Posts Tagged ‘air quality’

Allergies and You: Don’t Let Allergies Ruin Your Season

It’s that time of year when the temperature is warmer, the kids are getting out of school, and we’re out doing yard work or maybe even preparing for a vacation. But what if you have allergies like millions of other Americans? It can be a real drag. It affects your outdoor activities and can seemingly affect your entire life as well.  Oftentimes, you can feel like this time of year is no fun at all for you. But let me let you in on a secret, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways you can protect yourself from allergies and fight them off. But first, what exactly are allergies?

An allergy is characterized by the overreaction of the human immune system to a foreign protein substance (or allergen) that is either eaten, breathed into lungs, injected or touched. This overreaction often results in coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and a scratchy throat. In more severe cases however, it can also result in rashes, lower blood pressure, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks and even death. While there is no cure for allergies, you can still protect yourself from it.

Austin Air-Standard-Sandstone-HM405For those with severe allergies, the search for a product that works well for you can often be difficult. For many allergy sufferers, finding the right allergy treatment is an absolute necessity. Fortunately, allergy machines are ideal for severe allergy and asthma sufferers. With allergy machines such as the Austin Air Allergy Machine, you can get better sleep, experience less coughing and sneezing through the reduction of airborne allergens.

Allergies are offset a lot by air quality. The poorer the air quality, the worse your allergies are likely to get. This is where air quality test kits such as the Bio Scan Indoor Air Quality Test Kit comes into play.  It screens for common contaminants such as pollen and mold by pin-pointing what problems you are having with your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

Electrostatic filters are very effective in trapping particles that would help to reduce or eliminate allergy and asthma symptoms. The Electrostatic Throw Away Filter is a cut-to-fit HEPA air filter that is designed to eliminate airborne pollutants and allergens.

Don’t you think you deserve to enjoy this time of year? You don’t have to suffer with allergies. You can fight them off with the tools you have available. Whether you purchase furnace filters, allergy machines or anything else, be sure to fight off your allergies this year and live happier this allergy season. Click on the image below to see more on how you can protect yourself against asthma and allergies.

17

05 2012

Get Better Sleep at Night

Did you know that on average 20% of Americans report that they get less than 6 hours of sleep? Meanwhile, the number of Americans getting 9 hours of sleep or more is decreasing. We are getting less and less sleep, and with the constant ‘on-the-go’ lives that many of us live, there is little wonder why. While many of us resort to over the counter sleep medicine and other factors to get a better night’s sleep, we often overlook the importance of the quality of air in our very own homes. Poor air quality increases the risk of poor sleep and can even cause sleep-disordered breathing, in which breathing stops briefly during sleeping. With that in mind, having ways to improve the air quality in our home is vital to our overall health. Let’s take a look at a few products that will help improve the air quality in our home while helping us sleep better at the same time.

The Whirlpool Whispure 510 air purifier was recently voted a Consumer Reports Best Buy. Here is why: it is a home air purifier which filters the dust, pollen, mold spores, allergens and other contaminants in your air. This Whirlpool air purifier is made to filter and clean the air in medium-sized to large rooms up to 500 square feet. This home air cleaner unit ideal for larger offices, bedrooms, nurseries and basements. It weighs only 25 pounds and has a built-in handle for easy mobility.

With the Trion Duct Mount HE Plus 2000 you get a quality, well built product that will not only extend the lifespan of your HVAC system but it will improve the quality of your air. It is designed to mount directly to the duct work in your heating and cooling system so that recirculated air passes through the cleaner. This system will prevent airborne contaminants from constantly being recirculated throughout your home.

Sleep better and breathe easier with the G-100 Power Flow-Thru Humidifier. It can be installed in any home to create a healthier, more comfortable indoor climate while also saving on energy costs. This humidifier will decrease the levels of bacteria, viruses, fungus and mites in your home. It will also increase relative humidity which means you can turn your thermostat down and feel just as comfortable, which saves you money.

Sleep plays an important role in our lives and without adequate sleep, we are opening up the door for many negative health effects. With May being Better Sleep Month, let’s all make it a goal to get better and more sleep this month for a happier and more rested you.

