Maybe it just didn’t work like you thought it would. It’s missing a helpful feature. Or perhaps the color isn’t quite right. And just like that, as sure as you were about your purchase, you’re now just as sure it’s not a worthy investment. Well, that’s what you’re not going to do when you invest in a PrimeAire dehumidifier.

Take a moment and introduce yourself to our newest brand of home dehumidifiers.

PrimeAire dehumidifiers make problem humidity a thing of the past. Available in a 50-pint and 70-pint model, these dehumidifiers can transform even the dampest of basements into a comfortably dry space without the threat of allergy-triggering mold or costly moisture damage. The way I see it, there are 3 things that set a PrimeAire dehumidifier apart from a conventional dehumidifier you’d find at a big box store.

No Guesswork Humidistat

Most conventional dehumidifiers require you to measure your room’s humidity (or maybe even guess!) and adjust dehumidifier operation frequently to maintain a certain humidity level. PrimeAire dehumidifiers make this process easy with an adjustable humidistat. Just set your desired humidity and let the dehumidifier do the work for you. The dehumidifier senses when your humidity level rises above your setting and activates to remove moisture when needed. No head-scratching guesswork needed.

Headache-Free Controls

Many traditional dehumidifiers have all sorts of bells and whistles designed to enhance operation. But all too often, these features lead to headaches and not shortcuts because of complicated instructions and hit or miss functionality. PrimeAire dehumidifiers feature simple electronic controls with just enough pizzazz to have that high-tech feel with plenty of usability and function. Use the pushbutton controls to choose an operating mode, adjust fan speed, set the timer, and monitor filter life. These dehumidifiers have all the features you need in an easy package.

Supercharged Efficiency

These days, it’s so common for a dehumidifier—and any appliance really—to double as an “energy vampire.” You know these products. They might have old noisy motors that run all the time or they’re just not as effective as they once were (even though they run all the time!). PrimeAire dehumidifiers are among the latest wave of Energy Star dehumidifiers designed with more efficient compressors and fans to help you save an average of 15% on operating costs. Plus, more efficient components mean each dehumidifier has less of an impact on the environment.

Now that you’ve been introduced to PrimeAire dehumidifiers, rest assured you can say goodbye to your damp environment—and your buyer’s remorse.

Learn more about these solutions, including the PrimeAire PA5010E and PA7010E dehumidifiers, in our PrimeAire brand center.

Any current PrimeAire dehumidifier owners out there? Let us know how you like them in the comments section!

• Clear the clutter: While stacks of paper may seem like the mark of a busy employee, they’re also a great way to collect dust and other particle irritants on your desk. Take some time each week to tidy up your desk area by removing or recycling unnecessary paperwork. Also, view and save documents on your computer and/or company’s shared space to reduce waste.

• Wash your dishes: Busy days are just a part of work life. Regardless of the length of your to-do list, remove dishes and food containers from your desk and wash them as soon as possible. Dirty dishes (especially your coffee cup!) and used food wrappers can be a breeding ground for mold and other allergens.

• Encourage a fragrance-free work environment: Fragrances from perfumes, hand lotions, cleaning products, and more can cause reactions like headaches, nausea, or even asthma attacks.

• Turn off copiers at the end of each work day: Copy machines have a long-standing reputation for emitting ozone, which can cause problems for those with allergies and asthma. In addition to powering these machines down when not in use, make sure any areas where copiers are located are well-ventilated.

• Clean your keyboard: Periodically, clean your keyboard with compressed air to remove dust and other particles that could have become lodged between keys. When cleaning your keyboard, make sure to disconnect it and conduct the cleaning in an area where the debris can be easily removed once you are finished.

• Use an air purifier: Available in a variety of sizes and capacities, air purifiers are agreat way to keep the air in your office free of dust particles, allergens, mold spores, noxious odors, pollen, and more. Air purifiers can be especially useful during pollen season to keep your office’s indoor air comfortable for those with hay fever and other seasonal allergy symptoms.

• Smoke in designated areas only: Cigarette smoke can be especially irritating and harmful to those with allergies and asthma. If your office campus is not entirely smoke-free, ensure that designated smoking areas are properly used.

