Preparing for Emergencies

Some emergencies may send tiny microscopic particles into the air. For example, flooding can create airborne mold which could make you sick and an explosion may release fine debris that can cause lung damage. A biological attack or pandemic flu outbreak, such as swine flu or avian flu may spread germs that can make you ill. Many of these agents can only hurt you if they get into your body, so think about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination. If you see large amounts of smoke or debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you can tape up your windows with plastic, duct tape and scissors. Portable HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtration) Filter Fans, such as those in our Blueair or AustinAir Purifiers, can help remove contaminants from a room where you are sheltering.

Protect your nose and mouth, by wearing face masks, such as the 3M Respirators, snugly covering your nose and mouth. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for yourself and children. If you don't have a respirator/dust mask be prepared to improvise with dense weave cotton material to help filter out contaminants in an emergency.

Wildfires in Southern California are causing respiratory distress in thousands of people. Wildfire smoke contains not only toxic chemicals but also tiny particulates that can irritate the respiratory systems of people and animals. These problems range from runny noses and burning eyes to more serious illnesses like asthma attacks and bronchitis. Particulate exposure has been linked to increased risks of heart attack and stroke. Worse, the chemicals in smoke are often poisonous and can cause lingering aftereffects.

What can you do to protect yourself, your family and your pets?

It is important to reduce the amount of contaminated outdoor air that you breathe. Wearing particulate masks outdoors or using a HEPA air cleaner / air purifier in your home will significantly reduce the particles in the air, protecting your respiratory system. Keep your doors and windows closed and air conditioner on, set it to recirculate indoor air rather than draw from the outside.

Air cleaners such as the Blueair or Austin Air capture the microscopic particles that can damage your lungs. Austin Air's filters incorporate activated carbon to reduce chemicals and gasses in the air: the larger the quantity of carbon in the filter ,the greater a capacity for absorbing pollutants it has. For example, Austin Air's Healthmate HM400 has 15 pounds of activated carbon, while the smaller Healthmate HM200 has 7 pounds of activated carbon. The Blueair air purifier with a smokestop filter can filter odors and particles .3 microns and smaller in size. Blueair air purfiers filter to 99.99% effficiency at .3 microns and 99.97 efficiency at .1 microns - much higher than many other air purifiers.

Are Your Cleaning Products Safe?

You have been scrubbing all day and your house looks sparkling clean, or is it? We use chlorine bleach, scouring powder, window cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, laundry and dish washing detergents along with various disinfectants to keep our homes clean and germ free. Did you know that those same products may be adding indoor air pollution; they can be harmful if touched and poisonous if ingested. The Consumer Safety Product Commission has determined that cleaning products are some of the most dangerous substances in the home. "Of chemicals commonly found in the homes, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities."

A 1985 EPA report concluded that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than air pollution. Most poisonings happen slowly over time and with daily exposure to toxins. Household cleaning products are one of the most toxic substances that we encounter daily. Every year five to ten million household poisonings are reported. Many of these are fatal and most are children. Children are more vulnerable to toxic vapors than adults because of their higher metabolic rate. They breathe in two to three times as much air, realitive to their body size, than an adult. Young children play on the floor where they are exposed to pollutants. They are also more likely to touch areas where pesticides may have been used, on the floor, along baseboards and in cornors. Why risk your family's health when there are natural products available? Think twice before you make your next purchase and remember that there are alternative natural products on the market that are effective, safe and economical.

Dust Mite Allergies

One of the major causes of allergies and asthma are tiny spider like creatures called dust mites. These microscopic mites love warm, moist places, their main diet is dead skin cells from humans and pets. Keeping this in mind you can imagine where their favorite habitat might be, it's snuggled up in your nice warm bed. A typical used mattress has been found to contain anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites. According to Sinusnews.com, research states that 44 million homes in the U.S. have dust mite problems.

The dust mite itself does not cause an allergic reaction; the fecal matter of the mite is the culprit. An average dust mite produces approximately 20 fecal pellets each day, and the females produce 25 to 35 new mites every three weeks. Dust mite fecal matter is tiny and can float in the air when disturbed. The tiny pellets can then become easily inhaled and if you have a dust mite allergy this is where the problem begins.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have done researched on people's exposure to potential toxins and common indoor allergens. They found that most of the homes surveyed had detectable levels of dust mite allergen in bedding and mattresses. Nearly half of these homes had levels matching or exceeding the exposure threshold required for people to develop allergies, and about 25% of them had levels at or greater than the threshold for asthma. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) “People are exposed to more dust mite allergens while in bed compared to other activities performed throughout the day,” researchers at the 2001 AAAAI Annual Meeting.

There is no single solution for getting rid of all dust mites, once you have left your house you can pick up dust mites almost any place that you may go and carry them back into your house to begin again. If you are one of the more than 60 million people who suffer from dust-related allergies the best thing you can do is to try and avoid the allergen. The best way to do this is to try and decrease the amount of allergen in your home.

TIPS On Decreasing Dust Mite Allergens In Your Home
1. Encase your mattress, box spring and pillows in anti-allergen covers that zip tightly closed and are dust-proof and hypo-allergenic. Allersphere offers both Serenity and Tranquility Encasings that meet these specifications.

2 .Launder blankets, pillows, comforters and mattress pads at least once a month using hot water (130 -158 degrees) and dry on a hot cycle. This may not always be possible since hot water may damage fine linens. Allersphere offers AllerSafe and The Ecology Works laundry detergent and AllerSafe laundry additive along with Environne laundry soap which is gentle on your fine linens. They are all- temperature and free of dyes, fragrances and other irritating additives. Using anti-allergen Detergent or laundry additive also offers protection from protein based allergens caused by dust mite droppings, pet dander, mold and mildew, pollen, and smoke. Dry Cleaning will also kill dust mites but may add unwanted chemicals on your bedding.

3. Replace heavy drapery with washable curtains or blinds that can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth.

4 Keep closet doors closed.

5. Remove carpeting if possible and use washable throw rugs. If this is not possible you can use an anti-allergen spray on your carpeting every 1-3 months. We suggest AllerSafe Anti-allergen or The Ecology Works spray which neutralizes allergens caused by dust-mites and pet dander. Safe and effective a 32 oz. bottle should cover approximately 500 sq feet.

6. Keep indoor moisture low. Ideal indoor humidity is between 30-40%. Dust mites thrive and multiply rapidly in high humidity.

7. Ventilate the bathroom and use a squeegee after taking a shower, and always keep the bathroom door closed.

8. Purchase a HEPA portable air cleaner, they are made to run 24/7. There are many good ones on the market, find one that best suites your individual needs. Blueair is one of the highest rated, quietest air purifiers available; Austin Air is a great mid range air cleaner with an activated carbon filter that removes particles as small as 0.3 microns along with chemical vapors for people with chemical sensitivities. They cover from 700 sq feet (HM 200) up to 1500 sq feet (HM 400) and have filters that can last up to 5 years under normal use.