Thursday, November 25, 2010

Air Purifier Reviews: Why Choose an Air Purifier with an Activated Carbon Filter?

As air purification technologies have developed, more manufacturers are incorporating an activated carbon filter in addition to the standard HEPA filter.

This extra level of filtration is proving to be a vital component for maintaining good air quality.

According to an extensive study of the air in nearly 50,000 American homes, 70% were found to have high levels of airborne chemical pollutants.

Exposure to chemical pollutants has been associated with a range of symptoms and health issues including:


  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Nose and throat irritation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
   
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Poor concentration
  • Rashes
  • Digestive problems
  • Chemical sensitivity
  • Sick building syndrome
Some indoor air pollutants, particularly formaldehyde, benzene and radon (a naturally occurring radioactive gas), are known to cause cancer.

An activated carbon filter is one of the only safe and proven filtration methods for removing airborne chemicals, gases and odors. Carbon that is “activated’ undergoes a process which opens up millions of pores and fissures that attract and trap airborne pollutants.

A deep-bed activated carbon filter has an incredibly large surface area which gives it amazing adsorption capabilities. One pound of activated carbon can adsorb about 20% to 50% of its own weight in pollutants. As a result, carbon filters are widely used by the military, hospitals and industry to maintain good air quality.

AllerAir's Activated Carbon Filter
To be effective, an activated carbon filter should be several inches thick and use granular activated carbon.

The AllerAir 5000 Exec for general air filtration features 18 lbs. of granular activated carbon in a 2.5” filter, in addition to medical-grade HEPA filter for particles.

Be wary of any air cleaner that uses a mesh-style activated carbon filter. This type of activated carbon filter is generally impregnated with carbon dust and does not have the adsorption capacity required to efficiently remove airborne chemicals and odors.

A deep-bed activated carbon filter, like those used by AllerAir, can remove airborne pollutants for up to five years in an average home environment.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Air Purifier Review: AllerAir 5000 Exec

5000 Exec
"We Love This Machine"
★★★★★
"We noticed a difference in the air within an hour. Fresh, clean smell...it does not get any better than that!"

BOTTOM LINE: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

- Evert Fine Art
Los Angeles

Originally posted March 2010 on http://www.mercantila.com/

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Why do my clean clothes and closet smell stale and musty?


How can clean clothes hanging in a closet have a smell? The answer may surprise you – the problem is dirty air. Just imagine what would happen if you forgot to dust your bedside table for several weeks? It would quickly develop a coating of dust, microscopic bacteria and even mold spores. Clothes hanging in your closet are no different. In fact, fabric is an easy target for airborne particles, chemicals, and household odors.  

So what’s the solution?
Unlike dusting furniture, cleaning your entire closet of clothes every few days is just not practical. The use of sprays and air fresheners is also not recommended. These products tend to contain chemical scents that only mask the stale smell temporarily and have been shown to trigger allergic reactions, aggravate asthma and potentially cause long term health issues. Here are some safe and proven tips to help remove that stale closet smell:

  • Increase air circulation and bring in more fresh air. Open the windows often or use a high quality air purifier with an odor controlling carbon filter like the AllerAir AirTube. This type of air cleaner removes 99.97% of airborne dust, hair, bacteria and other particles like mold spores. The carbon filter uses the same material found in military gas mask to remove odors and chemicals. Your entire room will smell fresher and so will your clothes. A great products for allergy suffers!
  • Use a HEPA vacuum. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter actually traps dust as you clean. Old style vacuums will send dust right back into the air and onto your clothes.
  • If it stinks, don’t put it in your closet.You’ve just worn your favorite dress out for dinner and its "dry clean only". Avoid the temptation to hang it back in your closet! It has likely absorbed food smells and perhaps even cigarette smoke. If you’re determined not to clean it, try hanging it in outside overnight or leave it closed up in your bathroom with the window open. This will help dissipate some of the odors. 
  • Never hang damp clothes in your closet.You’ve done your laundry and you hang your damp top on the back of your closet door for tomorrow. You may feel like the pillar of efficiency, but that damp top is a magnet for mold and mildew. Make sure clothes are 100% dry before putting them away.
By taking these few simple steps you will not only help keep your clothes smelling clean and fresh, but you'll be improving the overall air quality in your home....clean air is your best accessory!

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Pretty in Pink: Air Purifiers for the Nursery, Baby's Room, or Child's Bedroom


Who says clean air can't coordinate!

This is a picture of AllerAir's pink Air Tube Exec air purifier in my daughter's room. It matches perfectly with our Pottery Barn bedding (Penelope) and provides exceptionally clean air with both a medical-grade HEPA filter for dust and a 7 lb. carbon filter for chemicals and odors!
It also provides a source of soothing white noise to improve baby's sleep! We learned that the hard way when I borrowed the air cleaner for my bedroom during the fall allergy surge. My daughter immediately began waking several times during the night. Once we replaced the air purifier she was back to her old self!
The pink Air Tube Exec air purifier is only available for a limited time and is also available in blue.
For more information chat live with an Air Quality Expert (link below) or call 1-888-852-8247 for a dealer near you.
LiveZilla Live Help





Friday, October 29, 2010

Air Purifier Reviews: Good Air Cleaner for Dog Smell and Pet Odor

AllerAir 5000 Exec - Powerful Odor Control!