• Hire a cleaning company that specializes eco-friendly or natural cleaning solutions: It does seem slightly ironic that even the cleaning agents used to keep offices spotless can cause allergy and asthma flare-ups in sensitive individuals. Taking the time to find a cleaning service that offers allergy and asthma solutions is a great way to keep your office clean without sacrificing employee health and comfort.

These are just a few tips to help keep your office free of irritating allergens. What steps do you take at your office to keep the environment comfortable and healthy for yourself and your co-workers?

You can do more than enjoy the view from inside the gym though, so lace up your running shoes and get outside! These tips can help you keep pollen allergy symptoms at bay while exercising outdoors:

1. Know your triggers. Most runners and cyclists take regular routes. If you notice  your symptoms flaring up at certain points on your route, there may be a large concentration of trees or other plants producing pollens that aggravate your allergies. Take notice of the plants and trees around you, and discuss them with your doctor. An allergy test can also be helpful at determining precise triggers.  You may even consider altering your route.
2. Check your local pollen counts. Don’t leave your outdoor workouts to chance. Local news channels and sites like Pollen.com provide pollen count updates and forecasts, so you can plan accordingly. For example, I have a pretty bad allergy to oak pollens. When tree pollen counts are high, I choose to run, swim, or spin indoors.
3. Watch the clock. The time of day can play a role in allergy flare-ups. Pollen counts are often highest between 5 and 10 am. You may want to save outside activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rain, when pollen levels are lower.
4. Protect your eyes and face. Sunglasses are not only great for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, they can provide a necessary barrier between sensitive eyes and pollen. Although it’s not always possible, a light mask or bandanna can help prevent exposure to pollen and other pollutants.
5. Don’t forget to shower. A relaxing shower is the perfect way to end a great workout, especially during pollen season. Showering can help rinse off pollen particles and other irritants you may have collected on the road. Your clothes probably collected a fair amount of pollen as well. Placing those in the laundry basket right after you work out can prevent spreading pollen throughout your home.

These are just a few tips to help you maintain your fitness routine despite the pollen onslaught. Are you a runner or cyclist with helpful tips for avoiding allergy flare-ups? Tell us about them in the comments. See you on the road!

While these areas may be the worst offenders, no vacation destination can truly be allergy-free. Why? Well, just like many of us, pollen is pretty good at traveling. These tiny airborne particles can travel by wind, as well as by settling on the bodies of insects and other animals. Pollen can even be an unwelcome travel companion by settling on your clothes, in your hair, and even on your skin. Plus, regardless of your travel plans, there’s always the possibility of encountering mold and other allergens.

Fortunately, these simple tips can help you reduce pollen exposure and allergy symptoms so you can enjoy your vacation from beginning to end:

1. Plan to vacation at a beach or on a cruise, if possible. These getaways tend to be easier on allergy sufferers.
2. Monitor the pollen counts of your intended destination before and during your vacation.
3. Don’t forget your medications and saline solution. Pack an emergency bag in your carry-on, just in case, and remember to bring any prescriptions for security purposes.
4. Book an “allergy-free” room. To ensure guests’ comfort, many hotels now offer rooms designed specifically with the needs of those with allergies and chemical sensitivities in mind. For more information, check out our infographic about allergy-friendly hotel chains.
5. Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen hours. Pollen counts are typically at their worst between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sleep in, enjoy a relaxing breakfast, and then start your daily activities once the pollen begins to settle.
6. Request a room away from the pool. Sure, it’s great to wake up and head straight to the pool, but the humidity that surrounds pools can cause mold growth.
7. Keep your windows closed. Nothing says, “I’m on vacation,” like open windows and a breeze; however, these same actions can allow allergens to enter your vacation home or car.
8. Bathe and wash your hair nightly. Just like at home, doing these things washes away pollen and other allergens, preventing them from remaining on bed sheets and in other areas of your room.

These are just a few tips to make your vacation as relaxing as possible, despite the onslaught of pollen that also accompanies warm spring weather.

What are your tips for traveling with allergies? Tell us about them in the comments.

My enthusiasm for robotic vacuums waned because some of the most popular models turned out to be more like sweepers than vacuums and still carried a hefty price tag. Upon my introduction to the Neato Robotics vacuum line these feelings changed completely. Featuring innovative technology, a low-profile design, and affordable price tag, these robotic vacuums easily clean places that you may have trouble reaching with a regular-size vacuum. Plus, the powerful suction effectively captures dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris from both soft and hard surfaces, including tile, vinyl, and hardwoods.

