Air Book - Tree Of Life

Transcript

Breathe Clean, Pure Could the Air in Your Home be Making You Sick? here may be a serious T problem with the air in your home and you may not even know about it. God gave us a beautiful Earth with clean, fresh air. Unfortunately, the air we are breathing today is polluted with noxious, dangerous, and even life threatening pollutants that could seriously impact you and your family’s health. To make matters worse, the air in your home may be many times more dangerous than the outdoor air. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. Consequently, it’s important that you take action now to ensure that your family is breathing the cleanest air possible. 15 Pleasure Road | Ephrata, PA 17522 | PH 717.733.2003 | FX 717.733.1756 www.tolhealth.com | [email protected] Facts you should know about indoor air quality: (IAQ) • According to the American College of Allergies, 50% of all illness is aggravated or caused by polluted indoor air. • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declares that indoor air is anywhere from 2 to 10 times more hazardous than outdoor air. • The EPA also warns us that indoor air quality is the United States’ number one environmental health problem. • Today’s homes and buildings are built airtight and contain a long list of pollutants. • A recent study found that the allergen level in super-insulated homes is 200% higher than it is in ordinary homes. • According to Scientific America, a baby crawling on the floor inhales the equivalent of 4 cigarettes a day, as a result of the outgassing of carpets, molds, mildews, fungi, dust mites, etc. • Most people spend well over 90% of their time indoors, thus, indoor air is going to impact our health far more than outdoor air. • As a result of airborne pollutants, the EPA informs us that 6 out of 10 homes and buildings are “sick”, meaning they are hazardous to your health to occupy. “The science is rock solid. We now know that air pollution can impair the lung function of even the healthiest people. Air pollution worsens asthma and is a direct cause of heart attacks, which makes people living with lung and heart disease especially vulnerable.” -Dr. Norman Edelman, the Chief Medical Offices for the Lung Association. 2 Here are a few more other interesting facts related to indoor air quality: • Asthma cases have increased by more than 100% since 1976. • About 1 in 9 children now have asthma. • Death rates due to asthma have tripled, and have quintupled in children ages 5 to 9, since 1976. • Hospitalization rates and doctor visits continue to increase dramatically. Based on information given at the First Annual Air Quality Convention, sponsored by the EPA, April 1992, Tampa, Florida: • According to the World Health Organization, 40% of all buildings pose a serious health hazard due to indoor air pollution. • EPA estimates an 18% annual production loss to American business due to poor indoor air quality. • 20% of all employees have a major illness related to indoor air pollution such as allergies, asthma, auto-immune diseases, etc. • EPA says high levels of formaldehyde cause cancer. Scientists now recognize that pollutants, even at acceptable concentration, combined together in an indoor environment, have a synergistic negative effect. Lancaster County & Central Pennsylvania are Not Immune to This Problem I think Lancaster County is one of the most beautiful places in the world to live and work. I would not want to live anywhere else, however, despite our rural atmosphere, we do not have good air quality. An April 29, 2009 article in the Lancaster New Era stated that Lancaster County was given an “F” grade in the 10th annual “State of the Air” report for continuing to have high levels of particulate matter (better known as soot) and ozone (which forms smog). Kevin M. Stewart, a Lancaster County resident who serves as the American Lung Association’s director of environmental health for the Mid-Atlantic region, noted that Lancaster was one of 37 cities nationwide that failed short-term and annual particulate matter standards, as well as smog standards. The article went on to site that a scientific study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that long-term exposure to smog can harm even healthy people, and that high levels of soot increases the risk of heart disease. Immediate Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat headaches dizziness fatigue asthma lung irritation humidifier fever symptoms of colds or other viral diseases Long Term Effects respiratory diseases heart disease cancer 3 According to the American Lung Association, there are 141,433 people living in Lancaster County with cardiovascular diseases, 34,753 adults with asthma, 11,432 children with asthma, 30,724 people with diabetes, 13,026 with chronic bronchitis and 6,767 with emphysema. All are at risk from unhealthy levels of air pollution, the report says. According to Dr. Norman Edelman, the Chief Medical Offices for the Lung Association, “The science is rock solid. We now know that air pollution can impair the lung function of even the healthiest people. Air pollution worsens asthma and is a direct cause of heart attacks, which makes people living with lung and heart disease especially vulnerable.” Today, pollutants, molds, yeasts, and bacteria invade our air more than ever. The statistics for the air quality in Lancaster County is eye-opening. Lancaster County ranks as one of the dirtiest/ worst counties in the US with regard to air quality. Carbon-monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds are only a few of the dangerous pollutants that have infested the air in Lancaster County. In this booklet we will explore • The sources and types of pollutants you may be exposed to in your home and how they can harm you. • Steps you can take to control and eliminate the sources of pollution. • A review of the types of air purification systems available and my personal recommendation. The Most Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in Your Home or Building. People. About 80% of what you see floating in a ray of sunshine entering your home is human skin flakes. And remember, we can only see about 10% of the airborne pollutants. Human skin flakes are a staple of the dust mite diet. Dust. About 40 pounds of dust is generated per 1,500 square feet every year. Each speck of dust carries about 40,000 dust mites and other illness-causing bacteria and viruses. Allergens. Pollens, ragweed, and a variety of other allergens find their way into the home from outdoors. C a r p e t, P l y w o o d, a n d o t h e r Construction Materials. The “new” smell associated with new carpet, newly painted walls, new homes, remodeled rooms, etc., is actually the outgassing of the chemical solutions used to manufacture these products. Wood floors are better for your health than carpet, but carpet is much more affordable. Mattresses and Furnishings are treated