Water & Air – Filter Systems News

New ice resurfacers are powered electrically and do not pose a threat.

The EPA provides strict indoor air quality guidelines for recreational arenas, including ice skating rinks, but unfortunately, not everyone follows them. One writer recently noted that carbon monoxide poisoning is a potential threat for people who visit ice skating rinks that use fuel-fired ice resurfacers and edgers. New machines are electrically powered and do not pose a threat, but there are some indoor ice rinks that use machines fueled with diesel, propane or gasoline.

In addition to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter also pose health risks. Parents should be aware of the signs of poisoning from air pollution if their children frequent these arenas, namely shortness of breath, mild headaches and nausea. These symptoms often mimic flu symptoms, and may be mistaken as such.

Good health starts with indoor air quality. If your children don’t frequent these arenas, it is still important to make sure the air in your own home is clean and safe to breathe. Check out our series, “Filters for Kids,” to learn more about ways to ensure your kids stay healthy with quality furnace filters and air purifiers. And since your children likely spend most of their time at school, it’s important to know what their school is doing to create a healthy environment as well.

Fortunately, we are in the winter season. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to take advantage of an outdoor ice skating arena in your area, while there is still time.

Cleaner air means a healthier heart...

Past research studies have indicated that air pollution causes inflammation in the lungs and blood vessels and may also cause endothelial cells to function poorly, both of which lead to decreased cardiovascular health. Past studies have also indicated that HEPA air filters can reduce air pollution from vehicle emissions in urban areas, but few have addressed the impact of HEPA filter technology on wood smoke used as a heat source. Exposure to wood smoke and its particulates has been linked to a number of health problems; in fact, we did a post a few months back on the link between soot and diabetes. Perhaps it comes as no surprise, then, that this type of air pollution has also been linked to cardiovascular disease. The good news is, Canadian scientists have discovered that HEPA air filters can help curb the risk of heart disease.

HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air. Filters Fast carries many different types of air filters,  to remove dirt, dust, pollen, bacteria, mold, and smoke from your indoor air, including furnace filters that use an electrostatic charge to capture the small particulates. HEPA replacement filters for many top-of-the-line air purifiers, including IQAir, BlueAir, Holmes and Honeywell can be found, simply by typing “HEPA” into our search box at the top of the page. Don’t forget to change your vacuum cleaner filter as well. 3M Filtrete makes a variety of vacuum filters, bags and belts, which are available at a competitive price from FiltersFast.com. Since air pollution is linked to obesity, a high efficiency air purifier may also help you lose weight!

Halloween isn’t the only thing to celebrate this month. October is National Indoor Air Quality Month, and several states, including North Dakota, Michigan and Montana are celebrating by spreading the word about the dangers of harmful indoor (and outdoor) air contaminants.

Seasonal changes often result in higher incidences of allergy problems and illnesses. Pollen is prevalent in the spring and fall opens the door to ragweed. Asthma, often caused by air pollution, is a growing epidemic among children and adults, resulting in missed school and work days, along with emergency room visits, and in extreme cases, even death. Indoor air pollution deserves way more attention than it currently receives. Though many people are aware of air contaminants such as mold, tobacco smoke and carbon monoxide, they may not be fully aware of just how dangerous these allergens can be. It is important to raise awareness and educate others on how they can avoid the problems caused by air pollution.

Here are some tips to help you improve the indoor air quality in your home:

1. Take our Indoor Air Quality Quiz to find out how dangerous your home environment is.

2. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand tobacco smoke.

3. Regularly change the A/C filters and microwave and hood range filters in your home.  Air filters with a higher MERV rating are more efficient at removing microscopic particles. You may also want to purchase an air purifier.

4. Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner and change the HEPA filter regularly.

5. Clean furniture regularly (more if you have pets in your home). Use non-toxic household cleaning products. Use hypoallergenic bedding.

Like any other national holiday, the  month of October is a time for recognition and remembrance – specifically the recognition of the importance of clean air. Join the observance and celebrate by spreading the word and sharing this post.