One of the best features of Neato vacuums is their use of infrared light. Unlike other robotic vacuums that seem to move aimlessly throughout the room, get stuck against walls, or spin endlessly in circles, Neato vacuums feature an infrared eye that scans its surroundings five times every second. This results in an effective map of the room for the vacuum to follow in order to systematically clean your entire floor area. Plus, the infrared light technology ensures that furniture remains safe from dings and knicks that other robotic vacuums can cause. In fact, the only thing the Neato leaves behind is a series of beautifully straight vacuum lines, indicative of thoroughly cleaned carpet.

What else do I love about Neato vacuums? Probably the fact that the machine is more like a vacuuming assistant than an ordinary cleaning device. I can easily program it to clean my floors at set times each day or week. If the Neato starts running low on battery power, I don’t have to take it back to the charging dock, wait for it to re-charge, and then place it where it left off. The Neato does all of that on its own!

If you’re ready to take your cleaning routine to the future, you have to try one of these vacuums. The Neato Robotics XV-11 is great for daily vacuuming needs and picking up dust and debris from your home.

However, if you have allergies and/or pets like I do, the Neato Robotics XV-21, which is designed specifically to trap pet dander and common allergens, might be a better choice. The XV-21 uses a bristle brush to trap and lift debris like pet hair from any flooring type, while its pleated air filter removes particles like mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and dust mites.

Both models represent a new, convenient way to clean your home, whether you have pets or not. Check out a video about the Neato vacuums below.

Do you currently use a Neato vacuum to clean your home? Tell us about your experiences with it.

A cleaning revolution may sound a bit dramatic, but it’s exactly what Miele has created. Their new S8 line of canister vacuums are packed with extras and leading the charge in changing how we clean our homes.

I was lucky enough to chat with a Miele rep about these “next generation” vacuums. I really only had 2 questions: What makes one S8 model different from the others? And who should buy each one? I’ll share what I learned, but let’s run through the premium features they all share first. These vacuums filter air better than most canister vacuums, and they’re the lightest and quietest vacuums Miele has ever created. All Miele S8 vacuums include:

• Parquet Twister Floor Tool: All S8 models come with this floor tool, which is air-driven and perfect for smooth floors.
• AirClean Sealed System: It’s one thing to vacuum up dust, allergens, and other particles, but this sealed system ensures it stays in the vacuum’s bag and out of your indoor environment.
• One-Touch Controls: No wrapping a cord, holding down a button, or even bending over. Simply touch a button with your foot to rewind the cord automatically or turn the vacuum on and off.
• 6 Suction Settings: Different surfaces have various heights and textures; these settings let you control how much suction you use. For example, you’d use much more suction on high-pile carpet than when cleaning upholstery.
• Onboard Accessories: Easy to find and store, use these for cleaning furniture, upholstery, and various other areas of your home.

Supreme Air Filtration

There are 2 filter options that come with the S8 models. Models with an Active HEPA filter are best for allergy-sufferers, because they (combined with the sealed system mentioned earlier) catch 99.99% of allergens down to .3 microns. The Active AirClean Filter is also great for filtering air and includes a charcoal cassette for absorbing odors. You can use either filter in any S8 model, so you can add a HEPA filter or AirClean filter to your model. Now let’s take a quick look at the S8 models and who would benefit most from each one.

The Alize: See the Light!

Unique Features: The Alize-exclusive handle with spotlight is perfect for behind furniture or other dark areas, while a Dynamic Drive feature allows for easy transition from carpet to hard floors. Its Automatic setting uses a sensor to self-adjust while it cleans (no thinking or action from you!). Lastly, a Filter Replacement Indicator tells you when it’s time to get a new filter. Read more about the Miele Alize S8 Canister Vacuum.
Filtration: Active HEPA
Best For: Allergy-sufferers and people with hard floors and low-pile carpet.

