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Floods and Mold: What Does it do to Your Home and Your Health

October 26, 2017 By Madison

Floods and Mold: What Does it do to Your Home and Your Health

For many victims of natural disasters, the cleanup in the aftermath is a scene of thick mud, scattered debris, splintered wood, and mangled metal. Most often, however, there’s a dirty little secret with far less dramatic imagery, but perhaps even more dangerous, MOLD. If you’re dealing with soaked carpet, wet furniture, and damp drywall, odds are, you’ve also got a mold problem. In as quickly as a few days, mold can take up residence in your home and, while there may clues such as a stale, musty odor, it can sneak around your radar undetected until symptoms start showing up by way of the harmful effects on your health.

flooding and mold

How exactly does mold affect your health?

If you’re prone to allergies, mold can irritate your lungs and nasal passageways leading to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, throat pain, and a stuffy nose. Even if you don’t typically experience a sensitivity to allergens, though, you can develop these symptoms following exposure to mold. After Hurricane Katrina, these respiratory issues were so common, healthcare professionals in New Orleans dubbed them the “Katrina Cough.” Its effects aren’t limited to the respiratory system. Eye and skin irritation can also develop as a result of coming in contact with mold.

the danger of mold sporesThese symptoms are relatively mild and not life threatening, though some people may be at risk for more serious health conditions after mold exposure. Those with asthma may experience an attack after breathing in mold spores. This is particularly concerning in children with asthma who, in one post-Katrina study group based in New Orleans, were found to have mold sensitivities at three times the national average. But even if you don’t have asthma, long term exposure to mold has been shown to develop asthma in otherwise healthy children. Children aren’t the only ones at an increased risk. Anyone with a weakened immune system may develop a dangerous respiratory infection after being in a moldy environment.

How can you know if you’ve got a mold problem?

According to the CDC, if you’ve experienced flooding and were unable to completely dry out the affected area (including furniture) within 24-48 hours, you should assume there is mold growing there. You may not yet be able to see or smell it, but it is safest to proceed as though it is there.

How can you safely clean up a mold infestation?

hurricane flooded street

After a disaster, your first step should be to contact your homeowner’s insurance company. Even with flood protection, most policies give you a small deadline in which to clean and dry the area. If you wait and mold grows, your insurance may not cover the cost of cleanup and repair. You should document the damage well with pictures and video, not just of your home, but your possessions, as well. FEMA does offer grants for those not covered with flood insurance, though the full cost of making your home livable again may not be covered. They have detailed instructions on how to file a flood insurance claim in the aftermath of a hurricane.

After the proper steps have been taken to document the damage, you can assess where to go from there. If the affected area is smaller than ten square feet, it may be possible for you to clean it yourself. If it’s bigger than that, you may need to consider calling in a professional. If you suspect the water was contaminated or contained sewage, it is definitely best to hire a professional. The CDC does offer recommendations in safely cleaning water damaged areas:

  • Always wear protective gear when entering the area. This includes gloves, safety goggles, N-95 mask, and proper skin coverage.
  • Open all doors and windows to facilitate good air flow throughout the area while you’re working. Don’t forget to open all interior doors, including those to closets, to circulate fresh air throughout all areas of the home.
  • Use a wet vac to clean up as much water as possible from the house.
  • If parts of your home were submerged, it may be necessary to pull up carpet and padding and tear out drywall, insulation, and ceiling tile to be thrown away and replaced as mold sets up quickly in these items.
  • Remove wet furniture and other household items. Anything that has been wet for 48 hours and can’t be cleaned and dried thoroughly should be thrown away.
  • If you have power, run air conditioners and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans can be helpful, but keep in mind that they can actually blow mold spores throughout the house and spread them around.
  • Running an air purifier can kill airborne mold spores and improve the air quality inside the house.
  • Scrub any visible mold off of hard surfaces with a household cleaner or bleach solution, making sure to work in a well-ventilated area. Bleach solutions should be properly diluted (1 cup of bleach per every gallon of water) and never mixed with ammonia as the chemical reaction creates toxic fumes.
  • Hold off on painting or caulking the area until you are absolutely sure the mold is gone.
  • After leaving, you should shower and change your clothes right away to avoid carrying mold spores with you.

flood Damage and your health

Some mold clean up jobs are best left to the professionals. If the damage is extensive, spread over a large area, or exacerbated with dangerous contamination, your insurance provider may refer you to a mold removal specialist. If you decide to find a contractor on your own, an important question to ask candidates is whether or not they have experience in mold cleanup and don’t hesitate to ask for references. The CDC recommends that you hire a professional who has been certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). After clean up, there should be no signs of water damage or mold growth. Seeing or smelling mold means the job is not yet done and should not be allowed to go untreated. If you develop allergy-like symptoms, it could be a sign that there is still mold present in your home.

It is important to understand that, while mold may seem low on the list of the concerns in the wake of a devastating event, it can be a dangerous situation with serious and damaging effects to your health. If not handled properly, the results can be long-lasting and life-threatening. It may take extra time and work, but it will have been time and effort well-spent in the end.

