The American Lung Association recently released a series of tips on how to mitigate the effects of air pollution on sleeping children http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=3474147. This is a particularly important practice for the still-growing respiratory systems young children possess.
The air in our homes contains contaminants ranging from dust mites to the dander of our more lovable animal companions, such as dogs and cats, to say nothing of more dangerous air contaminants like ozone buildup and cigarettes. All of these things can cause allergic and asthmatic reactions in certain children. Helping to clear the air of such pollutants helps greatly with providing allergy relief and asthma relief.
Continue reading "Asthma and Allergy Relief Helps Your Child Sleep Better" »
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: July 21, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Tags: air purifiers, allergy relief, asthma relief, central vacuums, family, indoor air quality
Filed under: Parenting and Family
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According to two recent public service announcements from the Environmental Protection Agency found here: http://www.epa.gov/radon/video/rooftops_psa.mpeg and here http://www.epa.gov/radon/video/people_eng_30.mpg, radon is a silent, but potentially deadly invader of too many homes. Detecting and fixing a radon problem, however, is easier than you may think.
Did you know:
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer?
- Radon is a threat in 1 out of 15 homes, so the surgeon general recommends that every house be tested for radon because you can't see it, smell it, or taste it?
- Many lung cancer victims never knew about this risk that may have caused their cancer?
Continue reading "EPA Says Radon Is A Threat in 1 of 15 Homes" »
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: July 11, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Tags: home+radon+test, lung+cancer, radon+fan, radon+remediation
Filed under: Radon Testing and Awareness
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On the new "Fight" asthma campaign public service announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency, there are 3 specific and surprisingly easy ideas to provide asthma relief for children. (The PSA can be viewed here http://www.epapsa.com/media/epa-childasthma.mpg.)
For asthma relief:
- Put stuffed animals in a plastic bag and freeze them to kill dust mites
- Wipe off bath toys to combat mildew
- Tighten leaky faucets to stop mold growth
Continue reading "Three Easy Tips for Asthma Relief for Kids" »
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: June 17, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Tags: air cleaners, air purifiers, asthma relief, central vacuum system, indoor air quality, mildew, mold
Filed under: Parenting and Family
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All of the indoor pollution controls mentioned in our previous entry about indoor air quality solutions for new homes can be incorporated into existing homes. Radon and sub-slab moisture systems can be retrofit. Upgraded filtration and ventilation systems can readily be installed. Homeowners that want more fresh air, but don't want to pay for an open window, can have a heat recovery ventilator installed to dilute contaminants that can't be removed at the source. Central vacuum systems and much more effective local ventilation systems can be readily installed. One example of local ventilation that can remove moisture and particulates is the dryer boost fan which increases the exhaust from clothes dryers reducing drying time and reduces the potential for a fire from the build-up of lint in an exhaust vent.
Addressing the basics of good indoor air quality "from the ground up" is the most effective method for ensuring you and your family have good air to breathe in your home. So, building a home that incorporates the principles of good IAQ is your best bet.
You can still greatly improve the quality of your air in the home you live in right now by incorporating systems designed to control, exhaust and dilute the contaminants.
The question is, Where do you want to spend your money? On expensive testing that frequently has limited usefulness? Or on the solutions that have a track record of addressing all the contaminants in your home? Visit our indoor air quality information center to learn more about the options offered in this entry and more.
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: May 29, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Tags: central vacuum system, dryer boost fan, heat recovery ventilator, indoor air quality, indoor air quality information, local ventilation system, sub-slab moisture
Filed under: Indoor Air Quality and Allergy
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When we remember what it takes to have good indoor air quality, we can see that there are a myriad of actions we can take to give us healthy homes. Some of our actions depend on our specific problems. BUT-several actions should be taken by EVERY homeowner to reduce the potential for indoor air quality problems in their homes.
If you're building a home
Very simply: choose a builder who understands and builds in good indoor air quality. The mark of a builder who truly understands good IAQ is one whose home bears the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Indoor Air Package designation. Next best is a home that has qualified for a Green Building designation from the U.S. Green Building Council or the National Association of Home Builders. Both of those standards have built-in IAQ protections.
You'll see that new homes built with upgraded attention to IAQ address radon and moisture in the design process by installing activated systems that use a small fan to draw radon and moisture from under the slab through a system of pipes. The latest guidelines from standard-writing agencies are incorporated to address ventilation, both whole house and local exhaust.