This story was posted by Bob from Ohio
"I recently got married and along with that came two very large dogs. With the two larges came an allergy that I did not know that I had, to say nothing about the odor in the bedroom from the dogs. With this new air filter system, the odor is gone and so are the sniffles. What a pleasure."
This story was posted by Sue from Killingly,CT
"We have 4 dogs living in our home with us and keep our purifier in the living room...our multi-level house is approx. 2200 sq. feet and we have NO dog odor at all. People have commented to that fact...we love it!"

AllerAir 6000 Exec Finally Clears the Air!
This story was posted by Kris from Fort Lee, VA:

"We have a small 1000 square foot house, with two dogs (Shar-pei) nicknames Stinky and Binky (real names Lucas & Loxie) I never knew how they could smell until I moved into a smaller house. Then we now have a baby going on 11 months old and diapers are another problem of course.

We bought a special Rubbermaid trashcan the Kind at the hospital to contain the smell, works as long as you don't open it. ($200) and my wife loves to cook seafood, besides my 90 gallon aquarium in the living room didn't help either. So I bought ORECK Air Purifier to help with the smell, yea right ($600+) gone! Then I bought a [...] Special, right special alright $100 gone and an Eden Pure $400 OK, for the bedroom with no traffic. Sharper Image Smalls ones x 3 for $750 Ebay, died or faded was not reliable.

I talked my wife into one more try, using charcoal AllerAir 6000 was the way to go. We found out the hard way. As you can see I was very skeptical at first. Surprised I had to do some assembling wasn't bad, just didn't want to break it. Sturdy, solid and heavy but the wheels make it no problem. The first week I notice a little change in the odor suppressed. But by the second week I did notice a difference, I did have to leave it on setting medium at night. I've placed it right by the dog bed and the trash can in the kitchen and it works. As for the noise level I really don't notice it on with the dogs barking, baby crying, TV on, stereo on, aquarium pumps LOL! I forget it was on. I'm not one to advertise stuff, but I'm returning the favor of the previous comment left by someone with two dogs and it helped me make a decision to buy one. God Bless, Kris"

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Ask AllerAir: Do HEPA Air Filters Remove Dog Hair?

Answer:
Yes, an air cleaner with a HEPA air filter will remove dog hair. Larger particles such as hair will often be trapped by the pre-filter before it even reaches the HEPA filter. Therefore, having a convenient quick-change pre-filter is important for pet owners so that the filter can be vacuumed or changed as required (usually every three-months at minimum with dog hair). All AllerAir numerical series units (4000, 5000, 6000) have a quick-change pre-filter ---you simply reach under the unit and pull it out, no tools required!

It's important to note that air cleaners are designed to remove particles that are airborne. If you run your air cleaner 24/7 you will notice a difference in the level of dog hair and dander in your home, however it's wise to include a HEPA vacuum in your cleaning routine to remove hair that lands on carpets and furniture.

Do you have a question for us? Send me a message via Twitter, Facebook or e-mail: askus@allerair.com

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Air Purifier Reviews: Best unit for MCS, Chemicals and Odors







This air purifier review was posted by Jason Richie
"The allerair 5000 is a fantastic air purifier. Within 15 minutes of turning it on the entire house is essentially beautifully filtered clean air. No paint or other types of chemicals, dust, or allergens. I have conditional mcs and the filtration allows me a very much needed normal homelife. On the low setting the product is barely audible. It becomes quit loud though on the two higher settings."
This air purifier review was posted by a client from Ashland,OR

"This Air Purifier made a big difference. We had a paint-type chemical smell in our house from some toxic sealant used on our floors and other outgassing. It definitely reduced the smell and was easy to move around on the wheels."


We found these reviews posted at Amazon.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Could Cleaner Air Actually Prevent or Slow Down the Progression of COPD? By AllerAir Air Purifiers


Researchers in Denmark have found that long-term exposure to low-level air pollution may increase the risk of developing severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

While several days of exposure to high level air pollution was known to be a risk factor for exacerbating an existing case of COPD, this is the first study to actually link long-term air pollution exposure to the development or progression of the condition.

Many COPD sufferers, and the public in general, are unaware that chronic exposure to low levels of air pollution is most likely to occur in their own homes.  The EPA reports that indoor air pollution levels, especially from airborne chemicals, can be 2 to 5 times higher than levels recorded outdoors.

The lead researcher for the new study, Zorana Andersen, Ph.D., says the results are significant on a number of levels.

“Patients, primary care physicians, pulmonologists and public health officials should all take note of our findings,” commented Dr. Anderson.

“We found significant positive associations between levels of all air pollution proxies and COPD incidence. When we adjusted for smoking status and other confounding factors, the association remained significant; indicating that long-term pollution exposure likely is a true risk factor for developing COPD.”

These associations between air pollution exposure and COPD were slightly stronger for men, obese patients and those eating less than 240 grams of fruit each day (approximately eight ounces, or just more than a single serving). But notably, the effect of air pollution on COPD was strongest in people with pre-existing diabetes and asthma.

“These results are in agreement with those of other cross-sectional studies on COPD and air pollution, and longitudinal studies of air pollution and lung function, and strengthen the conclusion that air pollution is a causal agent in development of COPD,” said Dr. Andersen.

The enhanced association between increased risk of COPD and air pollution in asthmatics and diabetics suggests the possibility of an underlying link.