The Uniq: A Classy Companion

Unique Features: This is the most premium member of the S8 line and includes the most expensive floor tool (electric-powered Electro Premium brush for carpets). Its deluxe handle grip has fingertip buttons to control its suction and the Electro Premium brush.  Additional features include: Filter Replacement Indicator, a velvet bumper strip, chrome accents, velvet accessories compartment, and underbody lights. Read more about the Miele UniQ S8 Canister Vacuum.
Filtration: Active HEPA
Best For: Pretty much anyone! It’s great for people with high- or low-pile carpets, hard floors, or any combination. Its HEPA filtration makes it a top choice for allergy-sufferers.

The Marin: For the Control Freak

Unique Feature: You can pick between 3 optional floor tools when you buy the Marin; all of them are for carpet and bring something different to the table. Read more about the optional tools. Additional features include: Automatic setting, Filter Replacement Indicator, and deluxe handle with electro-brush. controls. Read more about the Miele Marin S8 Canister Vacuum.
Filtration: Active HEPA
Best For: All carpet types and allergy-sufferers.

The Cat and Dog: Pets Are People Too!

Unique Feature: An included mini turbo brush is great for removing pet hair and dander from heavily-tracked areas, low-pile carpets, and delicate upholstery. Read more about the Miele S8 Cat and Dog Canister Vacuum.
Filtration: Active AirClean
Best For: You guessed it, pet owners.

The Calima: The Smooth Talker

Unique Feature: This model was created for people with smooth floors or low-pile carpet. Its turbo comfort floor tool has an air-driven roller brush to loosen dirt and other debris from low-pile carpet. Read more about the Miele S8 Calima Canister Vacuum.
Filtration: Active HEPA
Best For: Allergy-sufferers, people with smooth floors and low-pile carpets.

The Kona: The Ultimate Carpet Cleaner

Unique Feature: Height adjustment! In addition to the standard suction settings, the Kona’s ElectroPlus floor tool is wide and cleans all carpet types with 5 height levels. Read more about the Kona S8 Canister Vacuum.
Filtration: Active HEPA
Best For: Allergy-sufferers and people with low-, medium-, or high-pile carpet.

Have you tried out one of these vacuums? Let us know which is your favorite in the comments below.

The DC Ladies

A mom and daughter duo runs this lifestyle blog that focuses on various aspects of living in Washington D.C. Their eclectic mix of topics include everything from fashion, food, fitness, kids, green living, and more. In a recent post, the ladies discuss simple, cost-effective ways to improve your indoor air quality.

Winning Post

While some articles about improving your indoor air quality can be boring and/or confusing, this winning post takes an honest look at a few easy ways to improve your indoor air quality. There are immediate and long term effects associated with polluted indoor air; this well-written post offers suggestions that range from removing your shoes to using low-VOC paint. Have you ever considered that taking off your shoes reduces the risk of tracking pesticides into your home? If not, read the rest of their post for even better (and inexpensive) ways to keep your indoor air as clean as possible!

Eco Child’s Play

Most parents are serious about their children’s health, and Eco Child’s Play (ECP) is an entire blog devoted to “green” family life. Jennifer Lance, the founder of ECP, grows her own food and lives in an eco-home built from timber on her land—just 2 ways she tries to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible. While you may not be quite as dedicated as Jennifer, you can learn a lot of tips from reading her blog.

Winning Post

Living in a completely “green” home isn’t something everyone can do. We can, however, fill our homes with healthy and eco-friendly items. This post is about making your home as healthy as possible, and offers a few interesting ideas that aren’t difficult (or expensive!) to implement.

For example, cleaning supplies have long been a worry for people, particular parents. Have you ever considered making your own cleaning supplies? I haven’t, but it turns out it’s not that hard! Even easier suggestions like purchasing eco-friendly mattresses, low-VOC paints, and certain types of cookware are all discussed in the post. It looks at indoor air quality differently than many people today; and this post offers great ideas that make “going green” easier than ever.

TreeHugger

Treehugger.com is a media outlet dedicated to drive sustainability initiatives in mainstream life. Their green solutions and product information is published in various forms, from blogs to newsletters and even radio interviews. They’re contributors tackle topics like transportation, technology, energy, and more. It’s a popular place for people to learn easy tips for living a more sustainable lifestyle—regardless of where they live in the world.

