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!!

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

Anyone have a cheese allergy – is there such a thing?

I quit cheese about 2 weeks ago and MAN do I feel better.  I was exhausted all the time – now not so much anymore.

Actually – I had no digestive indications – just felt exhausted all the time.  Is this common? Is there data on this?

Best Answer – Chosen by Voters

You most likely have an  dairy allergy or are lactose intolerant than allergic to the cheese itself.  Depending on the type of cheese you eat determines how much milk it contains.  For example; low fat would of course have less milk than high fat or highly processed cheeses. However, certain cheeses are also known to can contain histamines which can mimic an allergy.  The making of cheese is closely related to how mold grows and some people which have mold allergies may also react to certain cheeses.  It is always wise to seek out allergy testing to see what other dairy related foods might be bothering you.

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

Source: Yahoo Answers

Cheese Allergy

Many people need a drink to get through the day, because they are addicted to the ingredients of an alcoholic drink. Therefore, it seems that alcoholism and food are closely related to addiction, if not identical.

Researchers at the Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, have recently conducted intensive research on alcoholism and its possible causes. There was evidence to justify the belief that alcoholism is, in fact, an allergy food. His research showed that alcoholics are twice as susceptible to allergies to foods that are non-drinkers. Alcoholics were found are addicted to different elements within the drink, rather than alcohol itself.

Alcoholic beverages are made by the fermentation of sugars derived of cereal starches and vegetables. For example, beer contains barley and hops, whiskey, barley malt, vodka, potatoes, barley or rye, wine, grapes, and so on. All alcoholic beverages contain yeast, another common allergen.

The presence of alcohol in the system acts as a catalyst for the absorption materials in the intestinal tract. As the alcohol is absorbed, it is required along with food particles from which the alcoholic beverage made in particular. Moreover, because the catalytic effect of alcohol, accelerated uptake of any drug or food eaten with alcohol, also occurs.

The ingredients that make an alcoholic drink can cause a form of addiction of food allergy, which, because of the influence of alcohol, is even more acute without alcohol food allergies. As a result, a person with this problem becomes a compulsive drinker, or grossly inaccurate use of that word – ‘alcoholic’.

The chemical effect of alcohol causes compulsive drinkers experience withdrawal symptoms that are even more intense than other food allergies. The drinker addicts, in despair, reaches another drink to seek relief and thus perpetuates an endless cycle of ingestion and withdrawal. Dr. Mandell writes about addiction alcohol as a food allergy.

“Alcoholics may feel they are taking to combat a state of anxiety or depression of mind due to some emotional problems – and no doubt a drink makes them feel better fast – but in reality, are suffering from addiction form of food allergy, and anxiety and depression nervous system are allergic reactions to food residues of raw materials, of the alcoholic beverage.

As in most related with food allergies, there is an addictive process that requires more frequent large doses to control withdrawal symptoms and briefly to regain a sense welfare. This is particularly true with the compulsive drinker, which is locked in a cycle of relief and withdrawal symptoms, followed by recurrent symptoms, which is only relieved with more alcohol. It is only when this endless cycle is permanently broken the victim could regain good health. After that, abstinence is usually the only answer, even if the allergy is to grains and the person who has been a beer drinker, then a change to a non-grain based on wine, as wine, can solve the problem. However, this should only occur after a period of total abstinence for at least six months to allow the immune system overloaded system to regain full function.

People who are dependent on alcohol often have a serious problem of childhood masked allergy. Along his childhood and teens in the afternoon, which were never well – suffering from various diseases recurring fatigue and terrible attacks of depression that go with insidious condition. Then, with his first sip of beer or spirits, they feel much better. Others may have an initial negative reaction, followed by a sensation beneficial. The result in both cases is that the individual forms a firm bond with the alcoholic beverage and subsequently incorporated into their daily lives. Start a spiral downward, which can last many years before the person reaches a stage where the alcohol is no longer relieve the symptoms no matter how much is consumed.

Most alcoholic beverages other than wine is cereal based, with wheat being an important ingredient. Therefore, a close relationship appears to exist between a person the taste for foods such as bread, cakes and cookies, and the need to drink beer in excessive quantities.

About the Author:
Daniel Struinburg is an volunteer counselor for a Alcoholics Anonymous in St. Louis, Missouri.

allergies vs. addiction

What can I do to stop these allergies or sinus problems?

I have allergies most of the year, but it is rare for me to get sinus problems. But my sinuses are suddenly get’s really bad. They come and go and its been happening for a week. I feel I have a scratch in my throat and I have to sneeze frequently. My air filter was changed already for nearly a week and I vacuumed my house the other day. What can I do to stop scratching the throat and the feeling of sneezing?