“It is plausible that airflow obstruction and hyper-responsiveness in people with asthma, or systemic inflammation in people with diabetes, can lead to increased susceptibility of the lung to air pollution, resulting in airway inflammation and progression of COPD, but more research is needed in this area.” said Dr. Andersen.

“In any case, sufficient data, including the results of this study, provide evidence that traffic-related urban air pollution contributes to the burden of COPD and that reductions in traffic emissions would be beneficial to public health.”

The Danish research study was published online and ahead of the print edition of the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.


AllerAir Industries is a respected manufacturer of high efficiency air purifiers.

Unlike other air cleaners, AllerAir units are known for their unique filtration systems that not only incorporate medical-grade HEPA filters for fine particles, but deep-bed carbon filters for airborne chemicals, gases and odors.

For more information on improving your indoor air quality, contact one of our Air Quality Experts today.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Hawaii’s Big Island and VOG Study: Respiratory illnesses rise when volcanic gases (VOG) increase

New research has shown a quantifiable link between upper respiratory problems and an increase in VOG, with children most affected by VOG polluted air on the Big Island.

Bernadette Longo, assistant professor at the University of Nevada Orvis School of Nursing, compared local health clinic records for the 14 weeks prior to the March 2008 eruption on the summit, to the health clinic records March through June 2008, when the volcano’s SO2 emissions tripled.

She found that there was a 56 percent increase in cough, and a six-fold increase in the odds of having acute airway problems. The clinic also saw three times as many headaches and twice as many severe sore throats after the increase in volcanic emissions.
“The results suggest that children and adolescents are likely to be the most sensitive to SO2 exposure, which is especially concerning,” Longo said. “Children tend to be mouth-breathers. When we breathe through our noses, our noses act as filters, removing about 85 percent of the harmful substances before they can reach our respiratory system and lungs,” she explained. “But, when children breathe mostly through their mouths, they don’t get the benefit of the nose’s filtering system.”

Longo said that in addition to children, the elderly, smokers and those with existing conditions such as asthma and emphysema are also especially at risk. She has been conducting research on vog for eight years and has identified those exposed to Kilauea’s vog are at greater risk of developing acute bronchitis than those not exposed to vog.
Longo also conducted studies published earlier this year in a Family and Community Health article, showing that a large percentage of the VOG SO2 was penetrating indoors, into the Ka’u schools and hospital, especially when air conditioning wasn’t installed or in use and windows were left open. As a result, the area’s schools have installed air conditioners and the hospital’s ventilation system has been improved, with more improvements planned as funding becomes available.

This past summer, Longo worked with local health-care agencies and emergency-room doctors to help provide education to the community about using air conditioners if they have them, closing windows and avoiding outdoor activity during the times of heaviest exposure, 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., each day.

“It is fairly safe for schoolchildren and residents to exercise, go fishing or play outside in the afternoons, when the trade winds keep the vog out of the area,” Longo said. “If people take the necessary precautions, they can lower the health risks posed by the vog, and ultimately, that is the purpose of our research,” she said.

The Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii’s big island has been erupting on its east rift since 1983. But, in March 2008, an additional eruption vent opened at the volcano’s summit, resulting in about triple the amount of sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) emissions drifting to the local community of Ka’u, raising health concerns over the risks associated with exposure to “vog,” as the islanders refer to this volcanic air pollution.

Best Air Purifiers / Air Cleaners for VOG
In response to the VOG increase,  AllerAir's engineers were the first air purification company to design and sell a specific air purifier to adsorb vog-specific chemicals, gases and odors. Our VOG series air purifiers feature between 18 and 27 lbs. of activated carbon (same material used by the military in gas masks) and a medical-grade HEPA filter for fine particles. For more information on these units click here, call to speak with an Air Quality Expert 1-888-852-8247 or chat live via the link on the left or the main page of our website.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Dealing with Pet Allergies: Keep your pet. Reduce your suffering!

Most commonly associated with cats and dogs, pet allergies can actually be triggered by a wide variety of pets including birds, gerbils, hamsters and even horses!

Pet allergies occur when your immune system reacts to proteins in pets' dander (skin flakes), saliva or urine. Inhaling these allergens triggers inflammation in the lining of your nasal passages, causing sneezing, a runny nose and other signs and symptoms usually associated allergies.

For some people, pet allergies actually lead to an asthma attack triggering contraction of airways of the lungs resulting in wheezing and shortness of breath.

As a pet owner, it's often frustrating when people suggest you "get rid" of your pet to combat your allergies. True, eliminating the source of the allergens seems like the most logical course of action, but for most pet owners this isn't a desirable or practical solution (although in the case of asthma it may something to seriously consider).

If you have pet allergies, but want to keep your pet, here are a few coping strategies:

No Pets in the Bedroom!

You spend more time in your bedroom than any other room in your home. That means the air in your bedroom should be as clean as possible and free from animal allergens.

Run a HEPA air filter 24/7

With pet allergies a high quality air cleaner is a must. Your home has constant supply of airborne allergens, therefore your air purifier should be providing constant air cleaning. AllerAir’s Air Medic series is designed for 24/7 operation and comes with a 10 year warranty on the motor! It features a medical-grade HEPA that removes 99.97% of even the smallest airborne particles, like pet dander and hair and has a large carbon filter for odors and chemicals.

Buy a HEPA vacuum and use it often
A good HEPA vacuum traps the allergens you vacuum up, preventing them from being blown back into the air. With pet allergies it’s really important to vacuum at least twice a week to help reduce the allergen level.

