According to a University of Cincinnati study, more than 30 percent of public schools are in “air pollution danger zones” within a quarter mile of major highways, reports Yahoo News.
Humidifiers offer many health benefits, especially during the winter. They restore moisture to the air and thus restore moisture to your skin, lips, throat, and nose. Those who suffer from sinusitis know that dry air can be irritating and painful when it hits the nasal mucosa. Humidifiers also make the indoor environment more comfortable – humid air feels warmer than dry air – and humidifiers can help you save money on heating bills.
However, humidifiers must be cared for and cleaned properly, or else you might experience some unwanted side effects. Read more about humidifiers
Crescent Moon specializes in the manufacture of bedding from alpaca wool. Alpaca wool, compared to sheep wool, is lighter, warmer, cleaner, and stronger. Because alpaca wool is naturally porous, it absorbs more moisture than sheep wool, thus creating a drier environment that discourages the growth of allergens.
Furthermore, the alpacas are raised in totally organic environments – free of pesticides and chemicals. The wool is also free of chemicals like dyes and bleaches. This means the bedding is healthier for you and the environment.
Let’s quickly review the Crescent Moon bedding line:
Crescent Moon Pillow Covers – NEW! These protective pillow covers zip up to block dust mites from invading your pillow; more important, they block allergenic dust mite feces from escaping into the air. If you suffer from dust allergies, a simple pillow cover could eliminate your symptoms. Read more about Crescent Moon bedding
Sick Building Syndrome, or SBS, refers to a condition where a building makes its occupants sick. Toxins and allergens are the most common cause of SBS. Mold, which may produce allergens or toxins, is the single most common cause.
One type of mold – Stachybotrys chartarum – has been implicated in SBS more than any other substance. Also known as black mold or toxic mold, Stachybotrys releases toxins into the air. Common symptoms including headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue, although much more serious conditions may result. Read more about Sick Building Syndrome
Eczema affects up to 20 percent of U.S. children. Child eczema usually appears between two and six months of age and runs in families with a history of allergies and asthma. The dry, red, itchy skin patches often begin on the face and spread to other parts of the body.
There is no cure for eczema, but there are many ways to treat child eczema at home. Read more about child eczema
The Tribune Star reports that bathing pets weekly will reduce allergens by 84 percent!
“Pet dander” refers to small flakes of skin, but allergens are also present in saliva and urine (which often dry on the skin or fur). Once dry, pet dander can become airborne and remain in the air for hours at a time. When inhaled, the allergen can produce a wide array of symptoms from sniffling to severe asthma attacks. Read more about pet allergies
Portable air conditioners, also known as spot coolers or swamp coolers, are much easier to install than window units. Simply clip the exhaust tube to the window kit, place it in a window, and close the window. Read more about spot coolers
CBS News reports that, by the end of this year, 22 million asthmatic Americans will have to throw out their CFC inhalers for new, ozone-friendly HFA inhalers.
CFC inhalers use chlorofluorocarbons to propel the medicine; however, CFCs also damage the planet’s protective ozone layer. Beginning December 31, 2008, CFC inhalers will no longer be manufactured or sold in the United States.
If you have asthma, please note that the new HFA inhalers will not work exactly the same as the old CFC inhalers. HFA inhalers may taste and feel different; for instance, the spray may feel softer. Also, most HFA inhalers require more cleaning and care to prevent clogs, and shelf life is shorter for some of the new inhalers. Read more about HFA asthma inhalers
It turns out that dust mites, mold, and pet dander are not the only allergens in houshold dust…
New research reveals that endotoxins produced by bacteria in dust can inflame airways and trigger asthma, according to ScienceDaily.
What are endotoxins?
Peter Thorne, environmental toxicologist at the University of Iowa explains, “If you think of a bacterium as an orange, the endotoxin is the material that makes up the peel. It’s the outer layer. And this becomes shed from bacteria, and it’s everywhere in the environment.
Do you have a funny feline, comical canine, or humorous hamster? If your pet knows any unique tricks, submit a video to the Bissell Pet Games today!
Note: Your pet doesn’t have to be a star athlete like the dog above to win. Cuteness and humor score points, too! Viewers vote on new winners each week.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released its list of 2008 fall allergy capitals – the worst places to live during fall allergy season – based on pollen counts, number of allergy medications used per patient, and number of allergy specialists per patient.
Ragweed, the most common seasonal allergy trigger, peaks in September in most parts of the country. Mold allergy is also a problem during the fall. This year, more than 50 percent of the U.S. population lives in one of the top 100 Fall Allergy Capitals! Read more about fall allergies
Next time you’re shopping for indoor health products, don’t forget to check the Clearance Center at Sylvane.com.
Most products in the clearance center are open-box items; that is, the box has been opened, but the products have not been used. Some open-box items have been used for demonstrations, and some have been returned by customers for various reasons – but none of the clearance items have been used for more than 30 days, and they’re guaranteed to arrive in good working order. If a clearance product has been slightly used, we will note if there are any scratches, dents, or scuffs. Otherwise, clearnace products are just like new!
Save substantially by purchasing these clearance items, all of which are still fully warranted!