Winning Post

Dealing with Beijing’s notoriously poor air quality can be tricky, and Matt Hope resorted to creating a “breathing bike.” This bike uses a steampunk-style air filtration system located on the bike rack. This homemade device attaches a mask with air filtration tubes to an IKEA trash can. It may not be the prettiest sight, but his creation is just one (very unique) way people are trying to cope with China’s air.

Until the government is willing to make serious improvements, Chinese air will continue to be an issue, and we may see a lot stranger contraptions than Matt’s bike. Read more about his unique air filtration system in this winning post. You can also see more about his story in the video below.

Our winning topics this month range from taking off your shoes to dealing with dangerous air in China, and we’re so glad people across the globe are focusing on air quality. Check back next month to learn more helpful tips and see what our Air Quality Evangelists are doing to improve lives every day!

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), levels of pollutants inside the home are often two to five times higher than outdoor pollutant levels. You’re probably thinking, “How is that possible? I clean my floors and counter tops regularly.” Well, don’t be too hard on yourself because these excessive levels aren’t necessarily the result of poor housekeeping.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Many contemporary homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and as a result they’re tightly sealed. While this is great for regulating your home’s temperature and keeping energy costs low, it also traps volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inside. These chemicals (like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene) are commonly found in pressed wood, furniture, paints, varnishes, and many cleaning products. Exposure can result in headaches, nausea, allergic skin reactions, nose and throat irritation, and even more severe reactions like central nervous system damage.

Since avoiding VOCs altogether is unlikely, household plants are an inexpensive and attractive option for reducing your exposures to them. Houseplants are a better choice for removing VOCs from indoor air because they’re equipped to survive in tropical areas with low sunlight, which means that they have the potential to absorb gases more efficiently to aid photosynthesis. This even includes gases like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and more.

If you’re interested in checking for VOCs like formaldehyde in your home, browse our Testing Kits page.

Suggested Plants

Below is a list of the 15 NASA-recommended houseplants. All of the plants can be easily purchased at your local nursery.

1. Heartleaf philodendron – top right photo
2. Elephant ear philodendron
3. Cornstalk dracaena
4. English ivy
5. Spider plant
6. Janet Craig dracaena
7. Warneck dracaena
8. Weeping fig
9. Golden pothos
10. Peace lily – bottom right photo
11. Selloum philodendron
12. Chinese evergreen
13. Bamboo or reed palm
14. Snake plant
15. Red-edged dracaena

Have you added any combination of these plants to your indoor environment? Tell us about your experience in the Comments section.

To help children rest easier both day and night, many parents often add a humidifier to their child’s room. Humidifiers blanket rooms with a soothing, delicate mist to help children breathe easier and get relief from flu-like symptoms. With so many people touting the effectiveness of humidifiers, including pediatricians and allergists, it’s no wonder that there are so many models available.

Here are a few tips about how to choose the best humidifier for your infant or toddler.

• Warm versus Cool Mist Humidifiers. Although some parents choose warm mist humidifiers for perceived protection against bacteria growth, cool mist humidifiers are frequently recommended for infants and toddlers. Unlike their warm mist counterparts that can cause burn risks for children due to heated water in the tank, cool mist humidifiers offer the same benefits and no possibility of hot water coming into contact with curious hands and fingers. Cool mist is also preferred for children with asthma.
• Noise Levels. Humidifier noise levels can vary. Choose a quiet model, like ultrasonic humidifiers, which use high-frequency sounds waves (inaudible for humans) to create an invisible, delicate mist.
• Child-friendly Design. Humidifiers have become a staple in nurseries and bedrooms. With this in mind, manufacturers have created models that not only add beneficial moisture but whimsy and fun to a child’s room. For example, award-winning Crane Adorable models are available in a variety of child-friendly designs, including Freddy the Frog, Merlin the Dragon, and even Hello Kitty.
• Running Time. Parents of infants and toddlers always have an endless to-do list. Humidifiers that only need to be refilled every 24 hours are ideal for busy parents, relieving the need to constantly check water levels. More importantly, make sure that the humidifier you choose has an automatic shut-off to ensure that no accidents happen in case you forget to refill the water tank.

Do you use a humidifier in your child’s nursery or bedroom? Let us know your tips and suggestions for using a humidifier in the comments.

While the link between poor health and poor air has long been known, this is the first known study on the relationship between air quality and sleep.