Bathe your pet and its toys once a week
Studies show that weekly baths can reduce the level of allergens on an animal by up to 85%. I speak from experience when I say wear gloves if bathing a cat --- I also did it in an enclosed shower stall which prevented wild escapes which could hurt both you and the animal.



Image credit: 
Image: federico stevanin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. No advice on the internet should ever replace that of a qualitfied physician.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Want to help further the study of air pollution? Yep, there's an app for that...

Photo by Graur Codrin
Android phone users can now help further the study of air pollution with only the click of a button. Created by computer scientists at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, "Visibility" allows users to contribute their own real-time snapshot of the air around them. Simply download the app, take a unobstructed photo of the sky and send it in. Each picture is then tagged with location, orientation, and time data and transferred to a backend server.

According to the L.A. Times' technology blog:
The USC team has devised an algorithm that uses the phone's location and the direction it was pointing to determine how bright the sun should be in your image. It then looks at your photo to see how much that theoretical sunlight has been obscured, and from that calculates how much gunk is in the air (it doesn't work yet on highly cloudy days).
For those Apple users (like me!) who feel left out of the loop - the researchers say an iPhone app is in the works.

If you're interested in learning more about how to combat all that air pollution in your home chat live with one of our AllerAir air quality experts or call us at 1-888-852-8247 for a dealer near you. 

 


Sunday, September 12, 2010

Best Air Purifiers for Allergies and Allergy Relief

Are facial tissues becoming a hot commodity in your home? Seasonal allergies are taking sufferers by storm in 2010, with millions of American seeking some sort of allergy relief. Probably most surprising is the number of first-time allergy sufferers. According to experts, the pollen count has been hit record highs in some regions. In some parts of the country 6,000 pollen particles per cubic meter of air have been recorded – you only need 10 particles per cubic meter to trigger a reaction in some people.  

Best Air Purifiers for Allergies and Allergy Relief
You can’t control the pollen count outdoors, but you can control your indoor environment. Using a room air cleaner with the right filtration can help clean the air of airborne pollen, mold, chemicals, dust and other triggers which aggravate the respiratory system. Look for a room air cleaner with a medical-grade HEPA filter which can remove over 99% of airborne particles and an activated carbon filter which removes chemicals, gases and odors. Among our top sellers for allergy relief is the AllerAir Air Medic which is designed to be used 24/7 for continuously clean air. Other units which are best for allergies:


4000 Exec
5000 Exec
5000 HEPA

Additional Tips for Allergy Relief:
  • For your medication to be most effective, take it 30 minutes before going outside
  • Keep your doors and windows closed
  • Dry laundry indoors
  • Shower before bed
  • Wipe down your pets when they come in from outdoors
  • Leave your shoes outside or at the door to avoid tracking in pollen and mold
Allergy Information:
Outdoor Allergens
FAQ About Pollen
FAQ About Mold

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Smoke Odor Removal

If you've been scanning the internet for solutions to your smoke odor problem you've no doubt come across several sites suggesting a range of DIY solutions from lemons to vinegar. For anyone living with smoke odor issues, you know that a bowl of baking soda  is unlikely to have a serious impact on such a pervasive odor problem.

In desperation, many people turn to odor removing sprays or gel-type deodorizers. These products can't remove odor, they only mask the smell with chemicals agents and actually worsen your indoor air quality. The only product with the ability to “soak up” cigarette smoke odor is activated carbon (also described online as charcoal).

As experts in chemical and odor removal, AllerAir's designers created a special series of smoke removing air purifiers. These air cleaners not only feature 24 to 36 lbs. of activated carbon (a material used by the military for the world's most hazardous airborne pollutants),  but a unique tar-trapping pre-filter. Without this special feature, the filters of an air cleaner would eventually get clogged by sticky tar particles.

If you're a smoker or living in a building that has smoke odor issues, you need a serious solution. Visit our website for more information on our smoke removing air purifiers or chat live with one of our air quality experts to get instant answers to your air quality questions.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Air Quality Issues for Artists: Metal Clay, Jewelry

I found a great blog post by Mary Ellin D’Agostino on air quality issues for artists who work with metal clay* (thanks for the mention of our industrial division, Electrocorp!).

Many artists, especially hobbyists, underestimate the importance of air quality in the studio. The problem lies in the repeated exposure to dust, chemicals, fumes and odors. Simply opening a door or window is not enough to mitigate this type of air pollution on an ongoing basis. In the case of professional jewelers, metal artists, encaustic painters etc. I would agree with this blogger that an industrial air cleaner or fume hood may be a sound investment. For artists or hobbyists on a tight budget, I would also recommend looking at an AllerAir unit. Most of the models that are designed for chemical, odor and particle control actually have as much chemical-adsorbing activated carbon as some industrial units, as well as excellent particle filters. AllerAir’s air quality experts can also recommend a carbon blend that better removes the specific chemicals, fumes and odors present in your studio.

Links:

AllerAir
Electrocorp
The Electrocorp blog
MED'A Creations Fine Silver & Gold Art Jewelry, Metal Clay Instruction & Certification Classes


*Metal Clay is an amazing, relatively new (1990's) material that originated in Japan. It has a soft consistency and contains microscopic particles of precious metals suspended in a mix of clay binder and water. When fired, the binder burns away and the metal particles fuse together, creating a piece that is fine silver or gold.
 

