It can be confusing to the average consumer on how to choose an air cleaner. With the myriad of new technology and the wide variety of brands available, no wonder it can be a challenge to choose a good air cleaner. Here are some tips to assist you in choosing one.
The CADR Level
CADR stands for clean air delivery rate. It is usually represented by numbers. Technically speaking, the higher the number, the better the air cleaner as it indicate the filtration rate is high. On the manufacturer’s box, you should be able to see three numbers which indicate the volume of processed air for each of the three most common contaminants, namely, pollen, dust and smoke.
The MERV Rating
MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. The MERV rating gives a rough indication of the efficiency of the air filter. It is represented in numbers and usually the higher the number, the better. The MERV rating is a common standard used by most manufacturers, therefore you can use this rating to gauge the efficiency of an air cleaner. Generally speaking, you should aim for a MERV rating of between 6 to 12. By the way, the MERV rating scale is from 1 to 16. 1 is the lowest and 16 is the highest.
Original Equipment Air Filters
One of the consumable items you need to replace often is the air filter. Some manufacturers decided to produce cheap, generic air filters and other replacement parts for air cleaners. You need to decide if you want to replace your air filter with generic air filters or get one from the original manufacturer. Obviously, air filters from the original equipment manufacturer is more expensive but bear in mind it is of higher quality and also using generic air filter can affect the efficiency of your air cleaner in the long run.
For replacement parts, I would highly recommend getting them from the original manufacturer since they are of higher quality and usually has a guarantee after repair. Using generic replacement parts can damage your air cleaner in the long run.
If the cost is a big concern for you, then it might be better to go with a cheaper air cleaner. However, you would want to get the air filters and any replacement parts from the original manufacturer. Doing so will prolong the longevity and save you more money in the long run.
Source: http://www.energyefficienthomearticles.com
For More Information: Visit: http://www.safe-homes.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Some Things You May Not Know About Mold
Here is the issue: A Lot of people are going to great lengths to ensure that there is no mold in their homes. Now alone, that is a good thing, but there is a problem. Not every inspector is going to be able to correctly identify mold and within that, what kinds of mold may be dangerous. Although mold has become a bit of a hot topic in home sales, much of this is based on extreme cases. Mold does present a problem, especially when given ideal conditions in which to flourish. That is a moist, humid,and dark area where there is an organic material for it to grown on. Without these conditions, mold cannot grow.
However, there is another problem with mold and that is that it is extremely easy to misidentify mold. In fact many times that mold is found in a home it is in fact mildew. This is another naturally occurring growth that is in no way harmful. What is harmful to humans are a few different types of organically occurring mold such as Mucor, Chaetomium and particularity S tachybotrys. When you hear stories of mold drastically affecting someone's health it is usually this last form of mold that is being referred to. Typically the only way to remove a growing mold is to remove the nutrient source that it is growing on. That is, the wood (usually). Mold grows best on wood that has been exposed to high levels of moisture and humidity. In an average home this would happen in an area affected by a structural imperfection or after a flood. There are chemical ways of cleaning mold from these surfaces but if you want to be 100% certain it might be a good idea to replace the piece of wood or surface if at all possible.
Keep in mind that everyone's sensitivity to mold will be different. However, it is safe to assume that people with Asthma, delicate immune systems or allergies will have greater sensitivity to molds. One of the main problems with mold is the fact that is grows unseen in places that its impossible to see such as inside walls, inside sub-f loors, in attics and basements. The main thing to be watchful for is areas where the moisture level is high. If you suspect there is mold in your home, be sure to get a certified mold expert in the take a look.
However, there is another problem with mold and that is that it is extremely easy to misidentify mold. In fact many times that mold is found in a home it is in fact mildew. This is another naturally occurring growth that is in no way harmful. What is harmful to humans are a few different types of organically occurring mold such as Mucor, Chaetomium and particularity S tachybotrys. When you hear stories of mold drastically affecting someone's health it is usually this last form of mold that is being referred to. Typically the only way to remove a growing mold is to remove the nutrient source that it is growing on. That is, the wood (usually). Mold grows best on wood that has been exposed to high levels of moisture and humidity. In an average home this would happen in an area affected by a structural imperfection or after a flood. There are chemical ways of cleaning mold from these surfaces but if you want to be 100% certain it might be a good idea to replace the piece of wood or surface if at all possible.
