Clean Air Blog

Austin Air HealthMate – A Family of Lifelong Allergy Sufferers Finds Relief

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:00:48 +0000

The Austin Air HealthMate is perfect if you want an all-around, easy-to-use air purifier. You take it out of the box, plug it in, and off it goes. I’ve had allergies since I was a child, so I wanted something to help clean the air we breathe at home. My son suffers from similar allergies, making me determined to find a purifier that would ease his sniffles, as well. After looking at a lot of different units, I decided on the Austin Air HealthMate.

It has three settings, which means it couldn’t be simpler. In terms of noise, the low setting is barely noticeable. The high setting, though louder, will significantly increase the air circulation in your room – which is great when the goal is to remove impurities from that very air. We leave it on the low setting at night and sleep right through. Any noise isn’t enough to keep us awake, which was a big consideration in our choice.

In four or five years, the filter will need to be replaced. One filter replacement in half a decade? That’s what I’m talking about! I didn’t want to bother with filter replacements every few months and I knew I’d be the one ordering the filters, so I figured I’d make it easy on myself. All I have to do is vacuum the outside of the purifier every month or so and I can do that in the course of my normal cleaning routine. Simple and low-maintenance – what every mom wants to hear.

I’ve been able to breathe easier since getting the HealthMate. I know it’s constantly working to get rid of the pollen and dust that seem to turn my body against me. Since it has a medical-quality HEPA filter, I know that it’s trapping even the tiny particles that might otherwise slip through. Within a week of starting to use it, I noticed a difference in our air quality. It was a surprise to find that my respiratory system suddenly felt clearer. I even noticed my little boy sneezing less, which has been such a relief.

We have cats at home and not only does the HealthMate reduce the amount of shed hairs floating in the air, it also reduces the smell of their litter box. I especially liked the HealthMate because it comes with so much activated carbon and zeolite. I know the carbon is supposed to help get rid of odors; a lot of other filters I looked at were only “carbon-coated” or had small amounts of carbon. That’s not true of the HealthMate. It’s serious about getting rid of smells and other impurities.

Austin Air’s HealthMate isn’t cheap. In my opinion, that’s why it works. That old saying, “you get what you pay for,” perfectly applies here. I wanted to make sure I didn’t waste money buying a cheap purifier that I’d just have to replace when it broke or didn’t work. That won’t be the case with the HealthMate. It even comes with a warranty, which I appreciated. It’s always reassuring when a company will stand behind its products. While it may be more expensive than other air purifiers, I find that it’s well worth the money for what you get in quality. The unit isn’t small or flimsy – I believe this will last for longer than five years, whereas I couldn’t say that for many others. Plus, we know it won’t fall apart if our son knocks into it, which is always a concern with a rambunctious child in the house.

It does what it says it will, but even better, it does it well. When it comes to protecting the health of my family, that’s all that really matters. Austin Air has met and exceeded all my expectations. I’m so happy I bought the Austin HealthMate air purifier. I don’t know what I’d do without it.

Lisa C., Columbus, OH

Air Pollution Elevates Blood Pressure, Increases Rate of Arterial Thickening

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:00:19 +0000

A new Harvard study shows that soot can elevate blood pressure in older men. Another USC study shows that living near a freeway can double the rate of arterial thickening, the kind which leads to heart attack and stroke. Both studies show that exposure to air pollution is linked with higher rates of cardiovascular issues. If you’re concerned about cardiovascular health, you should be reducing your exposure to air pollution as much as possible. The best way to do this is to improve your indoor air quality with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier.

Harvard Study Findings

The Harvard study measured the blood pressure of 800 older Massachusetts men, three separate times. The men were all around 72 and were participating in a long-term Veterans Affairs study. Researchers correlated the blood pressure measurements with air samples that measured black carbon concentrations on seven days leading up to the blood pressure measurements. They found that an increase of 0.4 microgram per cubic meter of air was related to an increase of 3 millimeters of mercury for systolic pressure and 2.25 mmHg for diastolic pressure.

