April 25, 2008

How Air Quality Affects Your Baby

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Baby with pacifier.jpg As you prep the nursery to ensure a healthy and happy environment for your newest family member, keep in mind that sometimes the basics can make all the difference. Though the new shade of paint and wall paper borders may make an ordinary room look like an adorable baby boudoir, they may bring some unseen complications. The same applies to even the most common and necessary articles in your baby survival kit, like your baby’s crib or baby powder.

The one element that is often overlooked in nursery renovations how the changes will affect the quality of the air that your baby breathes. Research has shown that in more modern homes with almost airtight construction, air pollution can be many times worse than that which occurs outdoors.

Babies Are More Susceptible to Air Quality Problems

The impact that air quality has on children and infants is enormous. This is partially due to the fact that their lungs are still developing and therefore are more sensitive than an adult’s. Another reason why babies are so susceptible to air quality ills is because of the over size of their lungs. What would represent a small amount of air pollution for a pair of parent’s lungs would constitute a huge problem to lungs that are less than a quarter the size of an adults’. Yet, size is not the only factor: babies take many more breaths per hour than an adult, so they have greater exposure to air quality problems.

Start Basic:

Cleaning up the air in the nursery should be a priority on an expectant parent’s “to do” list. Running an air purifier in a child’s room will reduce overall exposure to airborne contaminants. This in turn may shield them from developing respiratory problems like allergies or asthma or even more life-threatening conditions related to air quality, such as COPD or cancer.

Several lines of air purifiers like the IQ Air HealthPro Plus or Dynamic Air Quality Solutions’ CT100 employ both HEPA filters to catch fine particles and carbon to absorb harmful fumes. This HEPA and carbon combination is recommended over ionic or o-zone producing machines. IQ Air is one company that has fine-tuned their line of air purifiers to remove the full gambit of air quality concerns. The HEPA filters catch even the tiniest of particles in the air (baby powder pollen, dust, etc) as well as eliminate many other air concerns like formaldehyde from furniture glues and carpeting. Based on consumer reports, the IQAir models are considered a “best buy”—but the peace of mind that they offer to parents is priceless.

More Clean-Air Tips for Nurseries:

Here are some commonly overlooked air concerns that have tremendous effects on air quality in baby’s rooms.

Baby Powder

Nearly 69% of parents use baby powder when changing their baby’s diapers. The talcum powder used on most baby bottoms is comprised of several combinations of zinc stearate and magnesium silicates, as well as other silicates which are finely ground. When airborne, the powder is easily inhaled into lungs and can cause pneumonia, inflammation of the airways and sometimes even result in death.

Baby-Friendly Solution:

Ointments are another method of treating or preventing diaper rashes. The switch doesn’t have to be a painful one, either: most dermatologists agree that ointments are just as effective as baby powder when it comes to treating diaper rashes.

Allergens

The United States has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of babies and children with allergies and asthma. Dust, pollen, and dust mites are very common allergens and research has shown that heavy exposure to these elements at a young age often sparks allergies (which in turn can develop into asthma if untreated).

Baby-Friendly Solution:

The key is that it is never too early to prevent contact with allergens. Though there are many ways to avoid exposure, one of the simplest is running an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Air filters like the IQ Air HealthPro Plus or the Dynamic CT100 are designed to remove 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 micrometers in size. HEPA filters are the only method of air purification endorsed by Allergists and Asthma Specialists.

Paints

A fresh coat of paint can transform any plain wall into one with pizzazz—and is often the first step in converting a room into a nursery. Latex paints are by far the most commonly used interior paints because many of them are water soluble and easy to clean up. But, after the initial application, these paints emit Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOC’s) into the air for an extended period of time (often for years). This process is known as off-gassing—and though many materials “off-gas” harmless, odorless elements, synthetic materials or materials what have been treated with synthetic substances are usually toxic.

Baby-Friendly Solution:

These fumes are readily absorbed by the activated carbon in the IQAir HealthPro Plus or Dynamic Air Quality Solutions’ CT100.
Because paints have long been associated with toxic fumes, recent attempts to protect consumers have resulted in most major brands carrying “green” paints. These paints have lower or no long-term VOC emission. Check with your local paint or home improvement store to see what is available—this little bit of extra research will ensure your baby’s health.

