, and other products. The greatest exposure to styrene in the general population is through cigarette smoking. Workers in certain occupations may potentially be exposed to much higher levels of styrene than the general population.

Can an Air Cleaner Remove Chemicals?

Yes, an air cleaner with a deep-bed of activated carbon can remove a wide range of dangerous airborne chemicals. AllerAir manufactures over 100 deep-bed carbon air cleaners for residential use and air scrubbers for heavy industry.

For more information on air quality and chemical exposure, connect with us:
 
Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

For our industrial division:
http://www.electrocorp.net/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Electrocorp_Air
Blog: http://industrialodorcontrol.blogspot.com/
Phone: 1-866-667-0297

Moldy homes linked to children's asthma

"Lab studies suggest that being exposed to mold and airborne mold spores can cause airway inflammation."

(PressTV)  Children who live in water-damaged homes with visible mold problems are at a greater risk of developing asthma, wheezing problems or nasal allergies.

A review of 61 international studies showed that children living in homes with visible mold are 49 percent more likely to have asthma compared with their peers that are not exposed to such environments, Reuters reported.

Moreover, these children are 39 times more prone to developing nasal allergies, said the study published in the European Respiratory Journal.

Lab studies suggest that being exposed to mold and airborne mold spores can cause airway inflammation. The findings, however, do not prove that mold is the culprit, said researchers.

Exposure to mold components in house dust, on the other hand, was linked to a lower risk of respiratory disorders, according to researchers at the German Research Center for Environmental Health in Neuherberg.

"Visible mold patches at the walls, or a moldy odor, is indicating that the normal microbial composition is out of kilter, which is most often due to dampness, excessive moisture or building damages," said Christina Tischer, the lead author.

One theory called the "hygiene hypothesis" suggests that the immune system of children, who live in an environment containing normal mix of microbes, are less likely to show allergic reactions.

Removing visible mold "might be a first important step in order to create a healthy environment at home," said Tischer.

Repairing leaky plumbing or other sources of water damage and lowering humidity in the home with better ventilation are among other strategies that can prevent the growth of mold at home, she added.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interested in learning more about removing airborne mold and improving your indoor air quality? Connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247