Fine particles in air pollution shown to increase nasal inflammation in asthmatic children. In a new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, French researchers have found that higher levels of exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) caused a significant increase in nasal inflammation. Fine particles PM2.5 are under 2.5 microns in diameter … More
Studies Show Improved IAQ Leads to More Productivity
Numerous studies show that improving the Indoor Air Quality will lead to higher worker productivity. Measures to improve IAQ don’t cost – they pay!! In a recent article presented by the U.S. Green Building Council and Building Operating Management David P. Callan did an excellent job of summarizing the studies that have been done in … More
The Indoor Air Thickens – New Study Confirms Links with Ozone, Cleaning Agents and Air Contaminants
Fine particles, formaldehyde and other air contaminants are created when common cleaning agents are exposed to indoor ozone. When used indoors in the presence of ozone, many household cleaners and air fresheners emit toxic pollutants at levels that may lead to health risks according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, … More
Isn’t it Ionic? Air Purifiers Make Smog
Another study confirms that ionizers and ozone generators can create unhealthy levels of ozone in poorly ventilated rooms. The news does not appear to be getting any better for ionizers, ozone generators or other devices that generate ozone and claim to be “air purifiers.” Another study has raised additional concerns about these devices. This study … More
Bleach Found to Neutralize Mold Allergens
We have known bleach kills mold. This study shows that bleach also reduces allergenic properties of mold. A little bleach and water does a good job of killing surface mold. But mold like other allergens has allergenic properties dead or alive. In a recent study conducted at National Jewish Medical and Research Center and published … More
Dust Mite Symptom HELP!
If you experience allergy symptoms at night, the first control steps are effective, safe and easy-to-do. The best allergy list around can be found at allergy@listserv.uark.edu. I have participated in this list for several years and have found that the questions are relevant and the responses are accurate. Recently someone asked about a symptom they … More
Do Air Filters and Air Cleaners Provide Health Benefits?
Air cleaners and air filters alone have not been shown to be clinically effective at reducing allergy symptoms. Last year I was very fortunate to be able to participate in a round table discussion on indoor air research. This meeting was conducted by university indoor air scientists and engineers and was attended by experts from … More
Free Radicals Are NOT “Friendly Oxidizers”
Some new air cleaning devices are using free radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to “oxidize” indoor air. Free radicals have been shown to be damaging to human health. Testing is lacking on the by-products of the reactions between free radicals and the components of indoor air. Here is a quote from a brochure on … More
Alchemy, Indoor Air and the Black Box
Be wary of excessive marketing claims for products to take care of indoor air. For hundreds of years wizards and alchemists sought a way to be able to create gold from lead and/or other metals. From time to time one or more of them claimed that they found the way. In many cases this involved … More
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Leads to Asthma Problems
This study links higher levels of exposure to ETS to increased levels of hospitalization for asthma attacks. A recent widely circulated newspaper “editorial” expressed the opinion that banning smoking in public places was not fair to smokers. Somehow this person had the belief that environmental tobacco smoke was not harmful and that smokers had the … More