Furniture

Who would have ever thought that their baby’s crib or changing table could be a breathing hazard? The truth is that most varnishes and adhesives used in furniture production are quite toxic. Many of the glues used to hold these pieces together re-emit a heavy dose of formaldehyde—a known carcinogen—into the air. The same is applicable to the varnished wood of cribs, changing tables, rockers and other accoutrements in the baby’s room. The effects of VOC exposure associated with the ingredients in furniture glues and varnishes range from nausea to various forms of cancer (with long term exposure).

Baby-Friendly Solution:

Many of the newer lines of furniture being manufactured are paying closer attention to the ingredients that are used on their products. As you shop for nursery furniture, it’s always better to opt for natural or beeswax wood finishes. Again, most of the furniture pieces that are marketed as “green” or “natural” baby furniture will use glues that do not contain toxic elements like formaldehyde.
VOC’s are directly targeted by the IQ Air air purifiers. Running one in your baby’s room will ensure that the air remains healthy, whether you use the furniture that has been passed down from you grandmother or the latest and greatest on the market.

Carpeting

Though the idea of your little baby’s toes sinking into a soft carpet it much more comforting than the thought of him or her playing on a bare floor, your might want to get rid of the wall-to-wall carpeting. Most often, it is the carpeting that it responsible for producing the lion’s share of off-gassing contaminants.

Baby-Friendly Solution:

At this time, there are exceedingly few rugs that are non-toxic. Even the padding beneath carpeting is dangerous in terms of it’s affects on air quality. Though an air purifier could remove this airborne health concern as well as those associated with paint and varnish, a bare floor is going to be a much healthier choice in the long run.

Filed under Chemical Sensitivity, Allergies, Asthma, Air Quality by Dan Buglio

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March 28, 2008

In the News: Iraq War Veterans Developing Allergies

Careful analysis of over 6,000 soldiers' medical records has revealed that troops deployed to the Middle East are at an increased risk for developing allergic diseases. The comparison was made between soldiers who had served in the Persian Gulf and soldiers who were stationed stateside. "All of them say they didn't have allergies before [they served]," remarks researcher Anthony Szema, M.D., of Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Northport, N.Y.

The numbers show that 9.9% of soldiers in the middle east were developing allergies or asthma while only 5.1% of homeland stationed personnel were experiencing symptoms. This ratio held true for both men and women troops and led researchers to ask why there was such a disparity between the number of cases occurring only in the U.S. versus cases with time spent in Iraq and its surrounding area.

The study was conducted after the Department of Defense noted that 13% of all medic visits in Iraq were for new cases of allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments. After being discharged, soldiers were showing up at VA Hospitals with complaints about prolonged periods of coughing, stuffy nose and wheezing.

Experts say that much more study is needed to accurately pinpoint the cause of the pattern in developing new cases of allergies, but they do have an idea of some of the likely culprits. The tents and trailers that soldiers inhabit in the desert climate are often choked with dust contribute to general lung and throat irritation. Air conditioners that are used in these settings provide moisture that allows dust mite populations to explode. Another factor that may contribute to the problem could be lung injury due to the high amount of pollution soldiers have inhaled while in Middle East.

The recommendation made to the soldiers was to wear a protective dust mask for immediate relief– for long term protection against pollution an allergens, the use of HEPA air filters (like those made by Dynamic Air Quality Solutions) were encouraged.

To read the full article, check out CBS News.com.

Filed under In The News, Hay Fever, Chemical Sensitivity, Dust, Asthma, Allergies, Air Quality by Dan Buglio

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February 28, 2008

Spring Dust Allergies

Spring time might be marked with eager anticipation by gardeners, joggers and sun worshippers alike, but as for those who suffer from asthma or allergies, this time of year promises misery. During the winter months, most of the causes of allergy symptoms are dormant, but the warm weather beckons elements like pollen, spores and dust mites out of hiding.

