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!!

Controlling allergies is a huge subject that is always under scrutiny by the millions of allergy sufferers who wake up daily with this chronic condition.

Here are some important allergy control tips:

1. Try to figure out what you are allergic to: pollen, grass, hay, dust, house mites, etc. Then try to stay away from the things that trigger your symptoms. You’ll probably never be able to completely get away from them, but you can try and minimize your exposure.
2. If your allergens (the things you are allergic to) are located outside (pollen, grass, etc.), then stay inside as much as you can during the seasons that disturb you the most (early spring, etc.). Keep your doors and windows closed and run the air conditioner. If possible, put an air filter system on your air conditioner so that it filters dust and pollen from the air as it cools it. Also try using a dehumidifying machine if your climate is very humid. A cool, low-humidity environment also helps prevent dust mites (a common allergen) from growing. The cool air also helps prevent household molds from growing (many people are allergic to molds).
3. Always use your air conditioner in your car, and avoid riding with the windows down or in a convertible.
4. Keep your pets outdoors as much as possible. If you allow them inside, keep them from getting on the furniture and going into your bedroom.

Medical Source: U.S. Pharmacist (17,7:38)

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.

Nose Woes – Tips for Allergy Sufferers

Some states in the US have laws that regulate specific areas of the larger indoor air quality and indoor air pollution issue. Other states are considering laws that would effect citizens of their state. On a national level, Federal OSHA has looked into developing a specific standard on ” Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants” but thus far, this effort has been unsuccessful. Worldwide, laws and regulations regarding indoor air pollution vary widely.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution from a human perspective is generally defined as poor indoor air quality which has the potential to cause an acute or chronic illness or symptom of illness in a person as a direct result from exposure to a airborne pollutant.

What are some of the indicators of Indoor Air Pollution in my home?

The three most common complaints regarding Indoor Air Pollution are:
* Feeling better when leaving the home or worse when arriving
* A dusty environment where the furniture stays dusty even after cleaning
* Ongoing or unidentified odors

What are some of the health symptoms of Indoor Air Pollution?

Symptoms could include but not be limited to:
* headache
* eye, nose, or throat irritation
* dry cough
* dry or itchy skin
* dizziness and nausea
* difficulty in concentrating
* fatigue
* sensitivity to odors
* cough
* chest tightness
* fever and chills
* muscle aches
The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes. It is important to note that complaints may result from other causes. These may include an illness contracted outside the home, acute sensitivity (e.g., allergies), job related stress, and other psycho social factors. Nevertheless, studies show that many symptoms can be caused or exacerbated by indoor air quality problems.

Do chemicals create Indoor Air Pollution?

Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the home. Over 75,000 chemicals are used in common household cleaning products, only a fraction have been tested for human health concerns. Some of the most common chemicals found in household cleaners are also the most toxic. Recent studies have shown an alarming amount of chemicals accumulating in people’s fatty tissues, these are the same chemicals known to cause serious health concerns, from immediate and through long term exposure. Chemicals enter the body through skin absorption and inhalation of fumes or vapors. Once a chemical enters the body, your system usually has to process it. Many chemicals have a target organ which they migrate to. Some organs are made to process and filter; others are not.

Can mold and other living organisms cause health problems and allergies?

Yes, biological contaminants such as bacteria, molds, pollen, insect parts, dust mites and viruses are types of biological contaminants. Certain biological contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers, and drain pans, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Insects and dust mites are a common source of biological contaminants which can accumulate in bedding, furniture, and carpeting. Physical symptoms related to biological agent exposure include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion.

What should I do if I have a serious Indoor Air Pollution problem?

You may consider having a professional Indoor Air Quality Consultant perform a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment. It is common for a experienced consultant to find the source of your problem during a simple Phase 1 visit. In harder cases it is sometimes necessary to complete a Phase 2 Environmental Assessment which would involve detailed inspection of such areas as the attic, the crawl spaces, air handling equipment and so on. Some direct reading testing instruments and simple laboratory samples could also be taken during a Phase 2 Assessment. At any point, the consultant may have sufficient information to formulate a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, and see if the problem is solved. Recommendations are then prescribed to assist the homeowner or building owner with a plan of action to control the issue in the future.

Is air sampling the easiest way to identify indoor air pollutants?

Although air sampling for contaminants might seem to be the logical response to occupant complaints, it doesn’t always provide information about possible causes. While certain basic measurements, e.g., temperature, relative humidity, CO2, and air movement, can provide a useful “snapshot” of current house conditions, sampling for specific pollutant concentrations is often not required to solve the problem. Air sampling should not be undertaken until considerable information on the factors listed above has been collected, and any sampling strategy should be based on a comprehensive understanding of the house or building structure and the nature of the complaints. For example; When taking a laboratory or direct reading sample it may be more important to qualify (identify) certain pollutants than to quantify (count) the pollutant.

