Allergy Relief Expert

Few think that their home may be a source of pollution but the truth is that the air may be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside their home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is the biggest health problem in America.

Over 40 million people in the United States are affected by allergies. An estimated 20.3 million Americans suffer from asthma and even more people suffer from upper respiratory problems that are caused by pollutants such as mold, fungi, smoke, and dust. On average we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors – which 65 percent is spent at home.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Airborne pollutants are generally divided into two classes: Particulate matter (such as plant, animal, mineral, pollen, mold, dust mites, lead, asbestos, soot, smoke, and manmade dust, etc.) and gas (combustion products, natural gas, propane, radon, plus vapor outgassed from building materials or household products).

House Allergies Effect Some Worse

The people who are especially susceptible are the very ones who spend the most time at home. However, many chronic illnesses are caused by short term exposure to indoor air pollution. What’s worse, like so much air pollution, many of the contaminating substances give no warning and produce vague and sometimes similar symptoms that are hard to narrow down to a specific cause.

Allergies Are Not From the Ducts

Advertising campaigns by duct cleaning companies in recent years has lead people to point the finger to their ductwork as the source of their indoor air pollution. However, dirty ducts are usually the symptom of a problem not the actual problem itself.  The ductwork of your house in effect acts as the respiratory system allowing conditioned air to circulate throughout the structure. If your ducts are getting dirty, you are also breathing dirty air. The initial cause of dirty ducts is the lack of particulate control. Particulates can be filtered efficiently thus reducing buildup in the air conditioning system as well as the living space.

How Many Particles Are in Indoor Air?

Each cubic foot of air in your home can contain millions of particles. Particles are commonly measured in microns, a metric unit of measure. There are 25,400 microns in one inch. A human hair can range from 40 to 300 microns. The average person breathes in about 16,000 quarts of air per day. Each quart contains over 60,000 visible and invisible particles. Approximately 98-99% of all particles by count are in the size range of 10 microns or less.

Particles 5 microns and smaller are known as respirable and typically remain in the lungs for the body to process. They will often lodge themselves in your mucous membranes and the linings of your lungs. Breathing respirable particles long term can lead to severe allergic reactions and may also lead to chronic respiratory disorders.

Living Particulate Matter

Living particles from organic sources are often referred to as bioaerosols. They can make up a very large percentage of airborne particles. One of the most alarming bioaerosol polluters is the common dust mite and is believed to be the leading cause of asthma in the home. Microscopic particles from non living mold spores, pollen spores and dead insects are also very common in the typical American home and are believed to be the primary cause of mild to severe allergies in the indoor environment.

How Can I Improve my Indoor Air?

FOUR primary methods of controlling indoor air quality is:

1. Identify the source of pollution in your house. The first step to improving your indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Be aware by reading articles such as this. Pay attention to chronic illnesses and symptoms you feel is worse in the home environment. Hire an indoor air consultant if you feel there is something wrong in your house you can’t seem to identify.Testing can determine the presence, amount, and type of allergens, molds, gas, bacteria, chemicals and other pollutants that may exist.
2. Remove and prevent the source of pollution. Preventing the sources through awareness is the most effective way to improve your indoor air.  Be aware when using household cleaners. Remove identified sources when possible. Pay close attention to damp areas which can quickly become the breeding ground for pollutants such as mold and other microbes. Although it is not possible to eliminate every contaminant source, reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit, will contribute to a healthier living environment.
3. Control the indoor temperature and humidity. Try to maintain an indoor temperature in a comfortable range at all times. Your ideal indoor humidity level should be between 30 to 50%. Be aware of drastic changes to temperature and humidity which can lead to condensation. Remember that molds, bacteria and dust mites thrive readily when the indoor humidity is 60% or more.
4. Clean the air with scientifically proven devices. Utilizing HEPA (High Efficient Particulate Air) vacuum cleaners and air purifiers are the most valuable tools available to remove all types of particles down to the sub-micron range. Additional filtration devices utilizing carbon or potassium permanganate can control organic and non-organic chemical vapors. Certain electronic air purifiers can assist in controlling bacteria, viruses and odors.

In Summary
The greatest hazard to the indoor air quality issue is misinformation. There are a host of claims from individuals and companies which are attempting to sell a service or product to address the issue. Improving and controlling the indoor environment requires a complex approach and should only be addressed with scientifically proven products and practices which form a protocol to improve and maintain acceptable indoor environmental quality.

The subject of Indoor Air and Environmental Quality in the home is vast, yet resources for factual data are becoming readily available. Your home can be your “haven” by being aware of the issues regarding the cause and effect of indoor pollutants combined with making simple changes to your everyday routine.

About the Author:
The Sick House Center is a resource and information center about indoor air pollution and related issues. Read about What Causes Allergies in the home at the Sick House Center.

Best Little Cat House Owner Allergic to Cats!!

Wool clothing is known for its comfort, strength, flexibility and durability, but the health benefits of pure wool is what makes it outstanding from other natural and manmade fibers. There are persons who believe that they may be allergic to wool, however allergy specialist state that it may actually be the organic matter such as dust and pollen in the wool that is really causing their allergy symptoms.

Hypoallergenic Qualities
People who suffer from allergies choose wool for its ability to resist mold, bacteria and fungi are common causes of allergic reactions. Wool also repels dust mites , which seem to cause some forms of asthma. The mites need moisture to reproduce and survive, but the wool draws moisture and allows for rapid evaporation creating an inhospitable environment for dust mites.