Allergy symptoms often are compounded by the fact that during winter months, dust collects indoors because houses are shut up to conserve energy. Most modern constructions act like a Tupperware container when the windows and doors are kept shut during cold weather. Allergens that are tracked indoors on coats, shoes and even hair gather in corners and become concentrated.

The dust within your home is a collection of various particles, and as the springtime air fills with pollen and spores, these are also added to the mix. In addition, dust mites begin to thrive once the weather warms up and the humidity rises, creating a cocktail of allergen laden dust.

Here are 3 overall tips to keep your home allergy-free:

1. Keep your home’s temperature low (between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit)

2. Maintain low humidity (between 40%-50%)

3. Make sure that you have good ventilation

When it comes time for spring cleaning, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Begin your cleanup with a thorough sweeping. For allergic persons, it may be better to delegate this task to someone who is not affected. Use a dust mask to keep most of the particles from finding their way into your lungs and stay clear of the vacuumed rooms for 20 minutes to an hour (until the airborne dust settles again). Going over all of the surfaces with a damp cloth will remove all the settled dust.
Try to all surfaces clutter-free to avoid dust buildup. In closets, use large storage bins and plastic storage bags to keep your belongings dust-free.
Remember to wash your curtains when cleaning up your home—they are usually overlooked and can collect a lot of dust and allergens!
If you know that you are allergic to dust mites, or simply want to safe guard your mattress from a mite invasion, you might want to consider purchasing encasings for your bed and pillows. Encasings create an impenetrable layer that will keep tiny dust mites from living deep inside your mattress and making your allergy symptoms flare up.
If you have mild to moderate allergies, use an air purifier in your bedroom to remove any airborne allergens. If you have more severe allergies or seek whole-house relief, you can invest in a air purification system for your entire house. This will cut down on the amount of dust you have in your home in general. For individual air purifiers, consider Dynamic Air Quality Solutions, who make the small CT100 model– or IQAir, makers of the Health Pro Compact. For larger bedrooms, try the CT500 (for spaces up to 500 square feet) or the IQAir CG Multigas (for spaces up to 1000 square feet). For a complete whole-house air purification system, visit My Air Purifier to take a look their customizable home solutions.

Filed under Mold, Hay Fever, Dust, Allergies, Asthma, Air Quality by Dan Buglio

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February 25, 2008

Still Smoking? Watch This Video!

Here's a video that will cause everyone from chain smokers to secondhand "passive smokers" to shudder:

Still Smoking? Watch This !! - video powered by Metacafe

This video is of an experiment that was conducted in Oita, Japan to demonstrate just how much tar your lungs collect when you smoke. 400 cigarettes (or 20 packs) are unwrapped and one by one are burned in a process called the electrolization method.

The smoke from the cigarettes is drawn through a small bottle of water (the water acts much like your lungs) before the smoke is released into the air. Note the color of the water as more and more tar is collected in it.

After the tar is extracted from the cigarettes into the water, the liquid is boiled in a process known as the vaporization method. Take a look at what is left behind.

To point things in perspective:

If you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, 7.2 grams of tar like that shown in the video is deposited in your lungs every 1.25 months.

If you smoke 5 cigarettes a day, this same amount of tar is deposited every 2 months.

If you smoke 2 cigarettes a day, this amount of tar is deposited in your lungs every 6.75 months.

If you are exposed to second hand smoke on a regular basis, it could take a year or more to have 7.2 grams of tar deposited in your lungs. No matter how long it takes, would you honestly want a glob of sticky, chemical-laden tar in your lungs?

For more information of quitting and how to stay off nicotine for good, check out Determied to Quit.com.

If you live with a smoker and want to keep yourself healthy, consider how an air purifier like the IQAir CG MultiGas can spare your lungs from all that tar.

Filed under In The News, Smoke Removal, Air Quality by Dan Buglio

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February 14, 2008

4 Common Household Odors and How to Fix Them

There are countless of well-meaning air fresheners, candles, and sprays jammed into store shelves. Many of them are an olfactory delight, with scent names like “Linen and Sky” or “Citrus and Light” in the case of Fabreeze Fabric Refreshers. Though their intentions may be pure, these chemical-laden spray bottles cannot fully address the source of residential odors. The sad truth is that in some cases, using an air freshener is as ineffective in solving a smelly problem as sweeping a pile of dirt under your carpets in order to have a spotless floor. The scent will catch up with you in the end—it’s just a matter of time.