This news might be discouraging to SDB patients who live in areas notorious for pollution and poor air quality. If moving to a less polluted area is not an option, fortunately there are a few ways to improve the air you breathe – and hopefully your sleep as well:

• Be sure that your home (particularly the bedroom if you have a SDB!) is well ventilated.
• Know when air quality is poorest in your area. It may take some research, but avoid exposure to the air outside when air quality is at it’s worst! For example, rush hour is not the best time for a walk. According to Diane Gold, MD, MPH, a researcher on the study, “You are at a 13% higher risk of having shallow breathing or stopping breathing for at least 10 seconds if pollution goes from the lower range to the higher range of pollution for that city. ‘This is clinically significant.” Yikes!
• Install air conditioning in your home. John Heffner, MD, offers another perspective on WebMD; ”We need more research to see if there is really a causal link [between pollution and sleep-disordered breathing]. I would advise patients with sleep-disordered breathing, particularly if they are not too responsive to therapy for their sleep problems, to seek air conditioned homes, and to seek out air conditioning if they don’t have it in their homes during times of serious air pollution problems.”

If you suffer from SDB and live in an area with poor indoor air quality, check out Sylvane’s air purifiers and room air conditioners.

Do you or anyone you know deal with Sleep Disordered Breathing? Taking action to improve your air quality might help. Chime in with your thoughts in the comments section below this post!

Photo Credit: Elusive Sleep by Melanie Hayes on Flickr.

The end of February is a mixed bag of weather across the US—some people see record-breaking snow or horrible thunderstorms, while others (including myself) are preparing for an early spring allergy season. Presidents Day happens to fall around this time every year, and at Sylvane we’ll be celebrating with a major sale on products you can use in any weather.

Until February 19, we’re offering discounts on everything from heaters and humidifiers to vacuums and steam cleaners. Read on to learn more about our deals and who should consider taking advantage of them.

10% Off Pure Guardian Humidifiers

Who Should Take Advantage? Anyone with dry indoor air! If your lips are chapped, skin is dry, or you’re feeling a little under the weather, a humidifier may be the solution. Known for silent operation and Silver Clean Technology that naturally eliminates mold and mildew, Pure Guardian humidifiers are packed with high-quality features. Avoid cracked skin and overly dry indoor air, and save 10% on all Pure Guardian humidifiers during our sale!

20% Off All Space Heaters

Who Should Take Advantage? If you’re not expecting spring weather for a while, consider getting a space heater. Space heaters offer direct heating to cold spots in your home and can supplement an inefficient central heating system. People use them to add warmth to rooms they spend a lot of time in or spaces that are difficult to heat like garages and basements. Check out which discounted space heater can help you save money on your electric bill and keep you comfortable until warm weather arrives.

20% Off Dyson Vacuums and Fans

Who Should Take Advantage? Those of us who are ready to spring clean! Dyson creates top-of-the-line canister and upright vacuums that offer bagless convenience and patented technology to remove dust, allergens, and debris from any area of your home. Save 20% on all Dyson vacuums during our Presidents Day sale, and you’ll be ready to take on any cleaning task this spring.

Dyson fans are also 20% off and come with premium fan features like 90-degree oscillation, remote controls, and various fan speeds.

10% Off Haan Steam Cleaners

Who Should Take Advantage? Haan is known for offering residential steam cleaners and mops, which are perfect for people who need to sanitize any floor type—including carpets, hardwoods, and outdoor surfaces. Use one of Haan’s popular steam cleaners to clean areas of your home without the use of harmful chemicals. These affordable residential cleaners are all 10% off during our Presidents Day sale.

Support America This Presidents Day

In addition to our great deals, Sylvane also offers various products that are made here in the USA. It is Presidents Day after all; consider supporting brands and products made in America. A few of these include:

• Santa Fe Dehumidifiers
• Port-A-Cool Swamp Coolers
• Hi-E Dry Dehumidifiers
• Austin Air Purifiers
• Phoenix Dehumidifiers

No matter what weather you’re dealing with this Presidents Day, we hope you take advantage of our sale to stay healthy indoors even as the seasons start to change. And who knows, you may even feel a bit more patriotic if you get one of our American-made products.

What indoor air quality product do you need this time of year? Any (or all) of the above? Let us know in the comments below!