They also studied the men’s genetic code, looking for specific changes in DNA sequences that may be correlated with a response to black carbon levels. Previous studies have identified certain microRNA genes that regulate the expression of other genes. They found correlations between certain of these genes and a lowered blood-pressure response to the level of soot in the air. But genes are very complicated and may control several things, so much more study is needed. The goal, according to researcher Elissa Wilker, is to “better characterize the pathways that are responsible for susceptibility to pollution.” If a certain gene could be linked to higher sensitivity to certain pollutants, people could be screened for that gene and could adjust their exposure to certain pollutants. For example, if your blood pressure is more sensitive to soot, you would know not to live along a major roadway or work in proximity to one.

USC Study Findings

Another study at the University of Southern California highlights how exposure to air pollution thickens the artery walls more quickly, potentially leading to more cardiovascular disease. That study is the very first one to link outdoor air pollution with the progression of arterial thickening in humans. The study found that people who lived within 100 meters of a Los Angeles freeway had arterial wall thickening twice the rate of those that lived further away. It showed that environmental factors may play a much larger role in heart disease than was previously thought. Before, doctors could only counsel people to change their diet and increase exercise as a means of reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke. But given this new research, improving air quality may also be a way of reducing one’s risk.

Air Purifiers for Reduced Exposure

Since we can’t impact the larger levels of air pollution, the most effective way to immediately reduce exposure to air pollution is to improve your indoor air quality. People take 9 out of every 10 breaths indoors. Improving your indoor air quality can thus reduce your total exposure to airborne pollutants. By far, the most effective way to improve air in your home is to get a HEPA air purifier. HEPA filters are proven to remove 99.97% of airborne particles of .3 microns and above, including the deleterious black carbon that makes up soot. To get a HEPA rating, filters must be independently tested based on standards regulated by the Department of Energy. For many people, moving out of homes within 100 meters of a freeway just isn’t an option. If you’re like them, a HEPA air purifier is the quickest, simplest way to address concerns about indoor air quality. It’s just a smart investment, especially for those with a family history of heart disease or those who live close to major roadways.

How Will an Air Purifier Improve the Quality of Air in My Home?

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:00:41 +0000

It seems completely counterintuitive, but the air inside your home is anywhere between five to ten times more polluted than the air outside. Obviously there are pollutants outdoors, but they just pass through with the wind. The air in your home, on the other hand, stays trapped within the walls. Beyond pollutants that come in from outside, pets, common household cleaners and other products such as paint contain contaminants that compromise the air in your home. Of course you want to provide the optimal living conditions for your family and an air purifier is your best choice for protecting your family against breathing in unclean air.

How Do Allergens Get into My Home?

Even with the most scrutinizing cleaning, it is impossible to keep allergens from coming through your door. As you walk through the door, pollutants are there clinging to your clothing, the bottom of your shoes or following close behind you. Pets bring allergens in from outdoors and add their own in the form of dander and hair shedding. No matter how diligent you are about keeping them under control, mold spores, dust and pollen will make their way into your home.

Will an Air Purifier be Effective in My Home?

Absolutely. Air purifiers, especially those utilizing HEPA filters, can easily handle the allergens dwelling in your home. HEPA filters are the gold standard of the filter world because they effortlessly eliminate 99.97% of particles in the air. By capturing these particles and filtering them out of the air, they will no longer be floating around your home and into your family’s upper respiratory system causing irritation and allergies. Air purifiers constantly work to competently remove whatever allergens make it in through your windows and doors.

How Do Common Household Cleaners Harm the Air in My Home?

When you want to keep your family from harmful germs you use common household cleaners. Unfortunately these cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are released out into the air with every spray of the bottle. VOCs can cause upper respiratory problems as well as exacerbate existing conditions. Consciously buying cleaners that do not contain VOCs can lessen their presence in your home, but it is nearly impossible to remove it completely as most paints contain VOCs as well. Since VOCs are an almost certain reality in your home, do not put your family’s health at risk any longer and order an air purifier from Clean Air Plus.

HEPA filters remove common pollutants from the air such as pollen, dander and other visible irritants. Quality models include an activated charcoal filter as well that absorbs vapors and gasses from the air. This includes VOCs as well as other impurities in your home’s air. An air purifier that utilizes a HEPA filter paired with an activated charcoal filter will work to make your home as clean as possible, helping your family breathe easy.

What Benefits Will I Notice with an Air Purifier?

