Sylvane.com » Indoor Health Matters


Fish May Prevent Infant Eczema

Posted by john on October 5th, 2008

A new study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that infants who eat fish before the age of nine months have a decreased risk of developing eczema.

A family history of atopic disease (allergies) is the main risk factor. In recent years, however, researchers have begun to focus on environmental and dietary factors as well. Read more about fish consumption and eczema

Childhood Asthma Symptoms

Posted by john on August 7th, 2008

Most people recognize wheezing as a possible sign of childhood asthma, but there are other signs that may not be so obvious.

According to the American Lung Association, common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest tightness, frequent coughing, and frequent respiratory infections.

A persistent nighttime cough is a common sign of asthma, as asthma usually gets worse at night. Any child with recurrent coughing or respiratory infections should be evaluated for asthma. Read more about childhood asthma symptoms and risks

Healthy Homes Make a Healthy Planet

Posted by john on August 6th, 2008

Last week in the Ithica Journal, indoor air quality expert Jackie Mouillesseaux-Grube wrote about the connection between indoor air quality and human health: “Daily behavior impacts indoor air quality, so we can minimize our exposure to harmful substances and manage the overall impact air quality has on our health by considering ventilation, excessive moisture and common pollutants.”

In the article, Mouillesseaux-Grube addressed two common indoor air pollutants: household chemicals and mold. Read more about indoor air quality

Condensation on Windows - Not A Good Sign

Posted by john on August 1st, 2008

I recently moved, and I’ve noticed some condensation on windows in my new place. This concerns me because it’s a sure sign of excess humidity.

When indoor humidity is too high, water droplets typically show up on windows since the glass is cooler than the air; when warm, humid air touches a window, the air cools down and releases moisture - condensation.

High humidity sets the stage for the growth of mold and dust mites, and it can also damage household materials. Since I have allergies, I like to keep the humidity under control. Read more about condensation on windows and home humidity