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Enbridge Oil Spill Information

Enbridge Oil Spill information is available on our Oil Spill Air Quality Blog:
http://oilspillairquality.blogspot.com/

Residents looking for oil spill odor and chemical control solutions can chat live with an Air Quality Expert Via our website or our oil spill air quality blog or our hotline: 1-888-852-8247.

We have been so far unable to determine from Enbridge whether or not an air cleaner will be accepted as a "legitimate" claim. Please let us know if you have successfully processed a claim involving an air cleaning device.

AllerAir units are specialized medical-grade air filtration units that use military technology (activated carbon and HEPA) to remove complex chemicals and odors. We have supplied numerous units to the Gulf region and are currently shipping to Michigan.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Asthma and eczema sufferers have lower cancer risk

Canadian researchers have discovered that men who had a history of asthma or eczema generally had a lower risk of developing cancer. The findings, published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, show that male eczema sufferers had a lower risk of lung cancer, while those with a history of asthma had a similar effect in relation to stomach cancer.

"Asthma and eczema are allergies brought about by a hyper-reactive immune system – a state which might have enabled abnormal cells to have been eliminated more efficiently, thereby reducing the risk of cancer," explained Professor Marie-Claude Rousseau of the INRS–Institut Armand-Frappier, one of the co-authors of the research.


The researchers analyzed information that was collected in a study on exposures in the workplace and the risk of developing cancer, undertaken between August 1979 and March 1986. It involved 3,300 men, between 35 and 70 years of age, who had been diagnosed with cancer in one of Montreal's 18 hospitals, and a control group of 512 people from the general population who did not have cancer. The researchers used the data from this study to determine if there was a link between allergies such as asthma and eczema and the incidence of eight most common types of cancer.

Although the study did not identify which specific factors are responsible for reducing the risk of cancer, it offers new angles for research into the molecular and immunological mechanisms that are involved in immunostimulation, a potentially promising strategy for cancer prevention.


http://www.allerair.com/air-quality-library/articles/pages/air-purifiers-asthma--eczema-lower-risk-of-developing-cancer-00001833.html

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Air Purifier Review: Why AllerAir's Deeper Carbon Filter is Better

Years ago when people looked for an air filter or air purifier, they wanted to remove dust. Unfortunately, dust is now the least of our worries. As a result of the wide use of chemicals in everyday products, hazardous pollutants can be found in the air of almost every home or office.

When looking through air purifier reviews online, first verify if the air purifier you're looking at even has an activated carbon filter (many do not).

Activated carbon is the most effective and most widely used filtration media for removing airborne chemicals, gases and odors (the military first staring using it in gas masks in WWI). The power of activated carbon lies in its incredible microscopic porous structure that is capable of adsorbing and retaining toxic airborne pollutants.

The next thing to look for in an air purifier review is the actual depth of the carbon filter.

To be used efficiently in air purification, an activated carbon filter must offer an adequate amount of bed-depth to be able to significantly improve air quality. Many air purifiers claiming to offer chemical and odor filtration or air purification for tobacco smoke only provide a thin mesh-like filter impregnated with carbon dust. This type of filter doesn’t have enough carbon to effectively and consistently trap pollutants, as the pores would fill too quickly, often rendering the filter useless with days. (Think of a sponge: A thicker sponge can pick up much more water than a thin sponge!)

To maintain superior air quality levels, an activated carbon filter should offer in the range of  2” of depth like the AllerAir 5000 or AllerAir AirMedic +This allows the pollutants to have a significant amount of dwell time in the filter, allowing more pollutants to be trapped on every pass. A deeper carbon filter also has a much longer filter life, lowering overall maintenance costs and providing on average, almost 9000 hours of clean air*

*Based on the average carbon filter life of two years in a typical residential setting. Environments in which chemical and odors are at increased levels may require more frequent filter changes.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Oil Spill: BP Testing New Cap to Stop the Oil Flow

BP is expected to start pressure tests on the new oil well cap this afternoon.

"If we are successful with the pressure readings" then BP expects to "shut in" the well this week, National Incident Commander Thad Allen told reporters.

Read more at our Oil Spill Air Quality Blog.


Thursday, July 08, 2010

Air Purifiers and the Oil Spill: HEPA filters can't remove oil spill chemicals, gases and odors!

Buyers beware! HEPA filters can't remove oil spill chemicals, gases and odors!

Our staff has found a lot of misinformation about air purifiers for the oil spill region. Read more on what to look for in our oil spill air quality blog.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

AllerAir Noted as a Great Air Purifier for Smokers

We came across another great online post about AllerAir Air Purfiiers, this one about air purifiers for tobacco smoke:

"In your search for air purifiers, especially those that help to eliminate the air particles associated with smoking, it is likely that you will come across AllerAir purifiers. AllerAir has developed a line of air purifiers, especially for those who live inside a smoking household. These models are known as the AllerAir 4000 DS and the AllerAir 5000 DS. These air purifiers have the special smoking filter, which was mentioned above. This filter is effective at trapping and destroying smoke particles, as well as other dangerous or harmful air particles."
Just a note - we don't have a 4000 DS, but offer a 5000 DS, a 6000 DS, and for even more carbon a 5000 DXS, 6000 DXS.

Have questions about air purifiers for tobacco or cigar smoke? Call us today 1-888-852-8207 or click on the live support button of our website to chat live with an Air Quality Expert.