Best Answer:

One solution is a sinus rinse (made by NeilMed). I swear by it! Can be a bit hard for someone who has allergies all the time, but sounds like it might help. It’s about $10 and can be purchased at most durg stores nationwide. They come with premixed salt solution packets. You mix a packet with distilled water that is pre-heated (microwave for 15-20 seconds) in the sinus rinse bottle. Squeeze the bottle in each side of the nose a few times. It really helps wash out the pollen, dust and other allergens which can lead to inflamation of the sinus cavaties.

I used to have the worst allergies, but since I started getting allergy shots for the 40+ things I’m allergic too and my allergy doctor started my using the sinus rinse product, my symptoms have been much less. My allergy doctor convinced me to start using it because he said that hundreds on his patients swear by it.

I hope that helps.

Related Post: Allergy Headache.

Source: Yahoo Answers

Sinus Rinse: A Simple, At-Home Method for Reducing Allergy Symptoms

Sulfites are used as an preservative in just about every wine and heavily processed meat product throughout the world and can cause mild to serious allergic reactions. Sulfites are also used as sanitizing agents and food color preservatives. Sulfites are also suspected to be a carcinogen when heavy consumed but there is still much testing to be done.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 1 percent of people the United States have a sensitivity to sulfites and up to 5% of these people are considered to be “sulfite allergic.”

Many people who either know they have a sulfite allergy or just wish to avoid sulfite containing products because of their potential health consequences do not fully know how widely used it really is. Like many food related allergens, avoidance is the best strategy to preventing allergic reactions.

Here is a list of the top 15 products which can contain sulfites in addition to wine and processed meats:

1. Canned fruits and vegetables
2. Condiments
3. Dressings
4. Dried fruit
5. Grapes (fresh) – safe in some countries
6. Ketchup
7. Lemon juice/concentrate
8. Lime juice/concentrate
9. Mushrooms (canned or frozen)
10. Pickled foods
11. Pickles
12. Potatoes (dehydrated, frozen french fries, dehydrated, mashed, peeled, pre-cut)
13. Raisins (dried or dedydrated)
14. Soups
15. Vinegar, wine vinegar

by Tony Coturri

Tony Coturri on Sulfites

Formaldehyde is the chemical that has received much press in recent years and is referred to as being responsible for the term ‘mobile home syndrome’.  It is widely used in a multitude of consumer products such as household cleaners, laundry detergents, glues, adhesives, shampoos and soaps.  It is also a good preservative and makes an excellent adhesive and is widely used in the carpet and furnishings industries. It is even commonly used in the auto industry and is believed to be in certain foam and adhesive products.

Formaldehyde Sensitivities

Most people are sensitive to formaldehyde and many of those can have an allergic reaction when they are exposed to it.  Formaldehyde is like many chemicals, symptoms from exposure will get progressively worse the longer these people are in its presence.

Particle board is the most common product which is known to contain formaldehyde and is in the adhesive which holds the board together. Over time many of these products will break down and dry out, thusly releasing the formaldehyde. Many particleboard and carpeting manufacturers are marketed as ‘reduced formaldehyde’ products and may still have other aldehydes in the product which may still cause adverse reactions.

Dangers of Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is considered to be a suspected carcinogen and has also been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and. Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing,  fatigue, skin rashes and severe allergic reactions.

Here are a few tips to help you minimize your exposure to formaldehyde:

• Limit the use of particlewood products, such as pressboard and plywood.  Choose 100% wood products instead.
• Insist on formaldehyde-free carpets, not reduced-formaldehyde since new carpets may outgas formaldehyde vapors for years to come.  Note: Carpet outgassing does not work, only time will allow the chemical to fully vaporize from the carpet according to humidity levels.
• Don’t smoke indoors. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) contains formaldehyde thousands of other chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic (cancer causing)
• Wash all permanent press clothes before waering or storing. Remove plastic bags from all dry-cleaned clothes and air them out outdoors, when possible.
• Ventilate; The solution to pollution is dilution!

About the author:

John A. Daniels is a certified home inspector in Cleveland OH.

ALS Linked to Formaldehyde Exposure

Perfumes are used everyday by millions of people in thousands of countries around the world and is one of the broadest selling products. However, there are many people who can have serious allergic reactions to the fragrances used in them. More time than not, people who are sensitive to fragrances have been diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).

Symptoms of a perfume allergy include difficultly breathing, skin rashes and has been known to cause asthma in people who are not necessarily an chronic asthma sufferer. Toddlers and young children are even more vulnerable to chemicals, as are people who are recovering from cancer and other illnesses.

Fragrances are actually chemicals and can be found in perfume and cologne which like other chemicals, may cause allergic reactions to those who have a sensitivity to them. A alcohol-based chemical is normally used as a base of the perfume. There are over 2500 fragrances used in perfume with about 105 are believed to cause an allergic reaction in humans. About 25 of these fragrances are used frequently and 12-15 are used very frequently in the more common and cheaper brands of perfume. In addition to perfume, chemical fragrances are also present in most laundry detergents, fabric softeners, anti-cling products, dish-washing liquids, disinfectants, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, aftershaves, incense and analgesic creams. Even products which are marked as “unscented”  may actually contain toxic fragrances.