Low-emitting building materials are also specified in these standards to encourage source control. And filtration options are also suggested. Other source control methods include central vacuum cleaners which vent outside of the conditioned area of the house.
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: at 11:00 AM
Tags: building a home, central vacuum system, IAQ, IAQ certification, indoor air quality, indoor air quality solutions
Filed under: Indoor Air Quality and Allergy
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The American Lung Association of New England just released a statement last week that the indoor air quality guidelines from the EPA that were released earlier this year aren't stringent enough to counteract ozone poisoning this summer. According to the report, only 54 days of high ozone levels were recorded last year, when in actuality, if abiding by the proposed new air quality standards, this number would have nearly doubled to 98 days. When it comes to our health, this is nothing to take lightly!
When the EPA developed its safe air quality standards this year, the ozone level designated as safe was higher than it technically should be, according to the American Lung Association of New England. New Englanders are particularly susceptible to ozone poisoning, with the overall highest rates of asthma in the entire United States. This fuels the research and statements behind asthma and allergies like we mentioned in one of our previous posts.
So what exactly is ozone poisoning? It's created when things like like car exhaust and pollutants from power plants and other industrial, fossil fuel burning establishments react with sunlight, creating harmful chemicals that we breathe day in and day out. Areas with a high concentration of cars or industrial buildings are logically the biggest contenders, and during the hot days of summer, the ozone levels rise significantly, putting people at an even higher risk for permanent lung damage and even premature death.
Ways to find asthma relief and allergy relief include limiting automobile travel through public transportation, walking or bicycling, and being sure to make every best effort to conserve energy in your every day life by turning off lights, running less electric appliances, or taking other "green" initiatives. Using Energy Star appliances or implementing indoor air purifying systems are two really great steps to take toward protecting yourself this summer.
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: May 27, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Tags: allergy relief, asthma relief, high ozone days, ozone poisoning, ozone poisoning prevention, rising ozone levels, summer ozone levels
Filed under: Indoor Air Quality and Allergy
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Would you be surprised to find out that your computer keyboard harbors more bacteria and germs than a toilet seat? According to a study that compared swabs from keyboards and toilets, one keyboard had 5 times the amount of bacteria on it than a toilet did, and over 150 times the pass limit of bacteria. Apparently eating at desks was the main cause of the problem, and it makes sense. Any crumbs that fall from a sandwich or snack food and get lodged beneath the keys of a keyboard will sit there, potentially grow mold, and produce other colonies of bacteria. The article also reports that poor hygiene such as not washing hands after using the bathroom was a contender.
Have you ever tipped your keyboard over and given it a good shake? The amount of crumbs and dust that falls out may alarm you. Ways to prevent your keyboard from becoming a germ magnet include being sure to shake it or use condensed air to clean it frequently (more than once a month), try to avoid eating or drinking at your computer if you can, and, keyboard cleanliness aside, always wash your hands after using the bathroom.
Your keyboard isn't the only item that could be making you sick. Check your mouse as well. It can collect crumbs underneath, and just think of how much time your hand spends touching it. It never hurts to wipe things down with a slightly damp cloth. You can even use your own homemade cleaning products!
Beyond your office supplies, your office building may harbor molds, mildew, or other hazardous chemicals from drapery, carpets, or office equipment. To help prevent Sick Building Syndrome, try installing a HEPA air filtration system, or consult your business building's management to discuss the air quality efforts in place.
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: May 14, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Tags: computer keyboard germs, HEPA air purification system, HEPA air purifier, indoor air quality, office supply hygiene, office supply study
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With allergy season upon us, we thought we'd expand on our previous 10 Asthma and Allergy Facts You Should Know post with a bit more background information about asthma and allergies.
What exactly is asthma? According to the American Lung Association, Asthma is characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli. Triggers range from viral infections to allergies, irritating gases, or particles in the air. Each person reacts differently to the factors that may trigger asthma, including:
respiratory infections, colds
allergic reactions to allergens such as pollen, mold, animal dander, feathers, dust, food, and cockroaches
exposure to cold air or sudden temperature change
cigarette smoke
excitement/stress
exercise
While there is a wealth of information indicating or suggesting an association between environmental exposures and asthma outcomes, not much is known about what brings upon the change to asthma as opposed to simply an irritation or allergy.