08

05 2012

Clean Air In Your Life

It is vital to think about the quality of the air we breathe and to think of ways we can protect ourselves from the harmful airborne pollutants that surround us every day. So in honor of Clean Air Month, let’s do just that. Below are six ways to clean the air in your homes in addition to ways of protecting yourselves from the many airborne pollutants.

1.)  Pay attention to the outdoor air quality. Outdoor air pollution is obviously a big concern and while we can’t always control the amount of air pollution outdoors, we can be wiser about when and how often we plan outdoor activities. A simple picnic outdoors when the air quality is deemed “very unhealthy” can have serious and detrimental effects. Plan wisely and attempt to plan your activities on days where the air quality is deemed “good”. Suggestion: Air quality is lowest when the heat is highest. Plan outdoor activity or physical activity in the morning or evening.

2.) Change your car filters. In many cities around the world, your car is the greatest polluter. We all are familiar with the smells of exhaust fumes and other nasty odors while driving down the road or highway. Not pleasant at all huh? Fortunately, your car’s cabin air filter is designed to remove the harmful outside air pollutants before they reach the inside of your car. Purolator also offers a list of other car filters that will help to filter the air you breathe and keep you safe. Suggestion: The Purolator C35533 Cabin Air Filter Replacement is easy to install and will provide a clean flow of air free of airborne contaminants.

3.)  Listen to your body. Dizziness and fatigue are all symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome and should not be ignored. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you. If you feel as if you need to change your air filters or may need to invest in an air purifier, then do so. If these symptoms persist, contact your doctor.

4.)  Use an air purifier. Whether you find yourself at home or at your office, an air purifier will do just what its name suggests—purifies your air. And honestly, who doesn’t want purified air to breathe in? Suggestion: A Holmes True HEPA Air Purifier will allow you to save space and purify your air by removing 99.97% of airborne particles.

5.) Change your filters regularly. Do not neglect to change your filters as not changing them will not only put you at increased risks of certain sicknesses but will also hamper your HVACs efficiency. Upgrading from your standard 1 inch filter may be useful if you find that you are still experiencing air quality issues. The standard 1 inch filter cannot protect you from all of the contaminants in your home. Suggestion: Filters Fast MERV 13 Return Air Grille  filters will help rid of all contaminants in the air by removing dust, bacteria and all other airborne pollutants.

6.) Eat right.  No that is not a typo and yes there is a correlation between the food you eat and air pollution. How? The answer is in antioxidants. They are the “good guys” in your body that help strengthen the immune system, slow down the aging process (who couldn’t use that). Most importantly, they fight off free radicals who are the “bad guys” in your body by helping the harmful airborne pollutants damage your body. Suggestion: Eat foods that are high in antioxidants like cherries, kale, tomatoes and strawberries.

Now that you know how to protect yourself, it is time to take action. Don’t fall victim to sickness caused by air pollution. Protect yourself, your body and your family from the harmful pollutants.

IMAGE CREDITS:

endurancebuzz.com

naturelivings.blogspot.com

02

05 2012

Sick Building Syndrome: There’s Something in the Air

Imagine this: you’re at work. You’re coughing, tired, dizzy and have a nasty headache on top of that. The thing is, after you leave, you feel better. Why is that? It may not always be that you’re just happy to leave the workplace. In fact, those are classic symptoms for Sick Building Syndrome (or SBS). SBS is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience health effects that appear to be linked to time spent inside a building, but no specific cause or illness can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or may be widespread throughout the building.

According to numerous studies, SBS is an increasing problem in the US and around the world. The main culprit behind SBS is inadequate ventilation, which could also occur if heating, ventilation and HVAC systems do not effectively distribute air in the building. With this problem increasing, and with allergy season in full swing, we can’t forget that we have a weapon to fight with – Air Purifiers. Air purifiers will help to reduce the spread of viruses, bacteria and other airborne contaminants that could seriously affect air quality. We have spotlighted two air purifiers that will help you fight off SBS and seasonal allergies.

The Virus Zero Portable Air Purifier (SP-PA4) is a lightweight purifier that neutralizes airborne allergies such as pet dander, tobacco smoke and dust mites. This small and lightweight purifier can sit on a desktop or even fit in your car’s cup holder. The Virus Zero Purifier treats up to 231 square feet of space and only uses 4 watts of power.