with fire retardants and other chemicals, adding to the chemical vapors we breathe inside. Pillows and Blankets. Dust mites comprise over 50% of the weight of the average pillow. HVAC Systems. Air ducts serve as a fertile breeding ground for mold spores. Household Cleaners/Aer osols, Insecticides, Pesticides. We literally poison the air we breathe with chemical fumes and toxins when we use these products. Moist or Humid Environments. Mold spores, bacteria, and mildew thrive in dampened towels, wash cloths, and other moist or humid areas. Children in homes with high mold levels show persistent, cold-like symptoms - 300% more than average. Pets. Airborne animal and/or pet dander (dried saliva from the animal that breaks off the end of their hair and floats into the air) is a common trigger for allergies and asthma. Plus, the feces from your pet emits added contaminates into the air. 4 Insects and Other Bugs. Insect and bug feces is a powerful allergen. In a recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine, more than half of the homes tested had cockroaches. Children living in these homes were more than three times as likely to be hospitalized for asthma. Smoking. Smoking in the home or vehicle leaves the air dense with over 3600 cancer-causing toxins. These toxins also cling to the clothing we wear, and release themselves when we enter other homes and buildings. Vehicles. Recent studies show that most people face their worst exposure to polluted air while inside their vehicle. Pollen builds up in your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Plus, exhaust and gasoline fumes easily enter your vehicle. Let’s start by looking at the three main categories of air pollutants Particulates- Over 99% of particulate matter is invisible to the naked eye and easily infiltrates the lungs. On average, every cubic foot of untreated indoor air contains 20 million particles. Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. VOC’s are emitted by a wide array of products used in homes including paints and lacquers, paint strippers, varnishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, pesticides, building materials, and furnishings. VOC’s are released from products into the home both during use and while stored. Microbes- Includes three major types of organisms: bacteria, protozoa, and fungi/mold. Most of these contaminants rely on a humid and moist environment for growth and survival. Some molds produce certain chemicals, such as mycotoxins. Now, let’s look at these in a bit more detail. Particulates Particles are very small solid or liquid substances that are light enough to float through the air (e.g., mists, dust, or pollen). They are composed of diverse materials including inorganic and organic compounds and dormant and living organisms. They can come from dust, humans, drapes, outdoor air, pollen, clothing, pets, tobacco smoke and pet dander. Of primary concern from a health standpoint are: 1) Small, almost invisible particles, with a higher probability of penetrating deep into the lung. There, they may stay a long time and cause acute or chronic effects. 2) Larger particles, such as molds, pollen, animal dander, and house dust allergens. These particles do not penetrate as deeply, but may cause an allergic response. Respirable-size particles include, but are not limited to, those from cigarette smoke, unvented combustion appliances (such as gas stoves and kerosene heaters), viruses, bacteria, molds, and fragments of materials which, when whole, would be considered larger than respirable-size particles. Health effects from exposure to respirable-size particles in the air depend on the types and concentrations of particles present, the frequency and duration of exposure, and individual sensitivity. Health effects can range from irritation of the eyes and/or respiratory tissues to more serious effects, such as cancer and decreased lung function. Biological particles, such as animal and insect allergens, viruses, bacteria, and molds, can cause allergic reactions, infectious diseases, and/or can produce toxic products which may be released into the air. Scientific studies have linked particle pollution, especially fine particles, with a series of significant health problems, including: • • • • • • • • 5 Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing Decreased lung function Aggravated asthma Development of chronic bronchitis Irregular heartbeat Non-fatal heart attacks Premature death in people with heart or lung disease Premature deaths among thousands of elderly people. Fine particles can remain suspended in the air and travel long distances. For example, a puff of exhaust from a diesel truck in Los Angeles can end up over the Grand Canyon. People with heart or lung diseases, children and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. However, even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution. VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compounds (Formaldehyde, Pesticides, Solvents, Cleaning Agents) At room temperature, volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOC’s include a variety of chemicals (e.g., formaldehyde, benzene, perchloroethylene), some of which may have short-term and long-term effects. Concentrations of many VOC’s are consistently higher indoors than outdoors. A study by the EPA, covering six communities in various parts of the United States, found indoor levels to be up to 10x higher than those outdoors; even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources, such as petrochemical plants. A wide array of volatile organics are emitted by products used in homes, offices, schools, and arts/crafts/hobby activities. These products, which number in the thousands, include: • personal items such as scents and hair sprays • household products such as finishings, rug and oven cleaners, paints and lacquers (and their thinners), paint strippers and pesticides • dry-cleaning fluids • building materials and home furnishings • office equipment such as some copiers and printers • office products such as correction fluids and carbonless copy paper • graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions Many of these items carry precautionary labels specifying risks and procedures for safe use; some do not. Here are a few symptoms that you can develop from these VOC’s: • nose and throat discomfort • eye irritation • headache • allergic skin reaction • shortness of breath • nausea and vomiting • nose bleeds • fatigue • dizziness Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is one of the best known volatile organic compound (VOC) pollutants, and is one of the few indoor air pollutants that can be readily measured. Identify, and if possible, remove the source of formaldehyde. If not possible, reduce exposure. Use polyurethane or other sealants on cabinets, paneling and other furnishings. Other pressed wood products, such as softwood plywood and flake or oriented