Articles educating you to the hidden
toxic dangers lurking within your Home's Environment. HealthProO2 believes in educating
our visitors to spur them into taking action to protect their family's health.
 
 Battling the Sniffles triggered by airborne
pollutants
Sneezing much lately? Are your eyes watery and itching? If so, then you may be suffering from the
common illness known as allergies. Americans
across the country face the effects of this seasonal syndrome, and though allergies are
treatable their symptoms are not always welcomed. Roughly
20% of Americans deal with them each year, emphasizing the need to do whatever necessary
to hopefully eliminate the possibility of the sneezing and itching episodes that arise. But just how can the estimated 45 million
Americans who suffer from allergies prevent the unwanted harm?
First, it is necessary to understand
what allergies actually are and how they affect the body.
By definition, allergies are abnormal reactions to ordinary substances. The substances that account for these reactions are
known as allergens, and they can be contracted through respiration, swallowing, or skin
contact, thus making the body very vulnerable. There
are hundreds of substances classified as allergens, including pollen, mold spores, and
animal dander. When airborne, it is difficult
to determine when exposed; the first few signs of allergic reactions include sneezing,
itching, and skin rashes. Therefore, it is no
doubt important to keep the surrounding air purified at all times so that symptoms do not
intensify.
What’s interesting about
allergies is that they are actually overreactions of the body’s immune system
attempting to fight off “foreign airborne invaders” that become present in the
body. Exact causes are quite unclear, but it
is safe to say that heredity plays a role in determining if one’s immune system will
be sensitive to certain substances. For the
most part, allergies tend to be seasonal, usually causing the greatest concern in the
spring and fall. The proper name for this
type of annual illness is seasonal allergic rhinitis.
You may have heard it referred to as “hay fever” as well. But how does a change of seasons bring rise to
these unwanted symptoms?
When flowers start to blossom again
and plants begin to sprout, they release pollens into the air. These pollens, or tiny powdery grains, are
carried off by wind and insects. For that reason, they are able to spread at rapid rates,
especially during the spring and fall seasons. When
reaching a person’s eyes, nose, and lungs, the body responds in a strange way by
releasing histamines, which account for the allergic symptoms. It should be noted that trees and grass also
release pollen into the air, thus explaining the reasoning behind why allergies tend to be
seasonal.
As a homeowner, it is important to
take the necessary measures so that these unwanted contaminants do not build up in your
household. Among all allergens, dust mites
and pet dander are some of the most common household substances that account for the
undesired symptoms. Dust mites are found in
furniture, and it is actually the waste particles of these dust mites that make up the
chunks of dust found in the corners of your kitchen.
As far as pets are concerned, the allergic reactions are not caused by the hair
from the pet but rather the urine, saliva, and dander that the animal releases. Dander is defined as dead skin flakes, and when
emitted from the pet’s body it combines with other contaminants to become an airborne
allergen.
While various medical treatments are
offered to prevent allergic symptoms, cleaning the air in your household is considered an
efficient method of eliminating a significant portion of these unwanted substances. Ionic and HEPA air purifiers are filtration
products that are able to destroy the pollen, dander, and other airborne pollutants that
can have a negative effect on your health. Most
of the units today are constructed to operate in single rooms and guarantee an efficiency
of about 98%. Ionic purifiers emit an
electric field, which basically kills any surrounding airborne contaminants within a
certain radius from the unit. HEPA units, on
the other hand, actually run cycles of air through a filter which captures the harmful
substances, allowing the newly-purified air to pass through. Both types of units are considered effective, but
they do have their drawbacks. For instance,
some of these models have recently been tested by the government to insure that they are
not releasing unhealthy levels of ozone into the air.
In
addition to investing in an air-purification system, there are several other measures that
can be taken to reduce the likelihood of suffering from allergens (or other air pollutants
for that matter). One of the most obvious
solutions is to try and keep both the windows and doors closed during heavy pollen
seasons. This will eliminate the possibility
of contracting any allergens by not even allowing them into the scene. Keeping plants out of the house is also
recommended, as the pollen that they can produce is a known catalyst for allergic
reactions. Washing sheets and furniture
regularly is yet another preventable measure. Finally,
bearing in mind that pets can be a primary source of dander is important in families with
a member whose immune system is very sensitive to airborne allergens. However, there is no need to worry; getting rid of
a pet is not necessarily the only solution. Bathing
it regularly while purifying the air will help in preventing dander from accumulating.
Understanding
the basis of allergies, such as what they are, how they affect the human body, and why
symptoms occur, is an ongoing importance that people, particularly adults, should take
into consideration. The best way to recognize
them is to monitor how much you are sneezing each day, as it is a common initial reaction
to exposure. Taking the appropriate measures
is essential in eliminating the possibility of allergies developing in your household,
with air purification ranking high on the list of preventable solutions.
In
addition, seeking medical attention is advised if symptoms become severe. By following all of the advised steps and taking
the time to learn a little about the basics of allergies, you will hopefully be able to
finally win the battle against the sniffles.
References
and Research Sources:
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/416/98/main.html
http://allergies.about.com/od/allergies101/a/seasonalallergy.htm
 
Air pollution is a mixture of
solid particles and gases in the air. Car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust,
pollen and mold spores may be suspended as particles. Ozone, a gas, is a major part of
air pollution in cities. When ozone forms air pollution, it's also called smog.
Some air pollutants are poisonous. Inhaling them can increase the chance you'll have
health problems. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are at
greater risk from air pollution. Air pollution isn't just outside – the air inside buildings
can also be polluted and affect your health.
Overviews:
|
There are almost never two homes with identical air
contamination issues. Too many variables based upon family habits, pets, structure issues
and traffic patterns. Each home has  its own
variety of IAQ contamination points. Allergens that can negatively affect your
health can be secretly developed throughout your house without your knowledge. Standard
preventative measures can help, but do not always work. Face it. Air Quality testing is
just the starting point to a better quality of life through better health choices. Get
started today and purchase a 3 pack kit
for only $16.99 with free freight. Believe it our not. The average home's air quality
is 10 times worse then the outdoor air in a polluted industrial city.
Air Testing Made Simple with the HealthProO2
kits
 |
All-in-one petri dish/gel kit with visual
step by step instructions
|
|
No added lab fees or "gotcha"
charges when you use our simple air test kits
|
|
Revealing for Asthmatics, allergy and cronic
headache suffers
|
|
Reliable - Safe & Easy to Use anywhere
in your living space with accurate results
|
|
New improved culture growth formula and
color sampling results chart in box
|
|
We also sell the Echo-Badge
Ozone level exposure test kits on this page.
|
Regenerating Your Environment is Healthy Choice you can control.
|
