This University of Texas study confirms ozone/terpene reactions create small particles in residences. In a recent study published in Indoor Air (2005; 15: 432-444) researchers from the University of Texas Center for Energy and Environmental Engineering found that ozone-generating air purifiers increased particle counts in the presence of terpenes in residential dwellings. (This study is … More
The Real Health Risks of Mold in Buildings
Up-to-date information on the health effects of mold exposure. Can mold be more than an allergen? The risks of indoor mold growth once again are grabbing headlines in the wake of hurricanes Rita and Katrina. It is important to understand what is known about the health effects of mold. First, is there such a thing … More
“I Only Smoke Outside” . . . Yeah, Sure!
Hair samples of children with mothers who smoke raise questions about claims of only smoking outdoors. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has serious adverse effects on children’s respiratory health. Physicians who advise the smoking parents of children with respiratory illnesses are often told that the parents “only smoke outdoors.” In a recent study published in the … More
Avian Flu Filtration Precautions
Proper filtration can help to minimize the risk of spreading the flu virus. An outbreak of influenza A (H5N1) also known as “avian flu” or “bird flu” has been reported in countries throughout Asia. Confirmed human cases of avian flu have been found in Thailand, Vietnam and China. There have been approximately 150 human cases … More
What is well controlled Asthma?
Guidelines for what constitutes well controlled asthma recently updated by AAAAI and ACAAI Attaining optimal asthma control is an important goal of all physicians attending to those with asthma. Recently, the practice parameters for ensuring this outcome were updated by a Joint Task force of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) and … More
Is there such a thing as Toxic Mold?
Study does not confirm “toxic mold syndrome” in patients Mold and dampness can cause coughing and wheezing. However, is there evidence to support the existence of what has been called “toxic mold syndrome” or illnesses caused specifically by exposure to mold? According to a report by researchers at the Oregon Health Sciences University published in … More
Allergen Avoidance Measures Work to Prevent Asthma
Early childhood allergen avoidance reduces asthma onset by 50% in at risk children In a major study entitled the Canadian Childhood Asthma Primary Prevention Study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2005;116:3-14) it was shown that early allergen avoidance for high risk infants reduced the onset of asthma by 50%. This controlled … More
HEPA Air Cleaners Shown to Reduce Asthma Symptoms When Used in Conjunction with Other Control Measures
Inner City Asthma Study shows effectiveness of comprehensive environmental controls including air purifiers to control asthma. In the last week a number of articles have appeared in newspapers, magazines and TV with the headline: “Air Cleaners: Even the most effective Could be a Questionable Investment.” These articles are based on the Consumer Reports study of … More
Removing Pets from the Home Improves Asthma
Removing pets very effective at controlling asthma in dander allergic individuals. A very common indoor allergen is animal dander. Many allergic individuals test positively to animal dander (a higher percentage to cats than dogs). A common recommendation from Allergists is to remove the pets from the home of the allergic individual. Unfortunately, this is not … More
Ragweed Allergies and Sinus Irrigation (Sinus Rinse)
Sinus rinse removes allergens and improves allergy symptoms. Fall allergens have begun their onslaught. Ragweed pollen is in the air. Those of us with ragweed allergies have begun our annual misery. Here is an idea that seems to be working for many of our customers (and me). The idea is not new. In fact, it … More