About the Author:
The Sick House Center is a resource and information center about indoor air pollution and it’s effect on allergies. Take the Indoor Air Pollutant quiz at the Sick House Center.

Indoor Air Pollution: The Silent Killer

Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is believed to be the most common form of asthma affecting over 10 million asthma sufferers worldwide. Over 3 million children under age 18 suffer from allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is characterized by symptoms that are triggered from some type an allergy. Allergy related asthma is airway obstruction and inflammation that can be controlled with medication. Indoor related allergic asthma can occur when allergens that are commonly found indoors are inhaled into the nose and the lungs thus causing an allergic reaction.

Indoor Air Allergens

• Cat or dog dander
• Dust mite feces
• Mold spores
• Dead insect parts
• Pesticide dust
• Household dust
• and much more

Symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma can be similar:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Chest tightness

However, the major difference between allergic asthma and asthma is that an asthma attack can be triggered by inhaled allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold and other airborne triggers thus resulting in asthma symptoms.

Controlling allergies and asthma in public can be quite challenging, however controlling them while at home in very manageable.  It is important to learn about the methods and technologies available to reduce indoor air triggers in your own home environment.  Inside your home is the only environment which you have full control over your environment. After all it is the place we sleep and spend most of our most time; why shouldn’t it be free of allergy and asthma symptoms.

Technology to the Rescue

Utilizing the proper technology combined with the knowledge of how to use that technology will make the greatest reduction of asthma causing allergens in the home environment. Many asthma allergens fall into the broad category of airborne particles which must be removed from the environment on an ongoing basis. High Efficient Particle Air (HEPA) filter technology can drastically reduce asthma symptoms within days from their initial use. However, HEPA filtration devices must be used regularly to keep the asthma causing allergens at bay.

About the author:

Stan K. Hall 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. You can read more about allergies and asthma at his web site: Sick House Doctor.

breathing techniques for children with asthma and allergies

Allergies tend to run in families and can be passed down to children from generation to generation.  People who tend to suffer with chronic allergies are usually referred to as “atopic allergy” sufferers. Atopics have an underlying tendency to allergic reactions and may be encoded in the DNA that are passed from parent to child. The genetic risks from two parents can add up but the actual figures are uncertain because the results may vary from study to study. If one parent is atopic, then there is a 20-58 percent chance a child will be also, whereas if both parents are atopic, then the chance grows to 50-80 percent. Whats shocking is the fact that allergies seem to be on the increase even though we carry the genetic allergy makeup of our ancestors.

However, genes are about two-thirds of the problem with our environment playing an important role in allergies. Environmental conditions such as diet, smoke, air pollutants, pollen, dust mites, mold and other allergens determine whether or not an allergic reaction occurs. Allergens in our indoor and outdoor continue to increase thus causing more allergic reactions even in those individuals with little or no allergies the previous year. Luckily, we do have control over the indoor environment and can eliminate certain allergens from our home such as smoke, dust mites, insects and so on.

Controlling Allergies

Food allergies can be controlled through medication, allergy shots and elimination dieting choices. However, indoor environmental allergies can be controlled by reducing the amount of airborne allergens.  A H.E.P.A. (High Efficient Particle Air) air purifier or vacuum cleaner are proven to dramatically reduce allergens from the indoor air. The consistent weekly use of H.E.P.A. devices can make a huge improvement in airborne related allergies while at home.

About the author:

The Sick House Center is a resource and information center about indoor air pollution and other related issues. Read more about What Causes Allergies at the Sick House Center.

Kids & Parents Can Share Food Allergies

Diabetics who are living a lifestyle free of gluten are experiencing a significant drop in their levels of blood sugar (BSL.) The combination of gluten-free diet with a regular exercise program and you will experience under BSL, and a level of energy and a much healthier perspective.

First you have to understand what is gluten: Gluten is a protein found in grains, this protein, gluten in particular can not be digested by people suffering with the disease known as celiac.

A diet program was created to help the millions of people who have celiac disease, IBS (syndrome irritable bowel), diabetes and wheat allergies. Find food and recipes that are free of wheat, barley, rye, bulgur, semolina, flour, kasha, matzo meal, and oats can be a problem sometimes. (Gluten oats are not harmful but are often treated in the same factories as wheat. Look gluten-free labels in all packages of oatmeal) Gluten can be found in food additive to stabilize and thicken foods that are processed including many alcoholic beverages. For those with celiac disease, IBS and wheat allergies. A diet that is completely gluten-free is a 100% commitment to be free of all grains and all that is produced with grains.