Related Posts: Fragrance Allergies, Perfume Allergies, Makeup Allergy Test and Makeup Allergy.

About the author:

Angelica Alexander is a sales representative for a national perfume and cologne distributor in New York.

Picking Perfume : Testing Perfume Skin Allergies

Sometimes a feeling of uneasiness and discomfort occurs immediately after a meal. It is often thought that the result of a food allergy. In most cases, however, this feeling of discomfort is the result of the intolerance of some foods rather than food allergy. The difference in food intolerance and allergy is mainly realized through the difference in time scale and severity of symptoms.

To understand and diagnose the difference between the two is important Knowing the symptoms of food allergy that affects far more serious patients. Symptoms of food intolerance can manifest within hours or even a day later. In the case of allergies, the onset is immediate and generally within an hour. Food allergy occurs when the immune system achieves a protein food incorrectly, leading to an overreaction by the body and the production of certain chemicals.

Some of the key symptoms that occur for food allergy are:

1. Skin rashes and itching
2. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
3. Stomach cramps
4. Swelling skin especially in areas of procurement, such as the eyelids, lips and inside the mouth
5. A runny nose and blocked nasal passages
6. Inflammation throat, trachea and larynx
7. Headaches
8. Fatigue and dizziness
9. Joint pain
10. Hives

These are foods most common allergy symptoms that affect most adults, and it is important to visit a medical professional as soon as you experience any of these signs. In cases of food intolerance smaller degrees of similar symptoms may occur but usually disappear after a short time. In the cases of food allergies these symptoms even more pronounced and severe, and may also lead to severe breathing problems or diarrhea. Food intolerance regular like lactose intolerance is manifest even when a person has consumed dairy products and the results of bloating, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.

It is important to identify the allergen in question is causing the food allergy so that it can be avoided in future. These symptoms should be identified immediately as delayed treatment can lead to malfunctioning of the internal systems. Some things must be considered as check food labels when buying food or checking with the waiter at the restaurant about ingredients used to prepare a plate. Some patients are so vulnerable that doctors even advise them to carry self-injectable epinephrine, which helps during sudden allergic.

Related Posts: Candida Allergies, Shellfish Allergies and Yeast Allergies.

Source: For over 20 years, the ALCAT Test has provided both patients as well as healthcare professionals with a tool to successfully overcome a wide variety of conditions which result from chemical sensitivity and food intolerance. Their site is: www.alcat.com.

Food Allergies:A Personal Story

Skin allergies are different for each person but there are many materials used in making jewelry which could cause an allergic skin reaction.  Someone who has a skin allergy may have it in a limited area or even on other parts of the body.  There are even times when a person can have an allergic reaction in their hands and feet, making it difficult to do everyday tasks. When a person receives a skin allergy is called allergic contact dermatitis. The skin has a chemical reaction to the substance that has come into contact with. In these cases, you have to physically touch a material such as jewelry to get the allergy.

Skin Test for Jewelry Allergies

One way to find out what causes skin allergies is achieved like playing a guessing game. H owever, no are no winners in this. You would test products on your skin to see if you have a reaction. Do not worry, there is an easier way. Doctors make the test patch. Take a small piece of skin (this will not hurt) and then put each patch of skin in contact with common materials which are suspected as allergens. They look to see if there is a reaction. The doctors do all the hard work for you and you do not have to suffer.

These are some of the most common causes of skin allergies:

• Nickel and gold. These metals are usually found in jewelry. Nickel is found in closures or buttons. Gold is slightly more common. Many pieces are made or coated gold. If you have an allergy to any of these metals, usually a rash break out when the metal touched her skin. Certain people may have a reaction to costume jewelry.
• Balsam of Peru. This fragrance is found in many lotions and perfumes. Another name for the pereirae Myroxylon. If this is the guilty of a skin allergy, check the ingredients of perfumes and lotions used to see if it is present.
• Neomycin sulfate. This substance commonly found in first aid creams and ointments. Unfortunately, a doctor may prescribe a topical cream for a rash previous only for the patient to find out also have skin allergies to the substance. Can also be found in cosmetics, soap and pet food.
• Cobalt chloride. This is a real problem for some people, because this is normally found in antiperspirants. However, there are other places of cobalt chloride shows such as hair dyes and silver pieces in it (buttons, snaps, tools).
• Quaternium 15. This is a preservative found in many products that women tend to use. You can find self-tanners, shampoo, nail polish and sunscreen. Try to find products that do not use this option if you have skin allergies to Quaternium 15.

About the Author:

Related Post: Nickel Allergy.

About the Author: Joshua Niekelson is a well-known jewelry designer and customer jewelry maker in New York City.


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.

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