Once a baby becomes sensitized to an allergen, the stage is set for a lifetime of health problems. Indoor pets are just one source of contamination that can trigger a histamine response. Often, it is the unseen invaders such as dust mites that pose the greatest risk. Bacteria and viruses can also negatively impact an infant’s developing immune system.

Even an innocent activity such as redecorating a room in anticipation of the new arrival may release volatile organic compounds into the air. These VOCs are toxic chemicals that are off-gassed from paint and new carpet. Cigarette smoke is another enemy of indoor air quality (IAQ). Expectant parents who are smokers may well vow to quit upon the arrival of their newborn. However, the stress of kicking a nicotine addiction on top of getting virtually no sleep for several months can cause even the strongest resolve to falter.

Air Purifier For New Parents The Answer?

An air purifier actually makes a great baby shower gift. The cost of purchasing a single room air cleaner that handles up to 400 square feet is not exorbitant. Of course, if it is a stand alone unit it will need to be one that can be kept out of reach curious fingers. A wall mounted purifier or a machine that is compact enough to sit on a bureau makes a good choice for treating one room. Alternately, a portable unit can be used in the nursery or easily moved to a play area. In addition to being healthy, the gentle “white noise” produced by a purifier can help soothe a baby to sleep.

Selecting the right type of cleaning technology is one of the most important considerations. The ease of use advertised for “no filter” ionizers may be tempting for busy new parents. However, these machines create ozone – a known lung irritant that can worsen asthma symptoms. Even units that are used as directed can allow unsafe levels of ozone to accumulate indoors.

A good pre-filter and HEPA filter along with activated carbon, UV light, and photo-catalytic oxidation covers all the bases. Large bits of dust are trapped by the pre-filter which is often cleanable and reusable. The HEPA latches onto microscopic dust particles. Activated carbon removes chemicals from the air while UV light and oxidation kill germs and mold.

While a single room unit is a good start, parents who want to make their whole home safe have more advanced options at their disposal. Entire house air purifiers can be installed in HVAC systems. This type of equipment is designed to handle the high volume and speed of airflow needed for adequate ventilation. If you are expecting a child or you want to find the perfect gift for a new parent, request a copy of our free ebook. It will provide the advice you need to make just the right selection.

Choose A Hypoallergenic Dog

If you or your kids have known allergies to dogs, you may be ready to simply give up and start keeping fish. However, if you are currently in the market for a new family pet you do have some options. There are a number of dog breeds that are hypoallergenic. These include Portuguese water dogs (like the one the Obama family has) Wheaten terriers, Bichon Frises, and poodles. These breeds are often well tolerated by individuals who have mild to moderate pet allergies.

Just because a particular type of dog is advertised as hypoallergenic does not mean that it will not cause an allergic reaction. It simply indicates that it has less of a tendency to trigger a histamine response than do other breeds. Such dogs have only a single coat of hair and they shed at a slow rate. They lack the fluffy undercoat of shorter hair that is common in most breeds.

Medication

Over the counter and prescription antihistamines can be used to successfully treat mild allergies. They can generally be taken long term without becoming addictive or losing their effectiveness. However, prolonged exposure to allergens tends to make symptoms more severe over time.

In these cases, cortisone or other steroids may be prescribed to control allergies. Steroid medications have a number of side effects and should only be taken under close medical supervision. Long term use can have serious adverse health consequences. Allergy shots are another option. They take several months to become effective but have been shown to give many years of relief to some patients.

Reducing Exposure

Keeping shed hair, skin, and saliva out of the inside of your home can make a big difference. Turning an indoor pet into an outdoor pet is a solution that can work for dog owners who have sufficient yard space. Dogs that are used to living inside may have a hard time getting used to the change. However, they can usually adapt if you make sure they still get plenty of human interaction each day.

If you need to continue keeping your pet indoors, reduce the amount of carpeting in your home. This makes it much easier to keep hair and dander from accumulating. Make your bedroom off limits to your dog so you have at least one area of the house that is allergen free. This will give your body a chance to recuperate each night.

Using a high quality air filtration system is also critical to reducing symptoms. A HEPA filter that is designed to remove pet dander is a good start. You may also want to consider a carbon filter to help cut odor. You can treat the air in your whole house or just the rooms where you spend most of your time. Request our free ebook to find out which brands and models target pet allergies.