What are allergies? Allergy symptoms occur when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause an immune response. For someone prone to allergies, their immune systems are super sensitive. Antibodies that build up in an allergy-prone person's system produce histamines and other chemicals to try to counteract the allergens, causing the itchiness, watery eyes, and other irritated symptoms commonly associated with allergies. Thankfully, many indoor air pollutants can be eliminated safely with air purifiers and other indoor air quality solutions.
The mystery behind allergies and asthma is that they could come or go without a moment's notice. Some people experience seasonal allergies every year of their lives. Others don't have any allergy symptoms at all in childhood, only to develop them later as adults for seemingly no reason. Others have them as children and then appear to "outgrow" them. This is what makes studying them so frustrating and so fascinating.
One reason for developing allergies after childhood can actually be one of the topics we've touched on here - Sick Building Syndrome. Being exposed to low to moderate levels of chemicals in "sick buildings" can cause a person to experience symptoms that they never had before, and can leave them very frustrated and confused if they haven't made the connection between their illness and their workplace environment. Mold in the home or office is also a large contributor to seemingly sudden symptoms. Since it can lurk within walls and other non-obvious places, sufferers may go years without proper treatment or identifying the source of the problem.
Are you asthmatic or do you have allergy sufferers in your home or workplace? Try HomeAire's selection of air purifiers and ventilation systems to bring a happy and healthy environment back to the places that you live and work.
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: May 7, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Tags: air purification system, air purifiers, allergy symptoms, asthma and allergies, asthma symptoms, indoor air pollutants, indoor air quality, treating allergies, ventilation system allergies
Filed under: Indoor Air Quality and Allergy
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A Nevada School Board was recently reminded by the US Environmental Protection Agency, in the strongest possible terms, that only an active soil depressurization (ASD) radon system will reduce high radon levels. In response to a letter from the School Board President, EPA's Radon Team Leader Phil Jalbert and Health Physicist Gene Fisher said:
"The EPA does not recommend (air) filtration as a radon control measure," stated EPA Radon Team Leader Phil Jalbert and Health Physicist Gene Fisher. "EPA's principal recommendation for mitigating radon levels in school buildings is to control the source and minimize or prevent radon entry. The technique used most often and successfully is sub-slab or sub-membrane active soil depressurization."
The School Board President wrote to EPA after a local contractor had installed air filters to reduce the radon levels in an elementary school. The filters did not mitigate the radon. This method was used despite the concerns of parents who had researched radon and found that filtration is not the method recommended by EPA for mitigating radon. Read a more detailed account of this story here.
For years, EPA has been clear regarding radon mitigation in homes, schools and all buildings. The proven, most effective method for achieving radon reduction consists of a radon fan connected to suction pipe(s) to draw the radon gas from below the house or school and release it into the outdoor air while simultaneously creating a negative pressure (vacuum) beneath the slab. See EPA's online booklet, "Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction".
To find some solutions for radon mitigation in your own home or office building, please have a look at HomeAire's selection of radon test kits, radon mitigation fans, and other radon informational resources.
Pat Everett
Spruce Environmental Technologies and HomeAire
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: May 2, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Tags: active soil depressurization, radon, radon fan, radon mitigation, radon mitigation fan, radon reduction, radon test kit
Filed under: Radon Testing and Awareness
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You've heard of the Atkin's Diet, the South Beach Diet, even the Cookie Diet, but have you heard of the Hundred Mile Diet? If you're watching your figure and counting calories and carbs, you may not have. This is because the Hundred Mile Diet has nothing to do with focusing on your weight - it has to do with being healthy, supporting local businesses, and helping the environment in the process. As farmers' markets open for the Spring and fresh produce abounds, maybe you'd like to try your hand at the Hundred Mile Diet. It's got 100% guaranteed results, and you'll feel great about it.
So what exactly is the Hundred Mile Diet? It's exactly what it sounds like - purchasing only the produce, meats, and other products grown, harvested, and packaged within 100 miles of your home. Of course, this will be easier for some people to implement than others, depending on your location and the season. But even if you can't contain it to a 100 mile radius, even a 200, 300 or even 500 mile radius is better than nothing!
So how do you transition to the Hudred Mile Diet?
Continue reading "The Hundred Mile Diet - How Buying Locally can Help to Support Local Farmers and the Environment" »
Posted by HomeAire Blogging Team
Posted Date: April 30, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Tags: buying locally, eating locally, green living, hundred mile diet
Filed under: Green Living
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