The 3M Filtrete Air Cleaner Purifier helps to purify the air in your office, by reducing airborne particles such as mold spores and pet dander. The 3M Filtrete Air Cleaner will reduce odor and captures microscopic allergens such as smoke, dust, smog particles and pollen. The 3M Filtrete Air Purifier releases filtered air from the top of the unit to increase air circulation.

With levels of indoor air pollution rising, we cannot underestimate the value of an air purifier. Consider this: air purifiers can also help you obtain a better night’s sleep by removing many of the allergens that keep us awake all night with an itchy or sore throat. Who wouldn’t want a better night’s sleep?

05

04 2012

Trion Air Purifier: A Breath of Fresh Air

The cleanliness of the air you breathe inside your home is very important. Indoor air pollution is one of the biggest, yet often overlooked problems in our society today.  Every day activities such as walking, vacuuming and dusting stir up millions of particulates in your home. These particulates often include pollen, dust mite, pet dander, mold spores, debris, bacteria, and even viruses. All of these airborne pollutants can cause serious and even detrimental effects on your immune system. Fortunately, there is a solution. Air cleaners have been proven to be very beneficial to your overall health. They reduce allergies, sinus problems, respiratory issues, and even have been shown to help you sleep better at night.

Whole house air purification systems are especially recommended for better air quality inside of your home. Although there are different types of whole house air purification systems, the Trion Duct Mount HE Plus 1400 can be especially useful. The Trion Duct Mount HE 1400 is recognized for having the strongest cabinets, most reliable power supplies and the sturdiest cells within the industry.

The Trion HE Plus 1400 is designed to mount to the duct work in your heating and cooling system. It allows recirculated air to pass through the cleaner and prevents airborne contaminants from being constantly recirculated throughout your home.  In addition, it captures 95% of airborne pollutants as small as 0.1 microns in size, and comes with a three year limited warranty.

Don’t let indoor air pollution be a problem in your home. Get the Trion HE Plus 1400 and ensure that you are indeed getting a breath of fresh air for you and your family.

22

02 2012

Demand for Filters in the United States Increases

More people are using air and water filters for residential and commercial use.

According to a recent research report from The Freedonia Group, a leading international business research company publishing more than 100 annual industry research studies, results shows that the demand for filters in the United States is expected to increase by 7.1% each year to $12.6 billion in 2015. What on earth could be causing this surge in air and water filter usage?

This study sites reasons that include an ongoing trend toward strengthening environmental regulations, especially an increase in those involved with reducing emissions from electric utilities and diesel engines. Concerns about water quality and indoor air quality are also increasing the demand for filters in this area of consumer goods. In light of heightened awareness regarding drinking water contaminants and air pollution, we are finding that more consumers are replacing their motor vehicle cabin and air filters, diesel emissions filters, residential air filters and water filters more frequently.

Fluid filters used for municipal water and waste, as well as consumer water and industrial fluid filters, account for the largest share of filter consumption. The use of internal combustion engine filters such as oil filters, air intake filters, cabin air filters and fuel filters account for the second largest share of filter consumption. The growing concern about the water we consume and the air we breathe is creating a proactive approach regarding the heightened concerns with water, indoor and outdoor air quality. For your family’s health and well-being, be sure to replace your water, air, humidifier and vehicle filters as recommended, depending on usage and environmental quality for optimal performance.

25

01 2012

Global Usage of Air and Water Filters Increases

Air & Water Filter Use Increases Globally

Reports about poor air and water conditions are reaching global proportions. The growing need for air and water filters result from inadequate conditions of current air and water quality. We see evidence of the rising concern about clean air and safe drinking water demonstrated through various charities dedicated to addressing this dilemma internationally. Such concerns are invoking the immediate implementation of stricter air and water pollution regulations.

Together, the United States and Europe account for a major share of the global air filter and filtration equipment market. The demand for air filters in developing countries will outpace the type of mature growth in markets such as the United States, Japan and Europe. China is expected to supersede Japan by becoming the second largest market for air filtration equipment behind the U.S.