Owners of air purifiers testify to an ease of breathing, lessened allergy problems and relief from various upper respiratory problems. It is always beneficial to remove pollutants from the air in your home and it is amazing what a difference you will notice in the quality of air you breathe in.

What Makes a Home Air Purifier Superior?

As with most products that become popular, manufacturers race to find out how to make them as cheaply as possible. Air purifiers are no exception and you definitely get what you pay for. Cheaper models will need parts replaced more frequently and may not work as efficiently as a higher quality model. Higher quality models use activated charcoal filters and HEPA filters, preceded by a pre-filter. The pre-filter catches larger particles, extending the life of the HEPA filter.

We sell only the highest quality air purifier systems at Clean Air Plus from the top three manufacturers, Amaircare, Austin Air and IQAir. These air purifiers are made of quality parts to work efficiently and constantly at removing pollutants from the air in your home.

Air Purifiers: An Excellent Option for Pet Owners

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:54:12 +0000

Pets are a wonderful addition to any home. If you are fortunate enough to have a cat or dog in your family, more than likely no one has any severe allergies or sensitivities to the hair or dander. However, breathing these irritants in day after day can irritate your upper respiratory system over time. Constant dusting and vacuuming can lessen the problem, but it is impossible to always be cleaning and the dander just builds up in between vacuuming. How can you have breathable air clear from dander and hair while still owning pets? By ordering an air purifier today.

How Come Cleaning Isn’t Enough?

Regardless of the type of cat or dog your pet is, pet dander is a fact of life. The more pets you have, the more dander there will be floating around indoors, comprising your respiratory system. The air in your home is already polluted by particles in the form of dust mites, mold spores, pollen and other allergens; pet dander can just exacerbate this problem.

All the vacuuming in the world would never be enough to ensure there are no pollutants in the air. Sometimes this can even make the problem worse by circulating the dander back into the air. The cleanliness of a house can be instantly ruined by a dog passing through and innocently shaking off. Air purifiers, which will constantly work to pull dander and hair out of the air, are the only way to guarantee easy breathing.

How Can a HEPA Air Purifier Help?

There is nothing worse than having a guest over and seeing hair fly everywhere as they slam a hand down on the end of the couch. It also seems like this is the time that hair built up on the carpet looks most noticeable. Think about how much you can see with the naked eye; now imagine how much is floating around that is not visible to the naked eye. It is these smaller particles that can cause the most damage, getting into your upper respiratory system and creating all sorts of problems.

HEPA air purifiers work excellently to relieve allergies as they pull allergens out of the air. Although there might not be anyone in your home with allergies, customers have reported relief from problems including sinusitis and asthma as well. HEPA air purifiers are so effective, the results are felt quickly.

Enjoy Your Pet without the Dander with Clean Air Plus

Order a HEPA air purifier today to begin enjoying the benefits as soon as possible. It is important to make sure the air purifier you choose utilizes a HEPA filter as well as a pre-filter and can easily handle the size of your house. At Clean Air Plus we offer air purifiers exclusively from the top three manufacturers: Austin Air, IQAir and Amaircare. By offering the best out there, we take the guesswork out of buying an air purifier so you do not have to worry whether or not you are getting a great product.

Pets are an excellent part of any family and enjoying them without being bothered by dander and hair is even better. A HEPA Air Purifier is the only way to ensure guests will not know you have a pet except for the cute fur-ball sitting at their feet. Order from Clean Air Plus and rest assured you will be breathing better in no time.

An Air Purifier to Help You Breathe Easy in the Bedroom

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:53:20 +0000

When you are at home the majority of your time is more than likely spent in your bedroom. This is especially true when you factor in the six to eight hours of sleep you get every night. A bedroom is supposed to be your quiet sanctuary, a place to rest up for the coming day. Unfortunately, there are silent predators polluting the air which compromise those precious hours of sleep.