Finding gluten free foods and recipes that my whole family to eat three meals a day was a challenge until I read about a former executive chef and owner of a 100% gluten-free, sugar free, low glycemic, organic, allergy friendly restaurant, which collected all your recipes in the cookbook delicious gluten free. My family was won by the desserts!

The vast majority of people on gluten-free diets, gluten not know a thing or lifestyle is a commitment a way of eating. For me as a diabetic, restricting the amount of gluten I eat has allowed greater control of my diabetes, and with better control of my BSL I could to reduce many of my medications for diabetes.

Lorrie Craven has had type 2 diabetes since 1997. She enjoys sharing diabetes recipes, news and stories about her experiences with type 2 diabetes. Check out Lorrie’s site at: www.diabetichealthtoday.com.

Food Allergy Recipes Your Whole Family Will Eat!

If you or someone you know are among the 35 million people across the globe who suffer from seasonal allergies, here are ten steps you can take to minimize spring allergies at home:

1. Consult an allergist.

   Consider allergy tests and allergy shots.

2. Remove shoes.

   Leave shoes at the door entrance as you enter the house.

3. Avoid exposure.

   Keep the doors and windows closed to minimize pollen from entering your home; keep car windows closed.

4. Clean yourself frequently.

   Wash your hair and change your clothes after coming in from the outside.

5. Use higher efficient filters.

   Use pleated air filters regularly in heat pumps or air conditioners.

6. Use the clothes dryer.

   Don’t hang your clothes outside to dry.

7. Wear a mask.

   When outside working, consider wearing a N95 face mask approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

8. Purify the indoor air.

   Use High Efficient Particle Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners and air purifiers. They are efficient at removing 99% of airborne allergens.

9. Clean bedding and linens.

   Wash your bedding and pillow covers weekly.

10. Clean your carpets, rugs and furniture.

    Vacuum twice a week with a HEPA vacuum.

Go back to Home Page from Top 10 Allergy Tips.

Allergy Terminology & Definitions

Here are some uncommon allergy related definitions to refer to when coming across an unknown term in a post.

You spoke and we listened so here they are:

Note: Examples listed  in parentheses when appropriate.

• Allergen: A substance that is foreign to the body and which may cause an allergic reaction in certain people. (Dander, mold,pollen)
• Allergic contact dermatitis: A red and itchy allergic reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system sees as foreign. (poison ivy, poison oak, creames, lotions.
• Allergic reaction: An immune system response to a substance in a allergic individual.
• Anaphylactic shock: A severe allergic reaction which can include loss of consciousness, breathing problems, swelling of the tongue and breathing, low blood pressure, heart failure or even death.  (most common in bee, wasp stings and seafood consumption) Immediate treatment is paramount and the administration of a antivenom in the case of bee or wasp stings.
• Conjunctivitis:Inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to the whites of the eyes (the conjunctivae). Conjunctivitis is also referred to as pink eye..
• Eczema: An allergic and inflammatory reaction of the skin. (reddening, swelling, bumps and scaling of the skin)
• Histamine: Substance that plays a major role in many allergic reactions. Histamine dilates blood vessels and makes the vessel walls abnormally permeable.
• Hives: A raised and itchy area of skin that is almost always due to an allergic reaction. (rounded, flat, elevated above the surrounding skin)
• Immunoglobulin: A protein produced by plasma cells and lymphocytes and characteristic of these types of cells. Immunoglobulins play an essential role in the body’s immune system. They attach to foreign substances, such as bacteria, and assist in destroying them. Immunoglobulin is abbreviated Ig. The classes of immunoglobulins are termed immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin D (IgD) and immunoglobulin E (IgE).
• Immunoglobulin E: Abbreviated IgE. A class of immunoglobulins that includes the antibodies elicited by an allergic substance (allergen). A person who has an allergy usually has elevated blood levels of IgE. IgE antibodies attack and engage the invading army of allergens.
• Insulin: A natural hormone manufactured by the pancreas. Insulin controls the level of the sugar glucose in the blood allows cells to use glucose for energy. Cells cannot use glucose without insulin.
• Serum: The clear liquid that can be separated through mechanical means from clotted blood. Serum is different from blood plasma in that it does not contain red and white blood cells or platelets.
• Spasm: An automatic jerking movement caused by the muscle which can be painful when the muscle clenches tightly.  Spasms in various types of human tissue may be caused by stress, medication, over-exercise and other factors.
• Urticaria: Another name for the hives .
• Vaccines: Microbial preparations of dead and/or modified microorganisms that can stimulate an positive immune response in the body to prevent future infection. (usually administered by injection)

Courtesy of the staff at Allergy Relief Expert.

Terry Robinson: allergy treatment -NAET-children allergies