Recently, the Freedonia Group, a leading international business research company, released a market analysis about the increased demand for filters in China. They reported that by 2014 the demand for air and water filters in China is projected to grow by 13.5% annually to 66.2 billion Yuan (Chinese currency). Comparatively, this growth is approximately $10.2 billion in U.S. dollars. The increased demand in China is supported by a rapid growth in motor vehicle and other transportation equipment production, stocks, government policies that promote energy conservation and emission reductions. Sales of fluid filters will be fueled by the growth in non-agricultural water use and expanding urbanization. Sales of air filters are projected to single-handedly rise by 13.7% per year through 2014.

The demand for increased global usage of filters will be spurred by rising manufacturing output of HVAC equipment, metal products, building construction materials, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Many of these manufactured products are either equipped with air filters or produced in manufacturing facilities with high air purification requirements. As income levels grow, more people in China will be able to afford water and air purification equipment for their homes. The growing demand for higher quality and extended life filters are likely to boost the overall market value.

Cutting edge technology along with innovation in air and water filtration media, product design, cost and efficiency will boost future growth. The outlook remains optimistic as consumer spending increases and the shift for better air and water filtration continues to make progress.

 

29

06 2011

Naked Bike Ride Promotes Clean Air

Lose weight, look great, and save the planet while you’re at it. This is, perhaps, the message communicated by the hundreds of people in over 70 cities worldwide who have participated in the World Naked Bike Ride each year since 2004. (For the record, this is the first I have heard of such an event. And most likely the first that any one of us here at Filters Fast has heard of it, because otherwise it would have already been on our blog.)

The WNBR invites people from all backgrounds and of any age, male or female, to join in a non-sexual, fun event that draws attention to the negative impact of harmful greenhouse gas emissions on our environment – often the result of motor vehicle transportation. (Hence, the bike ride theme…). The dress code is “as bare as you dare,” and the event encourages both body paint and bicycle decor as a means of creative self-expression. The WNBR is meant to raise awareness in an attention-grabbing, yet non-threatening way. Since the BP oil spill, many people are becoming more and more conscious of our dependence on oil and the environmental damage it may cause. Cutting down on our use of motor vehicles is just one way to lessen that dependence, and what better way to encourage that than to ride through public streets naked on a bicycle?

Want cleaner air? The World Naked Bike Ride just might be in a city near you.

15

09 2010

NASA Plans to Develop Eco-Friendly Airplanes

NASA is investing millions into the effort of creating more eco-friendly airplanes for cleaner air. The project is called N+3 and looks ahead three generations into the future of aircraft design – calling for developments completed by 2030 to 2035. As with most technological innovations these days, less is more. The planes will use 70 percent less fuel, emit 75 percent less nitrous oxide, create less noise pollution and require less space for takeoff and landing. A similar initiative, N+2 also calls for greater fuel efficiency (50 percent less consumption), but looks toward completion in the nearer future – 2020 to 2025.

Airlines are currently attempting to retrofit planes to make them more efficient, which costs less than building new planes from scratch. Plans for a solar powered airplane with zero emissions – the most efficient aircraft possible – are also underway.

This is not NASA’s first effort to be environmentally conscious. Recently, astronauts developed a system that recycles urine for drinking water during space travel.

25

08 2010

Go Green for Independence Day

This Fourth of July, some environmentalists are ditching the traditional red, white and blue patriotic fireworks display in favor of a greener option. The environmental pollution caused by fireworks has been a concern for several years, but the smoke in the air is even more potent this year in La Jolla, CA. An environmentalist group is suing the city in an effort to stop the fireworks display, which is of particular concern because it takes place near one of the most biologically important marine areas in California.  The court hearing was set to take place today.

Fireworks contain toxic heavy metals that are linked, not only to air and water pollution, but also to cancer and respiratory problems. And this does not just affect the La Jolla community. Many people around the country will celebrate with fireworks this Independence Day, despite the potential harm to personal and environmental health.

If reading this doesn’t make you want to do away with the fireworks altogether, perhaps you should look into other, more eco-friendly options.  This list of creative ways to celebrate the Fourth of July bypasses the typical fireworks display in favor of more educational ways to mark the day’s importance, like visiting a local cemetery in honor of war veterans or throwing a patriotic-themed potluck party. If you must insist on lighting some fireworks, consider the nitrogen-rich variety, which produce less toxic fumes and smoke.

30

06 2010