HEPA air purifiers are widely considered to be the gold standard for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) by removing particulate matter. Alternatives include electrostatic precipitators (as long as they do not create too much ozone). As of October 18th 2010, all air cleaning devices sold in California must be certified by the Air Resource Board. There is a preliminary list of certified models and companies that sell them here. In addition, labeling language used to sell any air cleaning equipment will be governed by Title 17, Sections 94800-94810, of the California Code of Regulations.

This should have a dramatic positive effect on how air cleaners and purported air-purifying devices are marketed throughout the rest of the country. California is such a large market that productivity advantages apply to manufacturers and distributors across the U.S.  Large companies that sell this equipment are likely to abide by these new regulations even though these devices will also be sold outside of California. It does not make sense for them to redesign their manufacturing process to meet different regulations in each and every state. The most stringent rules usually prevail over time, especially if the regulations in question apply to a manufacturer’s largest customer base.

Mechanisms That Qualify

So far, one of the most prominent companies listed as certified for providing indoor air cleaning equipment is Honeywell. These Honeywell Air Purifiers are often recommended by physicians for patients who would benefit the most from experiencing cleaner indoor air. Most of these units are equipped with true HEPA filters. One of the models includes a UV lamp as well.

Other devices that qualify for the certified list include certain ionizers, electronic filtration, and various other new air cleaning technologies. It may seem surprising that ionizers made the list of acceptable devices. After all, the health hazards they create are one of the reasons the new regulations were created in the first place. However, the most important standard that must be met to get on the approved list is that the apparatus must not create more than 0.050 parts per million of ozone. This means that the few ionizers with very low emissions can still be sold in California.

Because the certification process is still in its early stages, many other brands may eventually be proven to meet the ARB standard. A rush for certification is expected as companies try to beat the deadline for enforcement of the new regulations. Since the list will be rapidly changing, the board has also provided plenty of general guidance on what types of products really do work. For more specific information on which equipment will target your allergy or asthma symptoms, request our free ebook.

Keywords: HEPA filters; electrostatic precipitators; HEPA air purifiers; Honeywell Air Purifiers

Link for list of ARB certified products: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/certified.htm

The Sharp equipment uses alternating bursts of energy (plasma discharge) to create both negative and positive ions. Highly reactive hydrogen (H+) and oxygen (O2-) are released into the atmosphere by this process. These tend to attract other substances including viruses and mold in the air. As the ions attempt to stabilize, they swap parts back and forth briefly becoming hydroxyls (OH radicals). These hydroxyl “bandits” require one more hydrogen atom to become stable H20 molecules. They accomplish this by taking hydrogen from the organic matter in airborne contaminants.

So, the pathogens in the air are broken down by hydroxyls. The natural by-product of this process is water. Besides handling bacteria and viruses, this ionizer can also reduce odors. The destroyed contaminants do still settle out of the air onto the carpet, so using a HEPA in addition to the ionizer is good idea for reducing actual dust problems. Although the Sharp brand of air purifier does release a small quantity of ozone, it is many times less than the acceptable limit of .05 particles per million. Used in an appropriately ventilated space, the risk of a hazardous accumulation of ozone is highly unlikely.

New Uses Sharp Is Improving The Quality Of Indoor Air

Since this Sharp technology was first introduced in 2000, over 20 million units have been sold around the world. Today’s 7th generation models are used in some interesting ways. Sharp is now installing air purifiers in select railcars for the East Japan Railway company. These E3-2000 series trains now offer a little something extra to crowded passengers; they may have to share seating space but they won’t have to share germs.

The manufacturer is always looking for ways to introduce its products into new markets. These purifiers can now be found in lots of confined spaces – elevators, cars, even lavatories. Sharp has actually crafted a toilet/bidet that incorporates an ionizer. This may be the wave of the future. No more lighting a match or spraying Glade air freshener – let Plasmacluster technology keep your bathroom smelling Sharp!

All joking aside, the Sharp line of products has been performing well in testing and is receiving rave reviews from consumers. The new IG-A100 has recently been added to their product line for home use. It is advertised for helping deactivate airborne pathogens and controlling surface growth of contaminants such as mold. If you are considering plasma technology for eliminating germs in your home, ask for our free ebook. It can get you up to speed on all your options.

This is especially true in small, confined spaces such as inside a vehicle. A deal between Wright Hygiene Ltd and Sanuvox has allowed all ambulances in the United Kingdom to be installed with high quality air cleaning equipment. This is part of an ongoing effort to improve the quality of patient care as well as the air that medical staff breathes.