Regulatory Temperature
The quality wool clothing is both warm in cold weather and cool when the sun rises. Its fibers form pockets of air that help take the moisture the body and dries quickly to keep dry and warm.

Fire resistance
With an ignition temperature of 570-600 degrees celsius wool is much more difficult to ignite than other natural fibers and most certainly man-made fibers used in textile manufacturing. Wool is a natural fire retardant. When touched a flame it will resist burning and may finally extinguished itself. Wool clothing is recommended for this reason clothing for children and, especially sleepwear.

The organic wool with the added comfort of knowing that never came into contact with chemicals of any kind and is completely natural and safe.

So when it comes to quality of natural wool fibers insist on the safest option in the textile industry.

About the Author:

Greg Richmond is a retired teacher with 36 years experience. He is also a partner in an Australian business called Seekushop Marketing which markets quality, niche products over the world. www.aussieclothesforkids.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Why Wool?

Natura World Organic Bedding Reduces Common Allergens

If your clothes bother your skin or cause skin rashes, you may suffer from detergent allergies. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, contact dermatitis (a skin rash) is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergy-causing substance. This type an allergic reaction may cause a rash that can linger up to 48 hours after exposure.

Certain detergent products are labeled as soap making label reading paramount to preventing allergic exposures. As a general rule, the more added ingredients, the more potential allergens.

Detergent Allergy Strategies

• Visit an allergist. They can help you determine what substances or chemicals you may be allergic to. Keep a journal of your allergic reactions prior to visiting the doctor to help them identify possible culprits. If the source of your allergies cannot be easily identified, your doctor may recommend skin-patch testing.
• Consider using corticosteroid skin creams which are known to reduce skin inflammation.
• Seek out dye- and perfume-free detergents and fabric softeners. Consider clear types since color and scents are chemicals known to cause allergic reactions.
• Get a second recommendation if your doctor cannot help you improve your skin irritations within two weeks. An allergy doctor may prescribe oral steroids as a short-term treatment for severe cases.
• Use the extra-rinse cycle to fully wash out any detergents use.
• If your water is soft or normal, then don’t use fabric softener.
• Purchase allergy-free detergents which are 100% free of petroleum-based or other hazardous ingredients, fragrances, phosphates, animal by-products, dyes and other common triggers for allergies.

Fresh Clean Clothes & No Detergent – LaundryPure

What is the difference between organic milk, regular milk and soy milk?

My daughter is 1 year old and just had allergy testing done. The testing confirmed that she does have an allergy to milk.  I’ve been introducing her to soy formula with only 1 ounce each of her bottle and been a week now but she still seems to have allergic reactions. I just read that it is also possible to have an allergy to soy milk.  What can I do?

Best Answer:

Yes, an allergic child can have an allergy or become allergic to any milk and at any time. If a child is believed to have allergies, it is always advisable to track all foods and beverages in a journal for the first three years.

It is possible that she would also be allergic to soy since it also considered to be a possible food allergen. However, statistically, soy allergies are rarer than dairy milk allergies. My brother was born allergic to all dairy and my mom substituted rice products for years and he eventually grew out of it.  Rice Dream is one of the best and allergy reactions are very rare if any.

To answer you question about organic and non-organic milk; the distinction should always be made by whether or not the product contains the following ingredients if tested:

• antibiotics
• pesticides
• growth hormones

The dairy cows that the milk is extracted from should also be free of any type of cloning programs to be considered organic. Do not confuse natural with organic as natural have totally different meanings such as no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Also, it is always better to look for certified organic seals on the packaging since the word organic itself does not always guarantee the product to be 100% organic.

Related Posts: Dairy Allergies, Cheese Allergies and Food Allergies.

Source: Yahoo Answers

Eczema & Allergies : Symptoms of Milk Allergies

Headaches and Allergies

Any allergic reaction may cause a headache by increasing swelling and blockage of the sinuses which in turn creates pressure that causes a headache. However, not all headaches in the sinus areas is directly related to allergies.

While headache symptoms may be reduced by taking an over-the-counter pain medication; therapy for allergy related headaches should be directed at the cause such as a sinus infection, sinus inflammation or other related allergic reactions.

If you believe that you may have pain as a result of a severe sinus infection, seek medical help from a ear, nose and throat professional immediately.

Here are some helpful tips to reduce sinus pain and a directly related headache:

• Avoid getting chilled during all times of the year.
• Use a HEPA (High Efficient Particle Air) vacuum weekly and a HEPA air purifier daily to reduce pollen, house dust, dust mites and other airborne allergens which can be found indoors.
• Use warm, moist cloths applied to the sinus areas for 1o minutes to reduce inflammation.
• Irrigate your sinus cavities daily with a sinus rinse device or Neti-Pot. This will remove excess pus and will stimulate proper nasal function.
• Drink hot teas and fresh water to assist the sinus cilia to heal.
• Breath in steam to assist in opening up the sinuses. It is best to use distilled water.

Related Post: Related Post: Sinus Allergies.

About the author: Stan K. Hall a.k.a. The Sick House Doctor is a recognized specialist in Indoor Air Pollution as well as Health & Safety in the home. He has performed over 400 indoor environmental evaluations over the past 26 years and has helped hundreds of homeowners make their homes a haven. He is widely known as the originator of T.E.A.M., the scientifically proven approach to controlling and resolving indoor air pollution.

To learn more about how to make your home a allergy-free haven, please sign up for our sponsor’s Free 10-Part Email Mini-Course on this page or click here to read more.

Herbal Remedy for Sinus Headaches