How to Make Your Bedroom Healthier

Since your bedroom plays such a pivotal role in your life, it is important to make sure it is as hospitable as possible. Air indoors is anywhere from three to five times more polluted than air outdoors. Because of this, it is important to make sure you proactively remove these pollutants instead of silently breathing them in. Here are seven tips to ensure a higher quality environment:

Reduce – Remove unnecessary clutter whether it is furniture, piles of blankets or other needless items that just become dust collectors. A bedroom should ideally contain only a bed, nightstand and dresser. Televisions and computers introduce even more chemicals into the air and should be kept out of the bedroom as well.
Downsize Books – The pages within books are a prime habitat for dust mites and other germs, having bookshelves in the bedroom just adds more contaminants to the air. Reading books is a great way to unwind before going to bed though so just make sure to freeze the book you are reading before bringing it into the bedroom.
Go Green, but Not too Green – While studies have shown that plants are helpful in removing various toxins from the air, too many can cause problems. Mold can grow on top of the soil, defeating the purpose of having plants in the bedroom. Have a couple of plants if you choose, but do not have so many that your bedroom is a humid, germ-harboring jungle.
Air Out Dry Cleaned Clothes – Dry cleaning utilizes chemicals which will evaporate into the air in your closet and seep out into your bedroom. Allow them to air out in a more ventilated area before bringing them into the bedroom.
Create a No Shoes Policy – We wear shoes to protect our feet from contaminants, it only makes sense to remove them before entering the bedroom. Shoes track in all sorts of pollutants including pesticides, dirt and various other chemicals. If your shoes have to stay in your room, allow them to air out somewhere else before storing them.
Remove Your Carpet – Hardwood floors or ceramic tiles are the best route to go for flooring. Carpet harbors dust mites and other germs and creates a perfect breeding ground. Even constant vacuuming cannot keep such a perfect breeding ground in check. These contaminants float up and cause a whole host of allergies and upper respiratory problems.
Clean the Air with a HEPA Air Purifier – Out of all the suggestions outlined, this is the most important and one of the easiest to implement immediately. An efficient air purifier removes 99.97% of toxins and particles from the air and is essentially the only way to ensure clean air.

HEPA Air Purifiers Ensure a Beneficial Night’s Sleep

A HEPA air purifier is essential if you would like to improve the quality of your bedroom’s environment. Carbon filters, utilized by higher quality models, remove the tiniest of particles from the air. This includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical and gas vapors, beyond capturing common particles like dust and pollen. It is a practical purchase for allergy and sinus relief.

Your Trusted HEPA Air Purifier Source: Clean Air Plus

At Clean Air Plus it is easy to find a high quality air purifier that uses a HEPA filter. We carry only the top three manufacturers, IQAir, Amaircare and Austin Air so you do not have to guess whether or not you are making the best purchase possible. Keep your promise to yourself about being healthier today and make your bedroom the haven it should be.

How Does a HEPA Air Purifier Work?

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:52:09 +0000

HEPA air purifiers are one of the most efficient and advanced methods of removing particles and pollutants from indoor air. Air quality inside a typical home can be diminished due to dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and many other substances too small to see that float suspended in the air and can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Young children, older adults, and those who suffer from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to the bad effects of these contaminants and can often benefit from cleaner, more wholesome air inside their homes.

What is HEPA technology?

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, a technology first developed in the 1940s and used during the Manhattan Project to control the dispersion of radioactive particles within the complex. HEPA filters were manufactured for commercial use soon after the war ended; HEPA technology has improved steadily throughout the years and today it is used in numerous commercial, health care, and manufacturing applications including computer component clean rooms, hospitals, research facilities, and nuclear power plants. Large-scale HEPA filtration systems help to prevent the spread of contaminants and pollutants and help to ensure indoor air quality in the environments where it matters most; home units use the same technology to reduce the particulates in the air and provide a healthier living environment for families like yours.

How do HEPA filters work?

Most HEPA filters are composed of thin, densely-packed glass fibers arranged in a special way so that air molecules can pass through, but larger pollutant molecules are trapped within the fiberglass mat. Particles can be trapped in a number of ways. Some particles are directly intercepted by the glass fibers and adhere to the HEPA filter, remaining trapped until the filter is cleaned or replaced. Other particles become trapped when they come in partial contact with one of the fibers and are pressed against the fibers due to the constant air flow passing through the HEPA filter, while many of the remaining particles either become attached to already-trapped particles or are drawn to the fibers by movements of the air molecules within the HEPA filter itself. Because of the unique design of the fiberglass mat, HEPA filters can trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger; this can make a significant difference in the quality of indoor air by eliminating many of the particles and pollutants that can trigger asthma or allergy attacks in susceptible individuals.