Keep in mind that everyone's sensitivity to mold will be different. However, it is safe to assume that people with Asthma, delicate immune systems or allergies will have greater sensitivity to molds. One of the main problems with mold is the fact that is grows unseen in places that its impossible to see such as inside walls, inside sub-f loors, in attics and basements. The main thing to be watchful for is areas where the moisture level is high. If you suspect there is mold in your home, be sure to get a certified mold expert in the take a look.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Latex Allergies in Children
By Scott Fitzgerald
Latex allergy in children seems to be on the rise, although that perception may be based more on awareness than on increased incidence of latex allergy. If you know your child has, or suspect your child has a latex allergy, it is important to educate yourself to know what this allergy is and how to manage latex allergy in children.
What Is A Latex Allergy?
Latex allergy in children is an allergic reaction that results from an allergy to a protein found in the liquid in the tropical rubber tree. This liquid is harvested and used to produce rubber products. It is the protein that causes latex allergy in children, but true latex rubber products cannot be produced without the allergenic protein.
What Products Is Latex Found In?
Many every-day products are made with latex rubber. Some products that contain latex rubber are
* Balloons
* Rubber toys such as stretch toys and koosh balls—may include dog toys
* Rubber nipples and pacifiers
* Rubber/elastic bands (including elastic waist bands on clothing and underwear
* Tape and adhesive bandages, band aids
* Adhesives on diapers and sanitary pads
* Condoms and diaphragms
* Some paints (latex-based and others)
* Zippered sandwich bags
* Rubber shoes, boots, and clothing, including rain coats
Latex rubber is used extensively in medical and dental products, including
* Latex gloves
* Elastic bandages (such as Ace bandages)
* Urinary catheters
* Dental dams
* Tourniquets
* Breathing masks/resuscitation equipment
* Wheelchair cushions and tires
* Grips and cushions on crutches
* Stethoscopes
* IV tubing
* Blood pressure cuffs
These lists are by no means exhaustive, but do include many of the most common latex-containing products that children with latex allergy may come into contact with. As a rule of thumb when in doubt, suspect any product that is light brown and/or stretchy of containing latex.
What Increases The Likelihood Of A Latex Allergy In Children?
Latex allergy in children can occur in any child, but a few things may increase the likelihood of a latex allergy. The risk for latex allergy in children increases with exposure to latex-containing products.
*Children with certain food allergies may also be allergic to latex because latex and some foods share similar proteins. Children who are allergic to bananas, chestnuts, avocados, kiwi, tomato, figs, papaya, peaches, plums, and celery may also be allergic to the protein in latex.
*Children who have certain medical conditions may be at increased risk of developing latex allergy due to increased exposure. Children who have had multiple surgeries and/or frequent medical treatment, children with Spina Bifida, children with genitourinary diseases, and children with internal latex medical devices (such as tubes and catheters) are at increased risk for latex allergy.
What Are The Symptoms Of Latex Allergy In Children?
Latex allergy in children often presents with symptoms that are quite similar to other allergies and reactions. For this reason, it is important to discuss reactions with your child’s doctor to determine the cause of the reaction. Symptoms of latex allergy in children include:
* Watery or itchy eyes
* Runny nose or sneezing
* Skin rash at point of contact—may be red, swollen, or bumped
* Hives
* Wheezing/difficulty breathing
* Tightness in chest
* Itchy skin
* Anaphylactic shock
How Severe Is Latex Allergy In Children?
As with all allergies, latex allergy in children can vary from mild to severe. Mild latex allergies in children may present sinus or skin discomfort or itchiness. Severe latex allergies in children can compromise breathing and cause swelling of the throat and mouth—children with severe latex allergies need emergency treatment.
It should be noted that latex allergy in children may start off as a mild reaction but may increase in severity with further exposure and subsequent incidences; it is important to discuss the risk to your child with a doctor even if a latex allergy in a child seems minor.
How Can Latex Allergy Be Avoided?
Management of latex allergy in children requires avoidance of latex-based/containing products.
*Children should not play with toys that contain (or are suspected of containing) latex
*Products should be replaced with latex-free products (medical equipment and supplies in particular—make sure medical professionals use latex-free gloves
*Since latex proteins can be disbursed by powder in latex medical gloves, children with latex allergies should avoid areas where powdered gloves are used and changed frequently
*Pack latex-free gloves with your child for emergency use
*Outfit your child with a medic-alert bracelet or necklace
*Make sure all care-providers, school staff, coaches, and teachers know about your child’s latex allergy
There are alternative products for anything that contains latex. Silicone, plastic, and vinyl are all safe alternatives for children with latex allergies. It is imperative that not only parents know about safe management of latex allergies in children, but all school and medical personnel as well. A concerted effort to avoid latex for children with latex allergies will ensure that an allergy does not progress to or cause a severe reaction that could become threatening for your child.