strandboard, are produced for exterior construction use and contain the dark, or red/black-colored phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin. Although formaldehyde is present in both types of resins, pressed woods that contain PF resin generally emit formaldehyde at considerably lower rates than those containing UF resin. Sources of formaldehyde in the home include building materials, smoking, household products, and the use of unvented, fuelburning appliances, like gas stoves or kerosene space heaters. Formaldehyde, by itself or in combination with other chemicals, serves a number of purposes in manufactured products. For example, it is used to add permanent-press qualities to clothing and draperies, as a component of glues and adhesives, and as a preservative in some paints and coating products. Since 1985, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has permitted only the use of plywood and particleboard that conform to specified formaldehyde emission limits in the construction of prefabricated and mobile homes. In the past, some of these homes had elevated levels of formaldehyde because of the large amount of high-emitting pressed wood products used in their construction and because of their relatively small interior space. In homes, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. Pressed wood products made for indoor use include: particleboard (used as subflooring and shelving and in cabinetry and furniture); hardwood plywood paneling (used for decorative wall covering and used in cabinets and furniture); and medium density fiberboard (used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops). Medium density fiberboard contains a higher resin-to-wood ratio than any other UF pressed wood product and is generally recognized as being the highest formaldehyde-emitting pressed wood product. Formaldehyde has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), one source of formaldehyde used in home construction until the early 1980s, is now seldom installed. However, formaldehyde-based resins are components of finishes, plywood, paneling, fiberboard, and particleboard, all widely employed in mobile and conventional home construction as building materials (subflooring, paneling) and as components of furniture and cabinets, permanent press fabric, draperies, and mattress ticking. 6 Airborne formaldehyde acts as an irritant to the eye and upper and lower respiratory tract. Symptoms are temporary and, depending upon the level and length of exposure, may range from burning or tingling sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat to chest tightness and wheezing. Acute, severe reactions to formaldehyde vapor -- which has a distinctive, pungent odor -- may be associated with hypersensitivity. It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population, including asthmatics, may have hyper-reactive airways, making them more susceptible to formaldehyde’s effects. Health Effects of Formaldehyde Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. Pesticides Pesticides sold for household use, notably impregnated strips, and foggers or “bombs”, which are technically classed as semivolatile organic compounds, include a variety of chemicals in various forms. Exposure to pesticides may cause harm if they are used improperly. However, exposure to pesticides via inhalation of spray mists may occur during normal use. Exposure can also occur via inhalation of vapors and contaminated dusts after use (particularly to children who may be in close contact with contaminated surfaces). Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, muscular weakness, and nausea. In addition, some pesticide active ingredients and inert components are considered possible human carcinogens. Label directions must be explicitly followed. According to a recent survey, 75 percent of U.S. households used at least one pesticide product indoors during the past year. Products used most often are insecticides and disinfectants. Another study suggests that 80 percent of most people’s exposure to pesticides occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes. The amount of pesticides found in homes appears to be greater than can be explained by recent pesticide use in those households; other possible sources include contaminated soil or dust that floats or is tracked in from outside, stored pesticide containers, and household surfaces that collect and then release the pesticides. Pesticides used in and around the home include products to control insects, termites, rodents, fungi, and microbes. They are sold as sprays, liquids, sticks, powders, crystals, balls, and foggers. In 1990, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that some 79,000 children were involved in common household pesticide poisonings or exposures. In households with children under five years old, almost one-half stored at least one pesticide product within reach of children. EPA registers pesticides for use and requires manufacturers to put information on the label about when and how to use the pesticide. It is important to remember that the “-cide” in pesticides means “to kill.” These products can be dangerous if not used properly. In addition to the active ingredient, pesticides are also made up of ingredients that are used to carry the active agent. These carrier agents are called “inerts” in pesticides because they are not toxic to the targeted pest; nevertheless, some inerts are capable of causing health problems. Health Effects From Pesticides Both the active and inert ingredients in pesticides can be organic compounds; therefore, they both could add to the levels of airborne organics inside homes. As with other household products, there is insufficient understanding at present about what pesticide concentrations are necessary to produce these effects. 7 Exposure to high levels of cyclodiene pesticides, commonly associated with misapplication, has produced various symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, muscle twitching, weakness, tingling sensations, and nausea. In addition, EPA is concerned that cyclodienes might cause long-term damage to the liver and the central nervous system, as well as an increased risk of cancer. Health Effects of Combustion Products Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. At high concentrations, it can cause unconsciousness and death. Lower concentrations can cause a range of symptoms from headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, and disorientation, to fatigue in healthy people and episodes of increased chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are sometimes confused with the flu or food poisoning. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially sensitive to carbon monoxide exposures. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown, gas that irritates the mucous membranes in the eye, nose, and throat and causes shortness of breath after exposure to high concentrations. There is evidence that high concentrations or continued exposure to low levels of nitrogen dioxide increases the risk of respiratory infection. There is also evidence from animal studies that repeated exposures to elevated nitrogen dioxide levels may lead, or contribute to, the development of lung disease such as emphysema. People at particular risk from exposure to nitrogen dioxide include children and individuals with asthma and other respiratory diseases. Microbes or Biological Contaminants Biological contaminants include bacteria, mold, mildew, viruses, animal dander and saliva, house dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute these contaminants throughout the home. Health Effects From Biological Contaminants Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of asthma. Infectious illnesses, such as influenza, measles, and chicken pox are transmitted through the air. Molds and mildews release diseasecausing toxins. Symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems. Allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. However, that reaction may occur immediately upon re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time. As a result, people who have noticed only mild allergic reactions, or no reactions at all, may suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular allergens. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants.” At Tree of Life Health Ministries, we are finding many individuals having a problem with mold in their homes, and health problems related to it. This petri dish from a Tree of Life client’s home illustrates how much mold can be in a home. By controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some sources of biological contaminants can be minimized. A relative humidity of 30-50 percent is generally recommended for homes. Standing water, water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground for mold, mildew, bacteria, and insects. House dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm environments. If you have dampness in your home or basement, I highly recommend a dehumidifier. Potential Symptoms/Effects of Breathing Mold • Allergies • Asthma • Bleeding Lungs • Breathing Difficulties • Cancer 8 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Central Nervous System Problems Chronic Coughing Dandruff Dermatitis Diarrhea Eye and Vision Problems Fatigue Flu Symptoms Headaches Irritability Itching Nose, Mouth, Eyes, Throat, or Skin Kidney Failure Learning Difficulties or Mental Dysfunction Memory Loss or Difficulties Recurring Colds Seizures Sinus Congestion Sinus Problems Skin Rashes Skin Redness Sleep Disorders Sneezing Sore Throat Sudden Hair Loss Vertigo Vomiting The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Black Mold Anyone who has had any experiences with mold will tell you it can be a huge problem. If you catch it in time however, it can be avoided. Many people do not realize how deadly black mold can be and how easily it can spread. Mold can travel by attaching itself to our clothing, and just like a virus, it can spread through the air. The bad thing is once mold starts to spread it is very difficult to keep it from spreading throughout the rest of your home. Some people do not believe that black mold can turn into a deadly force. Many people don’t even realize that they are inhaling mold while in their home. Did you know that mold can turn toxic if it is not dealt with in a short period of time? Once the mold begins to reproduce it is only a matter of time before the mold becomes harmful to you and your family. Black mold, like any other organism, will do whatever it takes to protect itself from natural predators and has the natural instinct to stay alive and grow. Once the black mold has matured it will naturally develop a defense mechanism which is called myotoxins. These myotoxins are basically toxic chemicals and are the reason why people are continually sick and can’t figure out why. The best way to prevent a mold problem is to be prepared and try to do whatever it takes to keep it out of your home. What are the Contaminants in Our Homes and Buildings? Clearly, all of these contaminants are a real health hazard. You need to take action today. Perhaps the biggest cause of poor IAQ today is energy conservation. We seal our homes and buildings as tight as possible to keep our heating and cooling costs down. This causes a lack of ventilation and fresh air from entering the building. Instead of fresh air being introduced, the same contaminated air keeps circulating through the already contaminated structure. With each cycle the air becomes more contaminated. All this equates to one giant sized area with almost every contaminant known to man trapped within. This is now another perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Even if you clean your carpets often you only clean the surface. All the contaminants lurk deep within and resurface quickly. In fact, the act of cleaning your carpet increases the moisture under your carpet, resulting in a dark, warm, moist environment to grow more mold and bacteria. When you take a shower or boil water you fill the air with more moisture. In return, you create the perfect breeding ground for mold, bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms. The moisture builds up inside your central heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) unit where more mold and bacteria continue to grow. As the air passes through your ducts the mold and bacteria sticks to the ducts. It begins to grow in this low light, moist environment. Over time the growth becomes worse. With every cycle your HVAC unit runs, it pollutes your home or building even more by spreading the contaminants throughout the entire structure. Three Basic Strategies to take action today Mold and bacteria aren’t your only concerns, however. There are many sources for dust and dander. The main source is you. You shed billions of dead skin cells everyday. Your carpet, furniture, household cleaners, the paint on your walls, your toys, your bedding, cosmetics, perfumes, and virtually everything in your home releases some type of VOC or gas into your air. Another common pollutant present in many homes today is cigarette smoke. A single cigarette alone releases over 3600 chemicals into your air. Many places of business no longer allow smoking in the building or on their property, but many adults still smoke in their homes. This places their children and other people in their home at risk. Carpeting Carpet is one of the biggest and most common sources of air pollutants. Carpet covers over 70% of the floors in America. Most new carpet contains over 31 chemicals including: volatile organic compounds, styrene, 4-PC, and formaldehyde. Some of these chemicals are considered carcinogens. They can cause severe, even deadly neurotoxin reactions. Some carpets are glued directly to the floor using