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Dangerous Air Quality: Air Pollution Health Effects

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air-pullution

Poor air quality is a concern. Did you know that, on average, we breathe in 3,000 gallons of air each day? Throughout the day, you are breathing in tiny particles (invisible to the naked eye), without being aware of it. Have you ever stopped to think what these tiny particles are that you’re breathing in? Unfortunately due to negative air pollution health effects, we are confronted with the probability that we are hurting our overall health just by doing a simple (yet vital) task.

Air pollution can damage plants, trees, crops and lakes. It can also damage your body. Below are just some of the effects of air pollution as related to our overall health.

  • Irritation of the throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Respiratory problems (especially for those with asthma)
  • Burning in the nose and eyes

 

Perhaps most frightening is that we are not just susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution while we are outside, but also while we are in the comforts of our own homes. In fact, indoor air quality is one of the top five risks to public health according to the EPA. Perhaps even more alarming is that 87% of American homeowners are not aware that the pollution outside may not be as bad as the pollution inside (this according to dosomething.org).

The reasons for this can vary from a lack of filtration to inadequate ventilation. Being a company that specializes on filtration, we naturally tend to focus on this part of the issue. However, this can make a huge difference. While you may not be able to make an immediate impact on air pollution on a national or even global scale (due to various laws, regulations, etc.) you can make an immediate impact on the air quality in your own home. Furnace filters capture debris, dust, and more from your air which improves your overall air quality. Beyond that however, failure to regularly replace furnace filters is generally the number one cause of furnace repairs. In addition, since your motor and furnace fan will have to work harder to push air through a clogged filter, your system consumes more energy to compensate causing you to spend more on your next bill.

You don’t have to deal with poor air quality at home. A furnace filter, and remembering to regularly replace it, can leave you breathing in fresh air.

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

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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.

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Get Better Sleep at Night

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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.

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