For more information: Asthma and Allergies
Latex allergy in children seems to be on the rise, although that perception may be based more on awareness than on increased incidence of latex allergy. If you know your child has, or suspect your child has a latex allergy, it is important to educate yourself to know what this allergy is and how to manage latex allergy in children.
What Is A Latex Allergy?
Latex allergy in children is an allergic reaction that results from an allergy to a protein found in the liquid in the tropical rubber tree. This liquid is harvested and used to produce rubber products. It is the protein that causes latex allergy in children, but true latex rubber products cannot be produced without the allergenic protein.
What Products Is Latex Found In?
Many every-day products are made with latex rubber. Some products that contain latex rubber are
* Balloons
* Rubber toys such as stretch toys and koosh balls—may include dog toys
* Rubber nipples and pacifiers
* Rubber/elastic bands (including elastic waist bands on clothing and underwear
* Tape and adhesive bandages, band aids
* Adhesives on diapers and sanitary pads
* Condoms and diaphragms
* Some paints (latex-based and others)
* Zippered sandwich bags
* Rubber shoes, boots, and clothing, including rain coats
Latex rubber is used extensively in medical and dental products, including
* Latex gloves
* Elastic bandages (such as Ace bandages)
* Urinary catheters
* Dental dams
* Tourniquets
* Breathing masks/resuscitation equipment
* Wheelchair cushions and tires
* Grips and cushions on crutches
* Stethoscopes
* IV tubing
* Blood pressure cuffs
These lists are by no means exhaustive, but do include many of the most common latex-containing products that children with latex allergy may come into contact with. As a rule of thumb when in doubt, suspect any product that is light brown and/or stretchy of containing latex.
What Increases The Likelihood Of A Latex Allergy In Children?
Latex allergy in children can occur in any child, but a few things may increase the likelihood of a latex allergy. The risk for latex allergy in children increases with exposure to latex-containing products.
*Children with certain food allergies may also be allergic to latex because latex and some foods share similar proteins. Children who are allergic to bananas, chestnuts, avocados, kiwi, tomato, figs, papaya, peaches, plums, and celery may also be allergic to the protein in latex.
*Children who have certain medical conditions may be at increased risk of developing latex allergy due to increased exposure. Children who have had multiple surgeries and/or frequent medical treatment, children with Spina Bifida, children with genitourinary diseases, and children with internal latex medical devices (such as tubes and catheters) are at increased risk for latex allergy.
What Are The Symptoms Of Latex Allergy In Children?
Latex allergy in children often presents with symptoms that are quite similar to other allergies and reactions. For this reason, it is important to discuss reactions with your child’s doctor to determine the cause of the reaction. Symptoms of latex allergy in children include:
* Watery or itchy eyes
* Runny nose or sneezing
* Skin rash at point of contact—may be red, swollen, or bumped
* Hives
* Wheezing/difficulty breathing
* Tightness in chest
* Itchy skin
* Anaphylactic shock
How Severe Is Latex Allergy In Children?
As with all allergies, latex allergy in children can vary from mild to severe. Mild latex allergies in children may present sinus or skin discomfort or itchiness. Severe latex allergies in children can compromise breathing and cause swelling of the throat and mouth—children with severe latex allergies need emergency treatment.
It should be noted that latex allergy in children may start off as a mild reaction but may increase in severity with further exposure and subsequent incidences; it is important to discuss the risk to your child with a doctor even if a latex allergy in a child seems minor.
How Can Latex Allergy Be Avoided?
Management of latex allergy in children requires avoidance of latex-based/containing products.
*Children should not play with toys that contain (or are suspected of containing) latex
*Products should be replaced with latex-free products (medical equipment and supplies in particular—make sure medical professionals use latex-free gloves
*Since latex proteins can be disbursed by powder in latex medical gloves, children with latex allergies should avoid areas where powdered gloves are used and changed frequently
*Pack latex-free gloves with your child for emergency use
*Outfit your child with a medic-alert bracelet or necklace
*Make sure all care-providers, school staff, coaches, and teachers know about your child’s latex allergy
There are alternative products for anything that contains latex. Silicone, plastic, and vinyl are all safe alternatives for children with latex allergies. It is imperative that not only parents know about safe management of latex allergies in children, but all school and medical personnel as well. A concerted effort to avoid latex for children with latex allergies will ensure that an allergy does not progress to or cause a severe reaction that could become threatening for your child.
For more information: Asthma and Allergies
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