Oil Spill News: Watch PBS' Full Interview with BP Exec Bob Dudley

On July 1st, PBS conducted a live interview with BP Exec Bob Dudley. The interview was aired live on the PBS website and on YouTube. Questions were submitted by hundreds of regular Americans - we've posted the full interview below:

Visit our oil spill air quality blog http://oilspillairquality.blogspot.com/

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Watch a PBS Live Interview with BP At 3:30 PM ET on YouTube

Dudley will respond directly to your questions and concerns in a live session moderated by the PBS NewsHour’s Ray Suarez. Starting. Submit your questions and vote the best ones to the top.  Then join us for the live interview tomorrow,  July 1, at 3:30 pm ET where you can watch the interview LIVE on NewsHour.PBS.org and YouTube.



Visit our Oil Spill Air Quality Blog: http://oilspillairquality.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Air Purifier Reviews! AllerAir on Flickr

We love finding AllerAir air purifier reviews from our customers. This client liked our unit so much they uploaded a picture of their AllerAir unit on Flickr!

"I got this AllerAir purifier for my bedroom after spending a few years in an moldy apartment (complete with hoarse, sore throat for two years). It works beautifully!"

AllerAir Cited Among the "Ten Top Air Purifiers That Deliver"


AllerAir is proud to be recognized among the top air purifiers that deliver on HEPA performance! This informative blog post discusses the  problems that arise with cheap HEAP filters.

AllerAir HEPA filters are warm-rolled to prevent cracks in the filter which could reduce performance and filtration efficiency.

Add our superior deep-bed carbon filters to the mix and you have the perfect air cleaner!

EPA to release data from oil spill dispersant testing

Paul Anastas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s assistant administrator for Research and Development, will hold a press conference call today, June 30 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the data from EPA’s first round of independent dispersant testing.


On May 22, EPA directed BP to analyze potential alternative dispersants for toxicity and effectiveness. BP reported to EPA that they were unable to find a dispersant that is less toxic than Corexit 9500, the product currently in use. Following that, EPA began its own scientific research into eight dispersant products on the National Contingency Plan Product Schedule (NCP-PS).

Anastas will discuss data from the first round of that research on the call.

Due to limited lines, this call is for credentialed members of the media only.

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Visit our Oil Spill Air Quality Blog: http://oilspillairquality.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Are more oil disasters in our future?

I just read some shocking information at the end of an oil spill article in the Washington Post:

"During World War II, 452 oil tankers were sunk in the North Atlantic, as were an unknown number of the 1080 wrecks lying on the bottom of the Pacific. Little is known about the total amount of oil that spilled directly in to the ocean, but it's likely much went to the bottom in ships that remained virtually intact. It is known that two oil tankers sunk in 1942 lie only a few hundred miles from Australia's Great Barrier Reef and are estimated to contain as much oil as the Exxon Valdez. It's only a matter of time before rotting hulks pose enormous potential to foul fragile environments."

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Visit our Oil Spill Air Quality Blog: http://oilspillairquality.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Oil Spill Air Quality Blog

In response to the serious concerns over air quality in the Gulf oil spill region, AllerAir staff is compiling information, news and video in a special blog:

http://oilspillairquality.blogspot.com/

Concerned residents can chat with an Air Quality Expert directly via the blog live support link, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm ET or can call
1-888-853-8247.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Air Quality in The Aftermath of The Oil Spill Disaster

The rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that occurred in April has caused a catastrophic oil spill that continues to gush. This is possibly America’s largest environmental disaster yet, given the impact it has and will continue to have on both water and air quality. Although the spill appears to have hit Louisiana the hardest, the effects will be felt across the Gulf States (including Florida, Alabama and Mississippi). While some action is being taken to address aquatic issues, little is being said with regards to the air quality disaster that has clearly developed, and that continues to worsen.


The evaporation of crude oil releases noxious air contaminants, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) like: toluene, benzene and xylene. The EPA “says” that it is currently monitoring air quality with Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzers (TAGA); they expect the thick sheets of oil will impact air quality in the Gulf region and higher concentrations of dipropylene glycol mono butyl ether and butoxyethanol (dispersants) are to be expected. The question now is how it is possible that, thus far, their findings indicate that everything is normal in this region?

Kindra Arnesen revealed the answer to this burning question on CNN.  Arnesen’ s husband, Dave, and his fellow shrimpers have all fallen ill since the oil spill disaster; symptoms include: headache, nausea, a hacking cough and other respiratory problems. Although BP has suggested these symptoms are due to food poisoning, Arnesen believes otherwise.  Fishermen are scared to lose the only income they have right now, but it’s costing them their health. The air quality in the immediate and surrounding areas of the oil spill are toxic.

Air quality is compromised fairly quickly when an oil spill occurs. History has shown that VOCs tend to disperse quickly once oil reaches water surfaces. Long-term exposure to VOCs can cause a number of respiratory diseases, and in many cases, cancer. SVOCs are released from weathered oil and take longer to reach shore; they evaporate slowly. Normally, exposure to these air pollutants is a result of vehicular exhaust, which is known for its toxicity and carcinogenic chemicals.

Toxicologists warn of the harmful short and long-term effects of dispersants on human health; moreover, Corexit (the dispersant that is currently in use) comes with a label that warns users that as a result of “repeat or excessive use” red blood cell, kidney and liver damage may occur. Albeit BP’s “good intentions”, the 700,000 gallons of dispersants used in the Gulf are composed of chemicals that can cause serious harm to humans and other living species. A review of previous oil spill cases shows that the use of dispersants may cause an increase in the toxicity of hydrocarbons.