Our picks for this month’s Air Quality Evangelists all focus on the importance of your indoor environment and what your family can do to avoid health problems that originate there. Check out our favorite blog posts this month to learn what you can do to stay healthy!

Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Blog

I never thought researching ants could teach us about our daily exposure to toxic chemicals, but the post “Ants Go Marching One-by-One” proved me wrong. The post was published on the site Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, which is a coalition of parents, health professionals, and advocates who share a common concern about toxic chemicals, particularly in our homes, places of work, and household products.

Winning Post

The winning post reviews research on ants (published in the Science of the Total Environment) that looked at their levels of certain chemicals. This research showed all of the inspected ants carried toxic chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are industrial chemicals used as solvents in many cosmetic and plastic products, and high levels of exposure can cause a wide range of health and reproductive problems in humans.

This study not only found that all the ants tested positive for phthalates, but their levels increased over time. Most research focuses on the presence of phthalates in plastics, but this study found that these chemicals were actually present in the air, which is why every ant in the study had levels that increased over time. “Ants Go Marching One-by-One” looks at how this study can help humans better understand these dangerous chemicals. Check it out to learn more about phthalates, the dangers they possess, and what you can do to limit your exposure.

Taking Off

Pretty much everyone, including Sylvane, is discussing the flu this season. We know how to avoid sickness in our everyday lives, but what about traveling? Taking Off is Park Ride Fly USA’s travel blog that offers tips and health advice for people traveling, and they recently discussed how to avoid the flu while traveling.

Winning Post

Even though you’re a bit of a sitting duck while traveling on an airplane, Taking Off’s “Tips to Avoid the Flu Bug on a Plane” looks at what you can do to protect yourself on a plane.

In addition to the usual tips like washing your hands, this post looks at factors like how the dry, recirculated air often found in airplanes may influence you. Staying hydrated will keep membranes in your mouth, eyes, and nose moist and help protect against germs trying to enter your body. Read the winning post for more on: How to direct your recirculated plane air, what to wipe down with disinfectant wipes, and other information to avoid the flu while travelling—because who wants the flu on a business trip, or even worse, while on vacation?

Utah Moms for Clean Air

Utah Moms for Clean Air has a simple intent—ensure their children have a healthy environment to live and grow. Therefore, the site is constantly offering advice to parents about their indoor air quality and how to make it safe for kids.

Winning Post

Their winning post, “Fast Food, Air Pollution and Asthma,” looks at a study that shows fast food consumption is linked to children’s asthma. A study of more than 500,000 kids in more than 50 countries found a clear link between fast food and severe asthma, hay fever, and eczema. While we all know fast food isn’t great for us, it’s an interesting look at the influences fast food has on breathing problems. Check out the full post to learn more about this study and what you can eat to cut down on the negative impacts of eating fast food (without cutting it out completely).

We commend all of our Air Quality Evangelists for their dedication to staying healthy and knowledgeable about their indoor environments. As you can see, a few basic tips really can help you stay healthy in 2013!

Are you an Air Quality Evangelist? Do you believe in the importance of breathing clean, healthy air? Tell us! Introduce yourself in the comments section below, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter!

The bad news is that list of dangers is pretty long. Phthalates, which are chemicals added to plastics to improve their durability, can be found in literally hundreds of products, many of which are found in most American homes.

Food containers, personal care products, kids’ toys, and shower curtains – the list of products containing phthalates is seemingly endless. But what exactly are they, and why are they so dangerous? And most importantly, how can we avoid them?

What are Phthalates?

According to the Environmental Working Group, “Phthalates, called ‘plasticizers,’ are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible or resilient and also as solvents.” Because products containing plastics and solvents are so prevalent, exposure to phthalates is as well. Phthalates are everywhere:

• Furniture
• Cleaning products
• Hair spray
• Nail polish
• Food containers
• Packaging
• Skin care products
• Adhesives
• And more..

Why Avoid Phthalates?

Research indicates that phthalates  are carcinogenic. They have also been linked to reproductive problems, immune suppression, and nervous system issues. Pregnant women, infants, and those with immune disorders seem to be particularly vulnerable.