Success depends on the effectiveness of Sanuvox’s UV light array. A normal UV-C light will destroy the surface DNA and proteins of a variety of pathogenic organisms. Sanuvox combines this C lamp with UV-V technology, intensifying the oxidation effect. Special aluminum reflectors redirect light back into the flow of the passing air. The airflow is forced to continue over the entire length of the ultraviolet florescent bulb. This increases the amount of time these little microorganisms are exposed to the intense germicidal UV-C light.

More exposure at a greater intensity means a much higher efficacy for the device. The UV-V has the ability to handle VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the air. This ability is important when considering the smaller volume of space within an ambulance as compared to a medical building. Any air contamination regardless of source is simply easier to handle with the proper equipment. Safety concerns are priority for patient care. In a confined space, less power is needed to force all the air through the cleaning apparatus. It also happens much faster. This allows the air to be recycled multiple times over a short period.

Larger Concerns

Although the media concentrates upon the rapid spread of the novel H1N1 virus (swine flu), scientists are still concerned about the continued threats posed by SARS and the Avian Flu also. The potential for re-assortment of genetic material in these new pathogens remains a growing fear, especially if they meet up with one another inside the same individual organism.

These diseases have demonstrated their ability to infect across normal species barriers. The potential for close human contact with birds, chickens, and pigs in the less developed world is a potential biological disaster waiting to happen. Modern modes of transportation offer additional avenues for these new infections to spread throughout diverse parts of the population around the globe. Variations that are stable in humans will eventually establish themselves. Infection from person to person is just a matter of time.

Having the ability to slow the rate of infection by installing such air purification machines will give medical personnel more time to respond and develop effective strategies to combat any potentially serious pandemic. Early identification of a local or regional epidemic is critical to an effective global response in proportion to the true threat. Concerns about the health and quality of air for family, friends, coworkers, and employees can be addressed by gaining solid information. Click on this ebook to get answers.

Unfortunately, people tend to use more and more air “freshening” products as time goes on. This is because we get used to particular smells over time. This phenomenon is called olfactory fatigue. So, when we stop noticing the artificial fragrance in an air freshener we think it isn’t working as well as it used to. Then, we think the solution is to find new, stronger fragrances.

This is one reason many people use multiple products to try to cover up odors in the home. These can include scented commercial cleaning products, plug in fresheners, fragrance-added laundry detergent and dryer sheets – even aerosols that are sprayed directly into the air.

I just googled “aerosol air freshener MSDS” to check the ingredients in commonly used products. This is an excerpt from the material safety data sheet for the first item that came up in my search: May Cause Respiratory Irritation. Inhalation of vapors may cause respiratory irritation and dizziness, nausea or headache. Prolonged exposure above the OSHA permissible exposure limits may result in kidney and liver damage. The sheet also included this instruction: Avoid breathing product vapors or mist. How you are supposed to smell this tropical scented “air freshener” without inhaling it is not explained.

Rooting Out Odors At Their Source

Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly and safe products that can be used for household cleaning. Baking soda is a great odor absorber that can be used in the refrigerator and the garbage disposal. Vinegar and water makes a safe cleaning solution for scrubbing tubs and other bathroom fixtures. Hot steam cleaning works wonders for carpets and upholstery as long as a rinse cycle is used to remove detergent residue. Laundry can be spruced up with a cotton sachet filled with dry lavender.

When it comes to removing airborne odors, cleaning the air is also a simple process. Activated carbon filters attract and trap foul smelling contaminants. This means they aren’t just masked – they are taken out of circulation completely. The higher the surface area of the filter, the longer it will last. Carbon used in filters is processed in such a way that it is full of pores which greatly increase the total surface area that is available to trap the offending molecules in the air.

Because so much of the surface area of this type of filter is internal, the amount of carbon an air purifier contains is usually described by weight rather than size. So, you could expect to invest more initially in a filter that has 20 pounds of activated carbon than you would in one that has only 8. Learn more about carbon filtration and other technologies that reduce odors by requesting our free ebook.