Fishermen in Louisiana assisting with clean-up efforts have reported symptoms, such as: nausea, crippling headaches, coughing and respiratory problems. In one report, a fisherman revealed that after experiencing malaise and coughing, he visited a doctor and an x-ray of his lungs resembled that of a lifetime smoker—he’d never smoked a day in his life. On CNN, Arnesen said “Anything that ever starts, starts with one.” I sure hope she’s right in this case.

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Air Filtration: AllerAir / Electrocorp Provides Odor and Chemical Control for BP Oil Spill Region

AllerAir and our industrial division Electrocorp have already sent numerous heavy-duty carbon air filtration units for chemical and odor control to the Gulf coast region.  

Contact us today for more information
1-888-852-8247.
Chat live with an Air Quality Expert. Click the live support link to ask your question. Our experts are available Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.

Lung Association Seeks Action to Protect Oil Spill Cleanup Workers

The American Lung Association is very concerned about the respiratory impact on the workers on and near the Gulf from the emissions from the BP oil spill and the cleanup response. The Environmental Protection Agency has been diligent in monitoring and sharing information on the onshore levels of pollution from the spill and cleanup. However, we are concerned that the cleanup workers are not getting appropriate protection, nor are air pollution levels for workers being appropriately monitored and publicly disclosed.

In response, the American Lung Association has sent a letter to Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis. The letter urges swift action to monitor air pollution levels and to assure that all workers near and at the spill site are properly trained, equipped with appropriate respirators and protected from dangerous air pollutants and toxics they may inhale.

The American Lung Association will be monitoring this situation closely and will be actively engaged with federal and state officials to ensure that the lung health of those affected by the Gulf oil spill is protected.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that if workers are "unsure or think your work is unsafe, STOP and ASK your supervisor" or contact OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)."

If you feel you may have been exposed to harmful emissions from the spill, contact your healthcare provider to address any symptoms you may have. To keep up to date about the air quality in your region visit www.epa.gov.

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AllerAir  and our industrial division Electrocorp has already sent numerous heavy-duty carbon air filtration units for chemical and odor control to response workers in the Gulf. Contact us us for more information 1-888-852-8247.

Air Pollution and the BP Oil Spill: Gulf spill workers complaining of flulike symptoms

By NOAKI SCHWARTZ and MATTHEW BROWN (AP)
NEW ORLEANS — For days now, Dr. Damon Dietrich and other physicians have seen patients come through their emergency room at West Jefferson Medical Center with similar symptoms: respiratory problems, headaches and nausea.

In the past week, 11 workers who have been out on the water cleaning up oil from BP's blown-out well have been treated for what Dietrich calls "a pattern of symptoms" that could have been caused by the burning of crude oil, noxious fumes from the oil or the dispersants dumped in the Gulf to break it up. All workers were treated and released.

"One person comes in, it could be multiple things," he said. "Eleven people come in with these symptoms, it makes it incredibly suspicious."

Few studies have examined long-term health effects of oil exposure. But some of the workers trolling Gulf Coast beaches and heading out into the marshes and waters have complained about flu-like symptoms — a similar complaint among crews deployed for the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska.

BP and U.S. Coast Guard officials have said dehydration, heat, food poisoning or other unrelated factors may have caused the workers' symptoms. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is investigating.

Brief contact with small amounts of light crude oil and dispersants are not harmful. Swallowing small amounts of oil can cause upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to dispersants, however, can cause central nervous system problems, or do damage to blood, kidneys or livers, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

In the six weeks since the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded, killing 11 workers, an estimated 21 million to 45 million gallons of crude has poured into the Gulf of Mexico. Hundreds of BP contractors have fanned out along the Gulf, deploying boom, spraying chemicals to break up the oil, picking up oil-soaked debris and trying to keep the creeping slick out of the sensitive marshes and away from the tourist-Mecca beaches.

Commercial fisherman John Wunstell Jr. spent a night on a vessel near the source of the spill and left complaining of a severe headache, upset stomach and nose bleed. He was treated at the hospital, and sued — becoming part of a class-action lawsuit filed last month in U.S. District Court in New Orleans against BP, Transocean and their insurers.

Wunstell, who was part of a crew burning oil, believes planes were spraying dispersant in the middle of the night — something BP disputes.

"I began to ache all over ..." he said in the affidavit. "I was completely unable to function at this point and feared that I was seriously ill."

Dozens of complaints, most from spill workers, have been made related to oil exposure with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, said spokeswoman Olivia Watkins, as well as with the Louisiana Poison Center, clinics and hospitals. Workers are being told to follow federal guidelines that recommend anyone involved in oil spill cleanup wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses and clothing.

Michael J. Schneider, an attorney who decided against filing a class-action lawsuit in the 1990s involving the Valdez workers, said proving a link between oil exposure and health problems is very difficult.

"As a human being you listen to enough and you've got to believe they're true," he said. "The problem is the science may not be there to support them ... Many of the signs and symptoms these people complained of are explainable for a dozen different reasons — it's certainly coincidental they all shared a reason in common."

Similar to the Valdez cleanup, there have been concerns in the Gulf that workers aren't being supplied with enough protective gear. Workers have been spotted in white jumpsuits, gloves and booties but no goggles or respirators.