There are several reasons why you might whiff something funky indoors, and most of them have to do with bacteria build-up, decaying organic matter or the most potent of indoor pollutants: tobacco smoke.

Here are 4 different types of odors and how to eliminate them for good:

Refrigerator Odors

Here is a quick fix for most frig odor problems:

1. Remove all of your refrigerated food and toss any old, smelly items.

2. Use a solution of bleach and water or baking soda and water and wipe all the surfaces, then follow this with a clean rag moisten with only warm water.

3. Remove trays and drawer and give them a good wash down in the sink.

4. Before replacing your food items, make sure that you’ve thoroughly dried all of the surfaces.

5. Put a partially opened box of baking soda in somewhere in the frig.

Pet Odors

· If you notice that your home has a bouquet of wet dog or kitty litter, then you may want to invest in an air purifier rather than fill the air with chemicals that can be harmful to you and your pets. The IQAir CG MultiGas has been carefully designed to remove odors, particles and gases from the air without compromising your health.

· Not sure what the best way is to take care of “accidents” in the house? Here’s a few steps to help you clean them up for good:

1. Locate the source of the odor—usually this is from an “accident”, which usually means that your going to have to get down low and to the “sniff test” until you locate it.

2. Blot up any residual moisture with a paper towel.

3. Use a enzymatic cleaner to break down the proteins left behind by your pet

4. With a cloth soaked in warm water, scrub the area, and blot dry with a towel.

5. Apply a liberal amount of baking soda or other carpet powder design for pet odors and set stand for 30 minutes.

6. Vacuum the area clean.

For older odors or hard to find pet stains, you can use a portable black light to help spot stains, because the light makes the accident fluoresce (glow).

Truth be told, sometimes the best remedy for extensive “accident sites” or odor from the homes previous pets may require you to change the carpeting in your home.

Cooking Odors

· If cooking pungent smelling vegetables like cabbage or cauliflower, try boiling some cinnamon and cloves in a pan of water.

· For oven scents, place orange peels or a whole unpeeled lemon on a baking pan and turn your oven on to 300 and bake for 15 minutes.

· If you accidentally burn something in the oven, sometimes the quickest solution is switching on an air purifier, like one made by IQ Air – or if weather permits, opening a window.

Smoke Odors

Smoke odors are some of the toughest to remedy—especially when clouds of smoke and fumes are constantly being created each time a cigarette, cigar or pipe is lit.

· Try adding kitty litter to ashtrays—it does help absorb some of the odors.

· Vinegar is a mild acid that is able to cut through the tar left behind by tobacco smoke. By mixing a water and vinegar solution and wiping down non-fabric surfaces, you can remove some of the tar buildup in your home.

· Shampooing an existing carpet that smells of smoke can help alleviate the odor. You can either rent a carpet steamer and shampoo all of the carpets by yourself, or you can hire a professional company to clean them up for you.

· Baking soda will help absorb odors when sprinkled on carpets and furniture. Leave baking soda on over night and vacuum it off in the morning and repeat the process once a week to keep fabrics a little fresher.

· Curtains, shades chandeliers, light pendants and wall hangings are often an overlooked source of smoke odor. Washable items should be laundered to remove smells, but window and lamp shades may need to be replaced completely. Wipe down light pendants and chandeliers with ammonia.

· Invest in a powerful air purifier like the GC MultiGas made by IQAir or the CT500 by Dynamic Air Quality Solutions. Air purifiers are one of the best ways to eliminate smoke odors rather than covering them up with fragrances or other temporary fixes. Even if your home was previously owned by smokers, or if you are an ex-smoker, the GC MultiGas has been designed to remove the odors and fumes that are reemitted by walls and furnishings for years after the smoking has stopped.

Filed under Pets, Odors, Smoke Removal, Air Quality by Dan Buglio