Is a HEPA air purifier right for my family?

HEPA air purifiers are used by hospitals and health care facilities to help prevent the spread of infection and to provide the cleanest, purest air available for their patients. Obviously, cleaner air is preferable; this is especially true in homes with small children or family members who suffer from various respiratory ailments. By removing harmful pollutants and particles from the air, it may be possible to reduce the incidence of allergy and asthma attacks and to make sensitive individuals more comfortable in the home environment. If you have pets, a HEPA air purifier can reduce the amount of pet dander and floating hair in the air, making your home a healthier and more pleasant place to live; HEPA filters can sometimes even reduce the characteristic pet odor associated with your four-footed friends. Additionally, HEPA filters are designed to help eliminate dust mites, one of the most pernicious air contaminants. Dust mites are notoriously hard to get rid of; HEPA air purification systems can ensure that they are safely filtered out of your air supply and away from children and sensitive family members. A high-quality HEPA filtration system combined with HEPA vacuum bags for your vacuum cleaner can virtually eliminate your dust mite problem and make your home more comfortable and safer for your entire family.

How can I protect my family with HEPA technology?

The air quality experts at Clean Air Plus sell only the highest quality air purification systems from respected and reputable manufacturers like Austin Air, IQAir, and Amaircare. This ensures that every air purifier sold by Clean Air Plus meets exacting standards of efficiency and incorporates the latest technologies including medical-grade HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. Clean Air Plus stands behind the products they sell and offers outstanding customer service before and after the sale. You can purchase with confidence, knowing that Clean Air Plus sells only the best, highest-quality air purifiers with proven track records of providing cleaner air for homes and families. Discover the difference that pure, clean air can make for your family. Our helpful, courteous customer service staff will be happy to help you find the HEPA air purifier system that’s right for you and your home.

The Integrity of Austin Air Purifiers – Quality Made in the USA

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:17:11 +0000

Austin Air is a pioneer in the air cleaning industry and remains one of the most trusted air purifier manufacturers. The company’s commitment to integrity is paramount in its business practices, manufacturing, and customer service.

Business Integrity – Made in the USA

Austin Air believes in its corporate responsibility to the country. As such, the company has made a specific effort to keep all manufacturing at home in the United States. Austin Air knows that Americans build the best products in the world, that companies can still be profitable employing American workers, and that the benefits of doing so are far greater than any cost.

Companies sending jobs offshore are concerned solely about their bottom lines. They don’t consider the secondary costs of their decisions – in lost jobs, a slowed economy, and the short-changing of the American people. Whatever costs they save increase their profits; they don’t pass along those savings to consumers. It’s a short-sighted policy in that it harms the companies over the long-term. Their customers have to pay just as much for a product of lower quality and they know it. That erodes customer loyalty. Americans won’t be loyal to companies that aren’t loyal to them.

Austin Air believes there is a better way. It has pioneered the air cleaning industry and even today, has the world’s largest manufacturing facility of air purifier systems. Everything from the filter, to the powder coating, to the final assembly is made in-house in the USA.

Testing Integrity – Independent Labs

Austin Air believes in using only independent, third-party testing facilities for its products. Air cleaners are submitted to the most stringent government and third-party testing facilities. The tests are designed to protect the American consumer by ensuring that products do what they say they will. While other companies might send their products to be tested by private companies so they can guarantee a favorable result, Austin Air believes in the integrity of independent testing.

Tests on everything from flow design, flow rate, and the removal of vapors, sub-micron particles, and gases are performed by the Army Corp of Engineers at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center and by Battelle Laboratories. The latter is one of the most respected laboratories in the world. These independent tests continue to show that Austin Air produces air purification systems with quality so superior that the US Military asked Austin Air to provide the air cleaners for the largest ever deployment of air cleaning systems. In addition, the Red Cross chose Austin Air systems to clean the indoor air in New York City after 9/11.

