In recent years more and more studies have been published showing that increased levels of sub-micron sized particles in the air result in higher levels of inflammation. This inflammation has been found in the cardiovascular and the respiratory system of exposed individuals resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Increased levels of heart attacks and asthma attacks … More
Asthma
Children in Neighborhoods Near Highways and Railroad Intersections at Risk for Asthma
A study by Mayo Clinic shows that children living near traffic intersections at greater risk of developing asthma. Mayo Clinic researchers recently released data showing children who lived near major highway or railroad intersections have a higher risk of developing asthma. The researchers used this study to show how neighborhood environment is a risk factor … More
Ozone Reactions with Skin Oils Create Irritants
Ozone found in indoor environments reacts with human skin oils to produce chemicals that irritate the skin and lungs according to researchers in Austria and the United States. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science Armin Wisthaler of the Leopold Franzens University in Austria and Charles Weschler of Rutgers University … More
Ozone Levels Linked to Higher Asthma Risk
The body of evidence keeps growing that higher ozone levels lead to higher asthma risk. In this recent study it was found that the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms was about 4% higher at high ozone sites as compared to low ozone sites. In order to neutralize the effects of the other components of air pollution … More
Is There a Connection Between Increased Use of Central Air Conditioning and Asthma?
A recent article claims that the increased use of central air conditioning systems in homes over the past 30 years has lead to an increase in asthma. But is this really the case or is it that both factors have increased and the association between the two is just coincidental? There is good reason … More
Asthma Symptoms Increase With Higher Indoor Particle Levels
This recent study provides some insight into the relationship of indoor air quality and respiratory health. It is clear that higher indoor air pollution leads to an increase in the severity of asthma symptoms. But do we really know any more about what leads to the problems and what to do about it?
You’ve Got Mold! Now, What Can You Do About It?
You’ve got mold! Well, guess what? So does everybody else. Mold is ubiquitous. It is in every breath that we breathe. It is the one thing that is in the “pollen count” for most areas of the world every day. While some types of mold are allergenic for some people and mold has been linked … More
Study Shows Children At Risk From Pesticides Longer than Expected
Even though there has been considerable action on the reduction of home use of pesticides, this study from UC Berkeley shows that children may be at a greater risk for a longer time than originally believed.
Sorting Fact from Fiction on Health Effects of Mould
Leading Asthma and Allergy Experts Discuss the Most Recent Scientific Evidence on Health Effects of Mould Several years ago I had the pleasure of attending a joint meeting of the National Air Filtration Association and the Indoor Air Quality Association. One of the key speakers was Dr. Michael Rinaldi of the University of Texas Health … More