strong adhesives containing harmful chemicals. The chemicals in carpet are not the only pollutants. Over time we spill liquids, foods, and other everyday items on the carpet. We track in pollens, molds etc. from outdoors and they become imbedded in the carpet. We cough and sneeze on the carpet. We, along with our pets, leave dead skin behind and much more. 9 1 2 According to the EPA, there are three basic strategies to keeping the air in your home as safe as possible. Source Control Usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions. Some sources, like those that contain asbestos, can be sealed or enclosed; others, like gas stoves, can be adjusted to decrease the amount of emissions. In many cases, source control is also a more cost-efficient approach to protecting indoor air quality than increasing ventilation because increasing ventilation can increase energy costs. It may be a good idea to store any herbicides, pesticides, gas and other petroleum products, paints, lacquers and solvents out of the house if possible. I recommend an outside shed for the storage of these products. If you use hair sprays, try to do so in a room with a ventilation fan, or open a window for circulation. Examine the cleaning solutions you are using and see if you can switch to more natural products. Tree of Life Health Ministries and other natural health stores have a wide variety of safe cleaning products. Your air ducts may be a source of mold, mildew and bacteria. I highly recommend you have your ducts cleaned on a regular basis. At Tree of Life Health, we recommend Haller Enterprises, 212 Bucky Drive, Lititz, PA 17543 or call 717.625.1500. They have stateof-the-art equipment to safely clean your ducts. Coupons are available at our offices. If you have filters in your heating and cooling system, make sure you change them regularly. Ventilation Improvements Another approach to lowering the concentrations of indoor air pollutants in your home is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Most home heating and cooling systems, including forced air heating systems, do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house. Opening windows and doors, operating window or attic fans, when the weather permits, or running a window air conditioner with the vent control open increases the outdoor ventilation rate. Local bathroom or kitchen fans that exhaust outdoors remove contaminants directly from the room where the fan is located and also increase the outdoor air ventilation rate. It is particularly important to take as many of these steps as possible while you are involved in short-term activities that can generate high levels of pollutants--for example, painting, paint stripping, heating with kerosene heaters, cooking, or engaging in maintenance and hobby activities such as welding, soldering, or sanding. You might also choose to do some of these activities outdoors, if you can and if weather permits. 3 Air Cleaners There are many types and sizes of air cleaners on the market, ranging from relatively inexpensive table-top models to sophisticated and expensive whole-house systems. Quite honestly, when I first started to learn about air purification, it was mind boggling. If you go on the internet and search for air cleaners, you are bombarded with sites and hundreds of models, each claiming to be the best. Searching for an air purifier can be a very confusing task. Air purifiers come in many different sizes and shapes, contain different technology which may or may not work, and in some cases, may cause harm. Some “filter” the air and some actually “clean” the air by destroying the contaminants. I spent several weeks doing research, trying to find something that works, is safe, and is affordable. It took me a while, but I finally found what I believe is the best solution for your home air purification. Let’s take a look at some of the air cleaner options that are available to you. High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters (HEPA) More popularly known as HEPA filters, these filters have been traditionally defined as an extended dry-type filter with an efficiency of at least 97.97% for collection of particles of 0.3-micron diameter or larger. To qualify as a true HEPA, a filtering system must allow no more than 3 particles out of 10,000 to penetrate the filter. HEPA filters can be found on standard central filtration systems and on HEPA portable units. 10 The filter of a HEPA air purifier is made of tiny glass fibers that produce a consistency similar to blotter paper. This means that a HEPA Purifier is like a tremendous highpressure system, with air forced through the filtration system under great pressure. This makes HEPA filters an expensive proposition in a residence. With powerful fans and engine horsepower, HEPA in a home can be an enormous and consistent drain on electricity. As good as they are with particulates; the problem I found with HEPA Purifiers is that they cannot remove odors, chemicals, or dangerous VOC’s. The 0.3-micron holes are large compared to gas molecules or viruses. Since air must pass through the filter to be effective, it can be difficult to clean a large room with a HEPA Filter. Long term, the cost of a HEPA unit can be high due to the amount of energy required to pull the air through the filter as well as the replacement costs of the filters. Ozone Generators An Ozone Generator uses ozone as its primary source of purification. Ozone is an unstable oxygen molecule that attaches to any other molecule it contacts. If it comes in contact with an iron molecule, for example, it will create iron oxide - which is rust. These purifiers propel the ozone with a fan, enabling the ozone to oxidize molecules it contacts. The process works very well for removing odors and killing mold and mildew. However, it may be extremely dangerous to small animals and there is now some growing concern for human beings. Overexposure to ozone may bring on asthma symptoms and a high level of ozone may scar your lungs. The state of California is recommending residents not use ozone and Canada does not allow ozone generators to be sold either. Electronic Purifiers Electronic air cleaners employ an electrical field to trap particles. Much like mechanical filters, electronic air cleaners can be installed as central filtration systems or purchased as portable units with a fan. Electrostatic precipitators, the most common type of electronic air cleaners, use two stages. The first stage draws air in with an electrode or wire and the second stage collects the particulates on plates. The simplest form of the electronic air cleaner is the negative ion generator, which creates static charges to remove airborne particles. All particulates in a room become attracted to surfaces, and deposit themselves on walls, floors, table tops, curtains - even occupants! Keep in mind that using this kind of air filtering system may cause more soiling of your furniture