"If they're out there getting lightheaded and dizzy every day then obviously they ought to come in, and there should be respirators and other equipment provided," said LuAnn White, director of the Tulane Center for Applied Environmental Public Health. She added that most of the volatile components that could sicken people generally evaporate before the oil reaches shore.

BP PLC's Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles said reports of workers getting sick are being investigated but noted that no one has pinpointed the cause. Suttles said workers were being given "any safety equipment" needed to do their jobs safely.

Unlike with Exxon Valdez, in the Gulf, the oil has been lighter, the temperatures warm and humid, and there have been hundreds of thousands of gallons of chemicals used to break up the oil.

Court records showed more than 6,700 workers involved in the Exxon Valdez clean up suffered respiratory problems which the company attributed to a viral illness, not chemical poisoning.

Dennis Mestas represented the only known worker to successfully settle with Exxon over health issues. According to the terms of that confidential settlement, Exxon did not admit fault.

His client, Gary Stubblefield, spent four months lifting workers in a crane for 18 hours a day as they sprayed the oil-slicked beaches with hot water, which created an oily mist. Even though he had to wipe clean his windshield twice a day, Stubblefield said it never occurred to him that the mixture might be harming his lungs.
Within weeks, he and others, who wore little to no protective gear, were coughing and experiencing other symptoms that were eventually nicknamed Valdez crud. Now 60, Stubblefield cannot get through a short conversation without coughing and gasping for breath like a drowning man. He sometimes needs the help of a breathing machine and inhalers, and has to be careful not to choke when he drinks and eats.
Watching the Gulf situation unfold, he says, makes him sick.

"I just watch this stuff everyday and know these people are on the very first rung on the ladder and are going to go through a lot of misery," said Stubblefield, who now lives in Prescott, Ariz.

Associated Press writers John Flesher from Michigan, Brian Skoloff and Kelli Kennedy from Miami contributed to this report.


Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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AllerAir Provides Odor and Chemcial Control
AllerAir and our industrial division Electrocorp has already sent numerous heavy-duty carbon air filtration units for chemical and odor control to response workers in the Gulf as well as coastal residents. Contact us us for more information 1-888-852-8247.

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Visit our Oil Spill Air Quality Blog: http://oilspillairquality.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Air Quality and Toxic Releases State by State: Benezene, Dioxins, Lead, Mercury, TCE

I discovered a great map on CNN's Toxic Ameria site that shows the airborne emissions of the most widespread and toxic chemicals that we're currently breathing on a daily basis basis including: Benzene, Dioxins, Lead and Lead Compounds, Mercury and Mercury Compounds as well as TCE (trichloroethylene).

All of these compounds have been associated with serious health effects including cancer and birth defects.


Many people aren't aware that a serious home air cleaner with a deep-bed activated carbon filter can remove these types of very serious airborne pollutants. In fact, our units are so reliable for airborne chemicals we've sold them to the U.S. Military, NASA and universities like M.I.T - as well as thousands of American families! See our filtration video.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Supporting Loved Ones with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome and Reducing Chemical Exposures

Seeking refuge from the many chemicals and toxins that threaten their health and well-being often forces people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome into isolation. A positive, supportive attitude can have a big impact on a friend or family member suffering with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome. Living with Environmental sensitivities can mean enduring rejection and life in quarantine. People suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome experience severe symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day activities, and so their goal is to reduce their chemical exposures.

For those suffering with Environmental sensitivities, finding a home that doesn’t make them sick can be overwhelming. Newer homes are built with materials that emit chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, while air fresheners, plug-ins and a variety of toxic cleaning chemicals leave behind a toxic trail of over 400 airborne pollutants.

Older homes present other air quality problems like mold, lead, asbestos and radon. They also tend to have poor ventilation systems, so just imagine the chemical exposures. If finding a safe home presents such a unique set of challenges, how difficult must it be to venture into a world that is clueless about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome and the dangers of chemical exposures?

In a world that glorifies the signature scent and equates cleanliness with the smell of pine, is it really necessary to question why an MCS sufferer finds his/her self in isolation? Central nervous system depressants and carcinogens are present in everyday products affecting indoor air quality in homes, schools and offices around the world.

People are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of chemicals and of how real chemical allergies really are. Once referred to as a “spurious disease,” the growing numbers of people suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome worldwide is sparking interest and support.

There are choices that we can make everyday to reduce chemical exposures and indoor air pollution. Firstly, we must begin by redefining the meaning of a clean home.

Help your loved one stay involved and active by following these simple rules.

  1. Put yourself in their shoes
  2. Find out which products your loved one can tolerate
  3. Try using dye and perfume free laundry detergent
  4. Try crystal stick deodorants
  5. Use an air purifier in your home

Avoid:

  1. Clothes washed with regular laundry detergent
  2. Wearing dry cleaned clothes
  3. Wearing clothes that have spent time next to items with any type of fragrance
  4. Wearing nail polish
  5. Wearing leather, suede, or any other material that requires protective sprays
  6. Anything that is scented (shampoo, hairspray, creams, perfumes, body sprays, etc.)
  7. Chewing gum, breath mints, etc.
  8. Cosmetics
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome is real. Chemical exposures can have a real impact on your health, eventually leading to environmental sensitivities and a life of discomfort. Showing compassion for a loved one with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome can even improve your quality of life, because it means reducing your chemical exposures. Seems worth it to me.