Manufacturing Integrity – Quality Materials

All Austin Air products are made of solid steel and non-toxic powder-coated paint. Quality materials allow their air systems to be strong, reliable, and long-lasting. Every Austin Air purifier uses an activated carbon filter as well as a medical-grade HEPA filter. HEPA filters were created by the Atomic Energy Commission to protect people from airborne radioactive particles. Medical-grade HEPA filters remove 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns and 95% of particles down to 0.1 microns. They’re the most efficient particulate filters available on the market. HEPA filters used in Austin Air systems are the same ones trusted by hospitals to stop the spread of disease and purify air in operating rooms. But their systems also include activated carbon filters, which remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals, and toxic fumes. Quality filters and construction make Austin Air’s products stand out from all the rest.

Customer Service Integrity – Worry Free

Austin Air prides itself on delivering an air cleaning system that you can believe in. Their warranty removes the risk of buying an air purifier. Every Austin Air purifier includes a 5-year warranty on craftsmanship and materials as well as a 5-year pro-rated warranty on the filter. These safeguards allow you to purchase with peace of mind, knowing that the product will work as it should, providing all the benefits of healthy, clean air. If you’re concerned about improving indoor air quality and you want a superior product made in the USA, look no further than Austin Air.

Allergy Products Worth Their Cost

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:49:12 +0000

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology states that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. It’s little wonder why the market for allergy-relief products is big business. A myriad of products claim to relieve the sniffles, sneezing, coughing, and other aches and pains that come with allergies, but we all wonder, do these products really do what they say? Especially in a down economy, no one wants to waste money on something that won’t improve our lives. Here’s a short guide to the most common allergy products and in what circumstances they work.

Arm Yourself with Allergy Information

Buying a product without knowing what you’re allergic to is a roll of the dice. The product may actually work, but if you’re allergic to something it doesn’t affect, it may not help you. Many allergy experts suggest that you get an allergy test before buying anything. Allergy tests help determine what you’re allergic to – from pollen to dander to dust mites. Usually this takes the form of a skin-scratch test and the results can be very helpful. Once you’ve narrowed down your allergies, then you can start looking for a product that will help reduce your exposure to triggers.

HEPA Purifiers to Clear the Air

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles .3 microns and above. This makes HEPA purifiers particularly good at clearing the air of triggers that tend to stay airborne like pollen and animal dander, among others. These tiny particles can remain airborne for long periods of time, so HEPA filters are necessary for anyone sensitive to such substances. On the other hand, if you’re allergic to dust mites, HEPA filters may not be as helpful since dust mite allergens tend to settle quite quickly. That said, they can be launched into the air during cleaning, like vacuuming, so HEPA filters may still help some.

One thing to note about HEPA purifiers is that to get a HEPA rating, the filter must be independently tested; testing is regulated by the Department of Energy. Buyers should be wary of products that say things like “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-like.” They’re not real HEPA-rated. The best air purifiers – like those made by IQAir, Amaircare, and Austin Air – have genuine HEPA filters.

Dehumidifiers Curtail Dust Mites

Dehumidifiers are worthwhile if you’re allergic to dust mites. Dust mites don’t live well in humidity below 50%. If you can keep humidity down, especially in summer, you can limit their reproduction. It may be difficult to get humidity down to low enough levels with a dehumidifier, however. Still, this is an option for those specifically allergic to dust mites.

Air Conditioners Do Double Duty

Air conditioners are good for those with dust mite allergies and pollen allergies. They reduce humidity levels in the home – slowing the growth of dust mites – and they reduce indoor pollen exposure by recirculating air. People should take care not to use fans, however. Window and attic fans draw in air full of pollen from the outdoors.

Change Bedding for Fewer Dust Mites

Dust mites feed off dead human skin cells, which makes bedding and carpets fertile breeding grounds for these microscopic creatures. If you have a dust mite allergy, make sure bedding is covered with an impermeable barrier. There are many types of allergen-resistant bedding to choose from, but only spend the money if you’re allergic to dust mites. Blankets and sheets should also be washed weekly in hot water.

Clean the Air of Cleaning Supplies

Traditional cleaning supplies in spray bottles often launch chemical cleaners into the air, causing them to be inhaled. This can irritate the lungs and cause asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies, you tend to be more sensitive anyway, so consider switching out traditional cleaners with natural ones or for the kind you pour out and rub on. It should be noted, HEPA purifiers do help remove the airborne chemicals put out by traditional spray cleaners.