and walls and require consistent vacuuming and cleaning routines so that the material is removed. More advanced units are theoretically designed to reduce soiling in a room. These filtration systems create negative ions within a space through which air flows, and then use a fan to pull back the charged particles into the cleaner. Electronic air cleaners can produce ozone either as a by-product or intentionally, as is the case with ozone generators. This has been a concern recently for air quality experts since ozone can be a potent lung irritant and exposure to elevated levels can be dangerous for people with asthma and other chronic lung diseases. The benefits of electronic air cleaners are that, unlike HEPA filters, they generally have a low energy cost. The airflow through the unit is constant, and helping lengthen the time between replacement of filters. However, the units can become less efficient with use and require frequent cleaning. Electronic purifiers cover smaller areas such as bedrooms and small living quarters; however an increased air flow reduces the unit’s effectiveness in removing airborne particles. Electronic units remove some dust and pet dander but are not recommended for removal of chemicals, smoke, molds, bacteria and certain smaller pollen particles. Filter Purifiers Air purifiers that draw air to trap particles are known as “mechanical filter” purifiers. They use at least one of the following filter types: Flat Filters Sometimes called “panel filters,” flat filters usually contain a fibrous material that can either be dry or coated with a substance like oil to aid in collecting and holding particles. Flat filters can be composed of wood fill, animal hair, synthetic fibers or even aluminum slits. The low-efficiency furnace filter in many home heating systems is an example of a flat filter, but these typically remove a negligible percentage of smaller-sized particles that can end up in the lungs. Pleated Filters One of the best improvements to the standard flat filter was to increase the density of the material for the filter using smaller fibers and pleated material. Pleating increases the surface area of the filter to help keep airflow through the filter high. Compared to other dry filters, pleated filters have a much higher efficiency. 11 Ionizers Home air ionizers replenish a room’s supply of negative ions, which are essential for clean and pure air. While a home normally possesses less than 100 negative ions per cubic centimeter, healthy outdoor air has up to 4,000. In fact, the highest levels of negative ions can be found in the pristine areas of the world - such as the Himalayas, the Alps and Antarctica! Most floating contaminants and allergens are positively charged. Home air ionizers improve air quality by removing dust, odors and other common pollutants through the use of negatively charged ions (an ion is any atom that has a positive or negative charge). Negative ions generated by the air cleaner literally attach themselves to microscopic particles, which then become too heavy to remain airborne and fall to the ground. However, the problem is that these particles also stick to the walls, the ceiling, furniture or anything else they contact. Because the particles that the negative ions attract are never destroyed or contained in a filter, they remain in the room and could become loose and able to recirculate. Although all of these options had some advantages and disadvantages, there was nothing I really felt very comfortable giving my 100% recommendation…UNTIL I learned about Photocatalytic Oxidation. Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) – The Next Generation of Air Purification After searching for a long time, I finally found what I believe is the very best method for you to use it your home; Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO). Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) just doesn’t catch the particles in a filter, it destroys them, while also destroying and neutralizing those dangerous VOC’s. And at the same time, there are not potential dangers like their may be with traditional ozone and static electric generators. The process is called Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO). The science behind Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) can be traced to Einstein, who showed in 1905 that a photon of light would activate a metal oxide. This process harnesses photon energy to destroy many toxic organic compounds that are hazardous to human health and the environment. The key to PCO is the photocatalyst. A photocatalyst is a chemical compound that becomes highly reactive when exposed to various wavelengths of UV light. In the presence of organic pollutants, such as hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, alcohol, ketones and aromatics compounds, the active photocatalyst attacks the pollutant’s chemical bonds, converting the toxic compounds into benign constituents, such as water and carbon dioxide. Photocatalytic systems have the ability to convert toxic carbon monoxide, at room temperature, to non-harmful carbon dioxide. This is a major development because carbon monoxide often is a cause of sick-building syndrome and it cannot be removed from the air with any type of absorption media. Essentially, the filtration from Photocatalytic Oxidation can be summed up as such: an intense light is reflected onto a metal surface which in turn oxidizes toxins from the air. In chemistry, photocatalysis is defined as the acceleration of a photoreaction in the presence of a catalyst, and an example of this would be the oxidation of organic contaminants such as bacteria and mold using magnetic particles coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and agitated using a magnetic field that is exposed to UV light. Therefore, this type of air purification technology converts harmful particulates and toxic gases into safer compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. Several attributes of PCO make it a strong candidate for indoor air quality applications. Pollutants, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are absorbed on the surface and are degraded by a reduction reaction. VOC’s in the air or on surfaces in a room are destroyed by oxidation, producing primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor. Thus, rather than simply changing the phase and concentrating the contaminant, the absolute toxicity of the treated air stream is reduced. These attributes contribute to the Photocatalytic Oxidation being an effective process for removing and destroying low level pollutants in indoor air, including bacteria and fungi. Photocatalytic Oxidation Studies • Chemistry scientists from the University of Colorado and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado conducted an experiment testing the effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation against harmful VOC’s (volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and other known carcinogens). They found that destruction of these contaminates was nearly 100%. • 12 Scientists working on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy found that Photocatalytic Oxidation air purification may be beneficial for the large-scale treatment of air in occupied buildings, while conserving energy costs. This is due to the fact that this technology destroyed VOC chemicals at a significant rate, even at high air flow rates. Their study indicated that Photocatalytic Oxidation could provide as much VOC removal by itself as compared to the expensive process of introducing outdoor air into the indoor environment, drastically reducing the need to channel outdoor air inside. • In another study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy, scientists found that Photocatalytic Oxidation converted more than 95% of harmful VOC chemicals to harmless carbon dioxide and water molecules. For years, the FDA has approved Photocatalytic Oxidation for reducing bacteria in meat processing plants, and it is even used to cleanse pesticides from the fruits and vegetables we eat. Because PCO technology is an extremely powerful purification method, PCO air purifiers have the ability to eliminate particles as small as 0.001 microns, including the tiny penetrating particles that can absorb into your lungs and cause damage (HEPA filters are only able to filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns). Studies have also shown that in addition to VOCs, toxic gases, and chemicals, Photocatalytic air purifiers can also render gases like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide harmless - pollutants which can often escape standard air purifiers utilizing HEPA or ionic technology alone. Those concerned with the possible health effects associated with air purifiers will be glad to know that PCO air cleaners have been found to be much safer than ozone and ionization, and they work wonderfully well for those with asthma, allergies, and multiple chemical sensitivity. There are many “knock off” air purifiers on the market that claim to use PCO technology. If not used properly PCO technology will do little to purify your air. In fact, it can cause an increase in harmful contamination. Researchers have found with many PCO air purifiers that because of incomplete decomposition of the VOC’s in the air stream there is a net production of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, formic acid and acetic acid. Of particular concern was that the outlet concentrations of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were 3.4 and 4.6 times the inlet concentrations, respectively. Both formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are recognized as important indoor toxicants. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen. Governmental guidelines suggest keeping indoor concentrations of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde at very low levels. Now You Can Know for Sure What’s in Your Home Air and If The Air Oasis Unit Removes it! I’m sure by now you are curious as to what may be in your indoor air environment, and if an Air Oasis unit will work for you. The good news is, you can! Come to Tree of Life Health at either our Gap or Ephrata office and ask for a free Petri dish. You take the dish home, open it up, and pour in the liquid solution provided to you. Place the dish in your bedroom or living area and let it open for 12 hours. After 12 hours, close it and tape it shut, and place it in a warm dark environment for five days. Please be sure to follow the instructions that will be given to you, along with your Petri dish. During these five days, if any mold spores, yeast or bacteria from your home landed on the Petri dish, it will grow and you will visibly see the growth. Then, turn on the Air Oasis unit that’s right for your home, and let it run for 5 days. Then repeat the Petri dish test. This will be a valid experiment as to how your indoor air quality improved. If for any reason, you don’t like the results, or how it performs, return the unit for a full, no questions asked, no hassle refund. Below are samples of some of the Petri dishes we’ve received back at Tree of Life from our clients after they tested their home air. Here at tree of life we are already seeing petri dishes being returned to us with visual evidence of some of the pollutants discussed in our brochure. What are we seeing? These test results have detected mold, bacteria and yeast in homes. White is common for mold, or you could see green and black. Red colonies could indicate bacteria growth and yeast is usually earthy tones, pinkish and shiny, smooth and dense. What is in your home? By now you are probably asking where can I get These Air Oasis units take up very little an air purifier to take care of these pollutants lurking room in your home, use very little in my house? Choosing a reliable purification system electric and have no maintenance, except is easy at Tree of Life. Tree of Life offers a variety of to change the UV lamp every three years. Air Oasis products to accomodate all of your pure air needs. These well researched products will offer you the most advanced purifiers on the market for your home or business. We also carry induct units designed to be placed in the duct work of your air conditioning system to provide whole house air purification. Air Oasis Induct ACT units will cover 1000 to 3000 square feet while being completely silent. The induct units offer three levels of power depending on your contamination levels. Purchase the unit or units that best suit your home or commercial needs. Our air purification specialist will discuss all of your purification system options to assure that you are purchasing the best unit for you and your family. An installation specialist will be recommended for installation of our Air Oasis Induct ACT units. 