How to Avoid Phthalates

Many of the products containing phthalates are used directly on or in the body, while others damage indoor air by leeching chemicals into the environment. For example, that “new car smell” is due to phthalates in the vehicle’s interior. While avoiding them completely is difficult, there are a number of ways you can reduce your exposure:

• Avoid buying plastic products, particularly those labeled with recycling code 3. Glass, natural fibers, and certain metals are healthier (and more eco-friendly) alternatives.
• Don’t buy products containing “fragrance.” This umbrella term often hides phthalates.
• Ditch plastic toys made before 2009—they were more than likely made with phthalates. The Healthy Toys database is a handy resource.
• Use natural personal care products made with food grade ingredients.
• Replace vinyl flooring in your home.

Because current laws allow the use of harmful chemicals in products on the market, it’s important to make healthier choices. I’m eager to go through my kids’ toys to make sure they are all safe. Where can you lower your phthalate exposure in your home?

Photo Credit: Kitchen by Mike_tn on Flickr.

What is Radon – And Why is It Harmful?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless – in other words, impossible to detect without the right equipment. According to the EPA’s fact sheet on radon, “Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. While levels in outdoor air pose a relatively low threat to human health, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the number one cause among non-smokers.”

How Does Radon Enter the Home?

There are a number of risk factors a home can have for high levels of radon. Generally speaking, it’s any area that exposes your home to groundwater or underground soil where uranium is created is a risk. A few of the most common ways radon enters the home are:

• Showers
• Cracks in the foundation of the home
• Well water
• Hot water heater

How to Take Action This Month

The EPA is recommending four ways to take action this month:

1. Test your home for radon—it’s simple using products like the Safety Siren Pro Series 3 Radon Gas Detector.
2. Attend a NRAM event in your area.
3. Spread the word about the risks of radon to your family and friends, and point them in the direction of educational materials and testing equipment.
4. Buy or build a radon-resistant house when it comes time to look for a new home.

With an estimated 1 in 15 homes having a dangerous level of radon, it’s important to take action in order to keep your family safe! I was certainly surprised to learn just how dangerous radon is – so I’ll be telling people all about it! Have you ever tested your home?

Photo Credit: DSC_0052.JPG by Adam Hiliker on Flickr.

Beyond flu vaccinations, regular hand-washing, covering your cough and sneeze, and staying home when you feel sick, there are other flu prevention methods to give you the best chance of avoiding the illness this season.

1. Practice healthy lifestyle habits: It’s always a good idea to eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, and stay hydrated. During flu season, a healthy daily regimen keeps your body in tip-top condition to stave off infection. For example, WebMD points out that aerobic exercise helps the body produce vital virus-killing cells.
2. Use tissues: Everyone knows that covering your coughs and sneezes are an important part of preventing the spread of the influenza virus. However, covering them with your hand increases the possibility of infecting others through touch. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw that tissue away immediately. If a tissue is unavailable, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
3. Clean surfaces with dry steam vapor: The surfaces of your home can be virtual breeding grounds for germs and viruses. Although your go-to chemical cleaners can eliminate viruses, the disinfection process is not as simple as spray and wipe. In fact, many cleaners must sit up to five minutes on surfaces to disinfect. Dry steam cleaning with products such as the Ladybug 2200S with TANCS cleans and disinfects surfaces within a matter of seconds. Best of all, no chemicals are used in the cleaning process, eliminating harmful chemical residues and odors left behind by popular household cleaners.
4. Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption: Sure, your grandma has long touted the benefits of hot toddies and other alcohol-centric home remedies for illness. She is probably also a fan of mothballs and witch hazel. Those in the medical community, however, point out that heavy alcohol consumption can harm your immune system and leave you dehydrated, making your body more vulnerable to the flu virus.
5. Filter your indoor air: The flu is transmitted through tiny airborne droplets. In a closed environment, such as your home or office, the virus could be continually circulating. Many air purifiers, like the Winix PlasmaWave 6300 and the Oransi V-Hepa Finn, actually incorporate elements that eliminate germs and viruses in addition to removing irritating dust, pollen, and other particles. This creates an overall healthier indoor environment.
6. Don’t stress: Easier said than done. However, by taking proactive steps to reduce your stress levels, you can also boost your immune system.

Do you have any other healthy secrets or tips to avoid the flu? Tell us about them in the comments below. You can also connect with us on Twitter or Facebook!