Link for MSDS sheet: http://www.spartanchemical.com/sfa/MSDSRep.nsf/DocId/da027aa7af5b54a68525741600673b87!OpenDocument

One of the top offenders for causing indoor allergy symptoms is a four letter word most home owners are very familiar with: D-U-S-T. Of course, dust is a catchall term that covers a lot of territory. Typical household dust particles can be made up of:

• Dirt fragments and plant debris (including pollen) tracked in from outside
• Clothing and upholstery fibers (cotton, wool, synthetics, etc.)
• Indoor building materials such as sheetrock and plaster that degrade over time
• The decaying exoskeletons of various types of dead bugs
• Dander and hair from humans and pets
• Dust mite droppings

Allergy-Proofing To Reduce Dust

If you are tired of itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and headaches, you can take steps to cut the dust accumulation in your house. Ditch the carpeting, heavy drapes, and plush sofa. Get used to the smooth, clean lines of surfaces that can be wiped down with a damp cloth: tile, wooden blinds, and leather upholstery are a few examples. Any fabrics used in your home décor should be machine washable so you can toss them in the laundry.

Remember to change your HVAC filter once a month. Reduce the clutter in each room so dusting is easier. Store items you aren’t currently using (book collections, seasonal clothing, etc.) in plastic bins so they don’t collect or generate more dust. Allergy-proof bedding options such as pillow covers, mattress covers, etc. can be good investments. However, they are only a supplement for frequent washing of bedding materials at temperatures of 130o or higher.

HEPA filters offer a simple solution for taking dust out of the air completely. They can be purchased in a variety of sizes to handle different amounts of air volume. Matching the equipment to the dimensions of a room offers the best results. If you can only afford to put a filter in one room – make it the bedroom. This is where most people spend at least 8 hours out of every 24. Of course, if you buy an easily portable unit you can tote it into the front room for a relaxing evening in front of the TV too.

Biological Allergy Sources

Mold spores are near the top of the list of living organisms that cause severe allergy symptoms. Unlike pollen which is almost always introduced from outdoors, mold can live and thrive inside your home. All it needs is a little moisture and a mild climate. Mold thrives in the damp environment found in bathrooms. They also love to feast on food residue in your kitchen. Keeping these areas wiped down, sanitized, and dry goes a long way toward reducing mold growth. If your bathroom doesn’t have a ventilation fan, consider installing one.

Drip pans and coils in your HVAC system are another prime location for mold. Ultraviolet lamps installed as part of a whole-house air purification solution can zap this problem at its source. Find out about this option and much more when you request our free ebook.

According to the American Optometric Association, computer use is linked to infrequent blinking. This dries your eyes out quickly. Add the itching and watering effect of allergic reactions and you have a recipe for constant irritation. If you give in to the temptation to rub your eyes, this just aggravates them more.

Common sources of eye irritation include pollen from trees, weeds, and grass. Nasal allergy symptoms (rhinitis) usually go hand in hand with eye problems (conjunctivitis) for people who experience hay fever. Staying inside can reduce your symptoms on days with high pollen counts. However, if you are sensitive to your pet’s hair/dander or to dust mites in your home, you may have issues all year long. Being exposed to cigarette smoke and certain perfumes will increase your eye inflammation as well.

Reducing Symptoms

The American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) recommends allergy proofing your home to reduce exposure to dust and other contaminants. Per the ACAAI, some over the counter eye drops can make eye irritation worse if you use them for more than 2-3 days. This is especially true for drops that contain vasoconstrictors. Artificial tears that contain only saline and no medications can be used long term but have limited effectiveness. They must be used constantly throughout the day to offer any relief.

Many oral antihistamines used to control nasal allergies list dry eyes as a side effect. This means it is a good idea to check with your physician or immunologist if you have eye allergy symptoms. They can help you treat your condition effectively without accidentally causing more problems than you had to begin with. If your specific allergen triggers can be identified, you may also be a candidate for immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Another treatment often recommended by allergists is the use of an effective air purification system. If you have a reaction to pollen and dust, this may be addressed with a HEPA filter. For mold sensitivity, a UV or photocatalytic oxidation unit can be added to kill hardy mold spores. If chemical compounds in the air are making your symptoms worse, a carbon filter will help trap these noxious gases.

One of the good things about an air filter is that it can be used to treat your whole family at one time. Some air cleaners can destroy bacteria and viruses as well as mold. This offers you the opportunity to protect your immune system. Getting sick less frequently is the best way to reduce the number of doctor visits you have to make each year. With current health care costs at an all time high, an air purifier is a sensible investment. Discover your options when you request our free ebook.