Be Wise about Indoor Air Quality

People take 9 out of every 10 breaths indoors. That makes cleaning your indoor air of paramount importance if you have allergies. Many people don’t realize it, but indoor air is often many times more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air often also contains chemicals from the manufacturing of furniture and even the house itself. These chemical glues, paints, and solvents can actually off-gas pollutants into the indoor air, pollutants not found outside the home. Such chemicals linger for years and continue to be put off by construction materials, which is part of what makes them so insidious: they can worsen or accelerate allergies without your knowledge. For such a situation, a HEPA air purifier with activated carbon is essential; it will help remove chemicals and odors from the air and reduce your exposure to potentially hazardous substances.

Reduce Exposure to Potentially-Hazardous VOCs with an Air Purifier

admin — Sun, 16 May 2010 21:47:30 +0000

A new study suggests that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can potentially harm lung function and may exacerbate symptoms of heart or lung disease in the elderly. Scientists recommend reducing your exposure to VOCs, especially if you already have a cardiovascular condition. There are many ways to reduce such exposure, one of the most effective of which is to get an air purifier that filters out these harmful airborne chemicals.

Indoor Air Quality

People spend most of their time indoors. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that people take 9 out of every 10 breaths indoors, making indoor air quality extremely important. The EPA has also estimated that indoor air is two to three-times more polluted than outdoor air. That pollution includes VOCs from manufactured household materials, concentrations of which are often five times higher indoors than outdoors.

Volatile Organic Compounds

VOCs have become more of a concern in recent years, though they’ve been around for decades. These compounds are released by manufactured household products. For example, many types of pressed wood contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that releases chemical fumes into the air for years. This is called off-gassing and it can be odorless and undetectable by your senses. Its hidden nature is what makes it so potentially harmful. Paints, treated wood, varnishes, air fresheners, mattresses, box springs, sheets, even the glue used in carpeting, all of it likely contains formaldehyde or similar chemical compounds. It’s practically everywhere, problematic for those who are sensitive or have cardiovascular conditions.

Effects of VOCs

Symptoms of exposure to VOCs in the short term include irritation of the eye, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, coughing, dizziness, skin rashes, nausea, nosebleeds, and even vomiting. Long-term effects include liver damage, kidney damage, and nervous system damage. That’s in addition to the study suggesting VOCs exacerbate cardiovascular conditions in the elderly.

New Study Findings

South Korean researchers published a new study in the European Respiratory Journal concluding that exposure to everyday levels of VOCs may harm the elderly. In that study, they tested the lung function of 161 elderly subjects with no history of VOC exposure at work. They measured the amount of air they inhaled with each breath as well as the speed with which the air flowed. Urine samples were tested for byproducts of four kinds of VOCs as well as for levels of oxidative stress. Each subject was tested up to 8 times on different days.

The researchers found a correlation between two VOC byproducts, toluene and xylene, and decreased lung function. People who had byproducts in the 90th percentile experienced a 1% decrease in the amount of air they could exhale in one second when compared with people who had byproducts in the 10th percentile. Researcher Dr. Yun-Chul Hong of the Seoul National University College of Medicine stated, “this amount of reduction could exacerbate existing lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or give additional burden to existing heart disease.”

While they are correlated, the researchers were careful to point out that this doesn’t prove VOCs cause decreased lung function, so more studies are needed. They also discovered a potential way that VOCs might indirectly harm lung function – through oxidative stress. Those with higher levels of VOCs also had higher numbers of oxidative-stress markers. An increase in oxidative-stress markers is related to decreased lung function.

Reduce Exposure with Air Purifiers

If you’re concerned about the effects of VOCs, the best thing to do is limit your VOC exposure. Given that so many products include VOCs, one broad way to reduce exposure is to get a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier. HEPA filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles of size .3 microns and above. Many also come with activated carbon filters, which soak up chemical fumes and odors. A HEPA air purifier is the best way to reduce exposure after the fact, especially for those who can’t afford to replace carpeting, paint, furniture, and beds.