13 An American company called Air Oasis developed a proprietary patent-pending five metal nano catalyst that is far superior to any cheap imitations on the market. Their UV lamps use a proprietary long life coating to more than double their life over the competition. Preliminary results from West Texas A&M University show huge reductions in formaldehyde and other VOC’s. Rapid reductions in odors were also observed. There are many abbreviated names today describing this newer generation of air purifiers. They all boil down to using a UVC (also known as UVX, germicidal, hv, etc.) lamp in conjunction with a catalyst to create oxidizers that clean your air and sanitize surfaces. Air Oasis uses a patent-pending proprietary nano Nickel HCT™ catalyst that is unique to the competition. It utilizes five rare metals, nano nickel and other nano metals in conjunction with a hydrating agent to provide PCO results unparalleled in the market place. I have learned that the proprietary patent-pending Air Oasis nano Nickel HCT catalyst is superior to any PCO catalyst currently on the market. Imitation air purifiers often use cheap titanium dioxide (TiO2) alone as a catalyst. TiO2 is the cheapest, most available, catalyst metal on the market. It’s often used as the white pigment in standard house paint costing only pennies. The nano Nickel HCT contains five rare catalyst metals. Air Oasis also use nano size metals to increase the kinetic rate of reaction. The Air Oasis UV lamps utilize a proprietary long life coating allowing them to outlast any UV lamp on the market. Don’t be fooled by cheap, foreign made, imitations. By utilizing a broad spectrum 254 nm UV light, Air Oasis uses the same oxidizing and ionizing benefits found in nature, created by the sun. By combining the UV light with the Air Oasis patent-pending nano Nickel HCT™ catalyst this unit achieves unparalleled results. Here’s how an Air oasis unit differs from other units on the market. Most air purifiers depend upon the air passing though the unit to be cleaned. At best a small portion of air from your home gets through, and germs and virus on surfaces are not touched. With an Air Oasis unit, millions of negative ions are generated that combine with the ultraviolet light and are emitted from the unit. These charged negative ions go out into your rooms and your surfaces to kill mold, bacteria, virus and to neutralize volatile organic compounds. Air Oasis does not depend on air passing through the unit to sanitize your air. This technology of emitting these ions that spread through your entire house is what makes Air Oasis the next generation of advanced air purification. That’s why, even if you have an older filter that just takes out large particulates, you need to add the new advanced PCO technology to sanitize the air, the surfaces and to neutralize these dangerous VOC’s that are lurking in your home. The other good news about these units is that there is virtually no maintenance. It has no filters to change, it uses very little electric and makes no noise. All you have to do is change the UV lamp every three years. Yes, that’s three years! And the UV lamps are very reasonably priced. If you want to learn even more, ask for our free CD where I interview Dr. Jeff Bennert, PhD from Air Oasis, or you can listen to it on our website at www.tolhealth.com and click the link for clean air. As you listen to this CD and read this brochure, you will be fully informed about what you can do to protect you and your family from indoor air pollution. 14 CHOOSING YOUR AIR PURIFICATION UNIT Air Oasis™Xtreme Air Purifier Air Oasis™3000 Air Purifier The Air Oasis 3000 Xtreme air purifier is recommended for open areas up to 3000 square feet with highter contamination levels. Musty basements, nail salons, hair salons, and other high odor or high mold and bacteria areas are ideal for the 3000 Xtreme air purifier. It can be used in larger highly contaminated or light commercial applications. If you want durability then you’ll love the artistic brushed aluminum housing. Only 4” x 4” X 17” tall and only costs $549.99 The 3000 is ideal for open areas up to 3000 square feet or areas with higher pollutant levels. It’s capable of not only sanitizing your air, but also reduces surface mold, bacteria, viruses etc. Utilizing our advanced AHPCO™ technology, the 3000 will provide all the benefits of ozone without potentially dangerously high levels of ozone. With artistic brushed aluminum it will also look great in any home. Only 4” x 4” X 14.5” tall and only costs $499.99 Air Oasis™1000 Air Purifier This 1000 Air Oasis unit provides all the same great benefits as the 3000 model in a smaller package. The 1000 is ideal for open areas up to 1000 square feet or areas with higher pollutant levels. It’s great for use in larger rooms or to use in combination with other units to cover your entire home or office. Also, with its sturdy artistic brushed aluminum housing, it will last for years to come. Only 4” x 4 “ X 13.5 “ tall and only costs $399.99 If you have a larger home, it may be best to put a whole house purifier in the living area and room units in each bedroom. And finally, if you prefer, you can install induct units so that your entire home is receiving clean air without having units setting around your home. Don’t risk your family’s health and waste your hard earned money on cheap imitations. Even if you have an air filter in your home, I recommend you switch to or add the Air Oasis. After you have these units running in your home, you will have the peace of mind in knowing that your family is breathing safe, clean air. Call our office today to have your questions answered and to order your Air Oasis units. Tree of Life Health Ministries Ephrata 717.733.2003 15 A s you have learned in this newsletter, you are being exposed to a multitude of pollutants from your home and a quality air purifier is a necessity. Unfortunately, there are now toxins in our food, our water, the packaging that our food and water is stored in, and in personal care products we use on our body. More than ever, in addition to reducing the toxin load you receive, its imperative that you take proactive steps to remove the toxins you have accumulated over a lifetime. Tree of Life Health Ministries is proud to be a leader in offering you the most advanced, comprehensive detox programs to assist you. Call our office or visit our website to learn more about how these modalities can assist you in detoxification. After you learn the dangers that may be lurking in your water, you will realize the need for water purification. Water ionization provides alkaline, anti-oxidant water that has many benefits. Visit our website and listen to the interview with Peter Goodgold, water expert, on the benefits of drinking alkaline water, or request a free CD. As you rest comfortably with your feet in warm water, ionic footbaths gently support lymphatic detoxification. Visit our website and listen to the interview with Dr. Earl Anderson for full details, or request a free CD. As you sit in our comfortable far infrared sauna, environmental toxins stored in your fat cells may be removed through the perspiration process. Visit our website and listen to the interview with Jill Harrison, a sauna expert, for full details or request the free CD. As you stand on the world’s most advanced whole body vibration therapy machine for just 10 minutes, all of your cells will be energized and your circulatory and lymphatic systems may increase toxin removal and increase nutrient and oxygen delivery. To really jump start your body’s detox, I also recommend the Standard Process 21-day “Purification Program”. This is a complete detoxification program that supports all of your elimination channels. Our purification experts will help you understand the program and successfully guide you through it. 15 Pleasure Road | Ephrata, PA 17522 | PH 717.733.2003 | FX 717.733.1756 www.tolhealth.com | [email protected]