Link for allergy proofing: http://www.acaai.org/public/eyeALLERGY/eyeBrochure.htm

Few life events require as much advance planning as a beautiful (and expensive) wedding. Allergy-proofing is one thing you should keep in mind when you are preparing for this special event. The only reason you should have red rimmed eyes and a runny nose at your wedding is because you are crying tears of joy. Whether you are trying to minimize allergy symptoms for yourself or for your guests, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Know Your Triggers

If you are only allergic to ragweed, you may be able to get away with an early spring wedding. In contrast, if your main reaction is to juniper species that bloom from February through May, you could schedule an autumn wedding instead. Of course, where you live will affect the exact timing of pollen release for different plant species in your area.

A beach locale is an excellent alternative to a botanical garden or other greenery intensive setting for an outdoor ceremony. The minimal plant growth along the shoreline isn’t likely to present a pollen problem. The ocean breeze also tends to keep small insects away – a bonus for those of us who are allergic to mosquito bites!

Choose Your Blooms

No flowers are quite as “in your face” as those that make up your bridal bouquet. The quality and variety of artificial blooms has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. Even from a distance of just a few feet, most people can’t tell they aren’t real. However, you might still have your heart set on featuring the genuine article at your wedding.

If so, talk to your florist about which flower species are least likely to trigger a reaction. Generally, large blooms (such as daffodils) that have heavier pollen grains are best. These bigger particles are less likely to become airborne. Flower buds and roses that are only partially in bloom are another good choice since they are not yet shedding their pollen.

Many favorites such as chrysanthemums, camellias, and baby’s breath, are all available in “formal double” varieties. These are hybridized to have a high petal count in place of the normal pollen bearing stamens. Hydrangeas are a great option for flower arrangements throughout your venue.

Plan an Indoor Ceremony

Keeping your entire wedding and reception indoors is one way to limit exposure to seasonal allergens. However, if you are very sensitive you could use some extra protection. Wearing a dust mask simply won’t do (even if it is white and matches your gown). A better option is the use of an indoor air purifier.

The facility hosting your wedding should be thoroughly cleaned and dusted. Then, you can bring in air cleaning equipment 24-48 hours before your ceremony. Depending on the size of the chapel and reception areas, you may need several units to do the job. Of course, after your wedding these air filters make the perfect addition to your marital home. Find out more about reducing pollen allergies when you request our free ebook.

However, getting rid of household mold contamination is important for anyone suffering from allergies or asthma. These mVOCs (microbial Volatile Organic Compounds) make respiratory problems associated with unhealthy indoor air much worse.  The health hazards are even more serious for individuals with compromised immune systems. They can be infected with a fungus called Aspergillus which actually grows inside the lungs. Certain mold species can also produce mycotoxins that have been known to cause serious neurological side effects.

Cleaning It Up

Fortunately, most indoor fungal growth is not toxic “black mold” and small areas of contamination can be easily cleaned up. Water and a strong detergent or biocide should do the job on most hard surfaces. If you are using bleach, dilute it and don’t mix it with any other cleaning agents. Whenever you deal with mold, wear a respirator (not a regular dust mask), protective gloves, and safety goggles that seal around your eyes so spores won’t get in.

Common species of mold take only a few days to establish a strong colony. This means you need to completely dry or get rid of any furnishings that are exposed to moisture by a flood or a water leak. Remove and discard any porous items such as carpet and padding that are already contaminated with mold. Vacuuming and even steam cleaning won’t work to pull the spores out of these porous materials. In fact, improper steam cleaning is a prime example of an activity that promotes mold growth.

If you have widespread fungal infestation throughout your home, you may need to hire a mold remediation firm to remove it. Don’t sign a contract for these services just based on a mold test, though. These tests will always show that you have mold spores in your home because it is impossible to completely eliminate these microorganisms – they are everywhere.  There should be physical evidence such as mildew staining, visible mold colonies, musty odors, or severe allergy symptoms to back up the test results.

Airing It Out

Once you have eliminated the surface conditions that are allowing mold to grow freely in your home, it is time to look at overall humidity and ventilation issues. The ideal humidity for healthy indoor air is approximately 35%. Any area in your home where moisture can build above 45% needs to be addressed. Installing a dehumidifier is one solution. You also need to ensure an adequate exchange of air between the inside of your home and the outdoors. Opening doors and windows on mild days can help.

Air purification is another potential problem solver. However, even the finest HEPA filters won’t capture the smallest mold spores. You may require a more high-tech defense against these microscopic marauders. Photo-catalytic oxidation is one option that is proven to kill mold spores with ease. UV-C lamps can also be installed inside your HVAC system where they will treat your entire air supply. To find out more about how to destroy mold in the air you breathe, request our free ebook.