Going forward, however, you should be aware of where VOCs lurk and alternative VOC-free options. If you’re repainting your house, make sure to get VOC-free paint. If you’re getting a new table or new shelving in the kitchen, get formaldehyde-free, untreated wood. If you’re getting rid of old carpet, considering installing natural bamboo in its place. Small, incremental steps can help address a larger problem and when paired with a quality HEPA air purifier, offer an effective way of reducing exposure on several fronts.

Seasonal Allergies, Triggers, and Clearing the Air with a HEPA Filter

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 21:50:01 +0000

The beauty of spring can be misleading – it brings with it the onset of seasonal allergies that can make your life miserable, and can especially affect your kids. One out of every seven children experiences seasonal allergies. Symptoms start in early spring and may last all the way into fall. The best way to reduce their severity is to reduce exposure to allergic triggers. For the most common allergic trigger – airborne plant pollen – it’s essential to get a HEPA air purifier and ensure you and your family breathes clean, healthy air.

Causes and Effects of Allergies

Seasonal allergies are sometimes called allergic rhinitis or even hay fever. Symptoms flare up when you’re exposed to an allergic trigger. Everyone’s triggers are individual, but common ones include pollen, animal dander, dust, and so on. When speaking of pollen, you naturally think of flowers, but bees actually carry floral pollen. The most common allergic trigger is actually weed pollen from plants like ragweed, thistle or sagebrush. Kentucky bluegrass also produces allergic pollen, as do trees like oak, elm, and ash. These kinds of pollen blow in the wind and easily enter your nasal passages.

When such an allergic trigger comes into contact with your nasal membranes, the body’s immune system kicks in, releasing histamines to fight off what it sees as an invader. Histamines cause all the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction – itchiness, runny eyes and nose, coughing, sneezing, and congestion. While these symptoms are hardly life-threatening, they do impact the way you feel and can affect your children’s ability to concentrate in school. They’re not to be taken lightly.

Risk Factors for Allergies

What causes sensitivity in some people over others is a bit of a question. A family history of allergies definitely contributes. New research also suggests that the overuse of antibiotics may be linked to allergies. If true, it provides an explanation as to why allergies have been on the rise for the past four decades. Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria and as a result, the immune system doesn’t receive the beneficial effects of those good bacteria. Some doctors are also concerned about the use of vaccines, proposing that vaccination may cause an immune system imbalance that can contribute to allergies.

Treating Allergies

Many people take over-the-counter medications to fight off allergy symptoms. While not inherently bad, like every medication, they come with side effects. One of the most significant with allergy medications is drowsiness. They can make you feel fuzzy and tired and unable to face the day, in effect switching one set of irritants for another. Further, use of antihistamines for extended periods of time has been linked to anxiety, depression, and even impaired thinking abilities.

There are ways to address allergy symptoms without taking pills every day. The allergic triggers cause the reaction, so it follows that reduced exposure to triggers can help reduce symptoms generally. The obvious way is to clean the air, most especially the air that children breathe. Since nasal membranes are the primary site of irritation, clearing the air of allergic triggers can help lessen children’s exposure to the very substances that their bodies reject. And the proven way to purify your air is with a HEPA air filter.

HEPA Filters for Clean Air

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the very best in air filtration. They trap 99.97% of airborne particles .3 microns and above. Parents should purchase one for children’s bedrooms and run them all the time. They trap pollen, dust, dander, and many other airborne particles, removing them from the air so that they don’t end up irritating children’s nasal passages and causing an allergic reaction.

Parents should also take other steps to reduce sources of allergic triggers. Keep windows shut on windy days. Remove old carpets. Vacuum often, but only when children are away from the room. Cover air vents with filters. Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water at least once a week.

Cleansing the nasal passages with a saline solution can also help. And pay attention to the food children eat. Many people are allergic to wheat and dairy, but don’t realize it. It may help to limit them during allergy season. Eating more of the foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories may also help, like fish, nuts, berries, tomatoes, and oranges. Antioxidants fight the damage caused by free radicals, making them ideal for helping boost immunity. Herbal teas that contain anti-inflammatories like nettle and red clover can also help soothe allergic symptoms.

While natural medicine may also help strengthen the immune system, the tried-and-true method of reducing exposure to airborne allergens is the use of a HEPA filter. Getting a HEPA air purifier should be first on the list for anyone looking to clear the air of irritants.