Get rid of Mold in your house-2

Filed Under: health Tagged With: Can air purifiers clean up mold, flooding and mold, floods and the danger of mold, how air purifiers can help you clean up mold, hurricane and flood cleanup, mold cleanup, mold spores and air purifiers, will an air purifier get rid of mold

Pregnancy and Air Pollution: What You Can Do to Help Your Baby

October 18, 2017 By Madison

Pregnancy and Air Pollution: What You Can Do to Help Your Baby

For those that are expecting, it can be both exciting and nerve wracking to dream about what the future holds and what experiences will come with the new addition to your family. Having a baby also carries with it a long list of worries and questions about how to keep your little one safe and healthy before and after they’re born. I am sure we all know to make sure we’re meeting our nutrient needs, routinely visit with our gynecologist and not eat certain foods. Unfortunately, my love for fish has to take a backseat for the next 40 weeks. But not a lot of us know or are concerned about pollution. Believe it or not – it can affect your baby!

It’s not a fun topic to think about, because it doesn’t seem like much can be done. Although avoiding every single pollutant out there is next to impossible, there are ways to reduce the amount you’re exposed to and therefore keep your child as healthy as possible.  One of the quickest ways is to keep the air in your home clean and fresh, but before diving into that lets cover some other simple things you can do to keep your baby and you healthy.

pregnancy and air pollution

 

What is pollution?

Let’s dive into what it actually is first. It’s defined as a harmful or poisonous substance already in or being introduced into the air. Most people think this topic only affects us on a global scale, but it actually can have an impact on an individual level as well.

In 2017, the American Lung Association’s reportedly found that people who live with excessive amounts of toxins may increase their chances of an early death, lung cancer, asthma, and cause harm to their development and reproduction. For those of us that are pregnant, too much exposure can lead to your baby being underweight, a preemie, and even affect their health and development after they’re born.

Statistically, the number of Americans affected by this issue went from 166 million to 125 million in 2016, but that still doesn’t mean we can afford not to worry about it. It’s an important issue that we need to be made aware of.

its time to cleanup

Common outdoor toxins and their effect on your child’s health

No matter if it’s a big city, a suburb or a rural town, these harmful toxins are everywhere. Even though we can’t see or smell them, remember that they’re still dangerous. Unborn babies and infants may have a higher chance of becoming ill due to pollution, but don’t forget that mothers can also be effected.

Below we describe the most common outdoor contaminants and the risks associated for men, women and infants.

Diverse substances in particles range in size, but smallest ones are (generally) most dangerous.  Those that occur through crude emission or discharge of sulfur and oxygen compounds or VOCs are typically the most dangerous one for us and our babies.

 

Ground-level ozone and smog

Ozone by itself is a harmless layer made up of three oxygen atoms that acts as a barrier between us and sun’s rays.  Created through man-made chemicals interacting with crude transmission of VOCs.  Ground-level ozone combined with particulate matter, heat and sunlight forms smog, be careful not to come in contact with to much smog.  It can cause some of the mentioned problems with your pregnancy and your child’s health.

  • Low birth weight
  • Infant mortality
  • Infants/children exposed may develop asthma
  • Study in 2013 found that women carrying a baby exposed to ground-level ozone had a higher probability of developing preeclampsia, characterized by hypertension that can affect mother and baby

how to properly size your air purifier

Secondhand tobacco smoke

Secondhand tobacco smoke from friends, family or your surroundings

  • Tobacco smoke is harmful to everyone’s health
  • Current smokers even before getting pregnant are encouraged to quit by physicians
  • Quitting smoking or not ever having smoked is not always enough to protect your baby

American Pregnancy Association states that secondhand smoke can cause miscarriage, low infantile weight, early delivery, learning or behavioral deficiencies or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

 

Common pollutants found inside the home and their effect on your child’s health

best air purifier for your home

Mold

Coughing, wheezing, skin, throat and eye irritation are all symptoms to look out for.  No examinations have linked mildew to an increased chance of problems during pregnancy.  However they can still cause medical and respiratory problems.  Checking for and preventing fungus is vital before, during and after pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and their baby

Pollen

May get into homes through open windows and doors, as well as getting onto clothing and into the house that way.  Breathing in high amounts of spores can increase the possibility of your baby developing asthma early in life

Dust

Dust is among the most common pollutants inside the home.  Dust is also known to cause allergic reactions in those susceptible.  Not to mention the constant sneezing and itchy eyes that are almost always associated with allergies.

Combustion Pollutants

Carbon monoxide and NO2 are released from appliances like gas stoves, fireplaces, space heaters and dryers.  According to a report published by Environmental Protection Agency, these everyday appliances can reduce the capacity of a mother’s blood to transport oxygen, thereby making it difficult for the fetus to receive enough. Epidemiological and animal toxicological research suggest that longer term inhalation of ambient CO, especially during the first trimester, may increase the possibility of premature birth, stunted growth during pregnancy, cardiac birth defects and hearing loss.
(Even minimal amounts of carbon monoxide can be dangerous).

VOCs

If you look close enough you can find VOCs present nearly everywhere from sterilization products to paint to cosmetics; worst problem is that they all are released as gases.  Types of VOCs are Formaldehyde, acetone, benzene, and ethylene glycol.  Just like similar contaminants before it VOCs are also linked to childhood asthma.

say goodbye to pet allergies

How to reduce your child’s health risk

Now that the dangers are clear, there are steps we can take to reduce exposure. Although completely reducing it isn’t realistic, these methods will go a long way in assuring us moms and our babies are healthy during pregnancy and after birth.

Watch the Local News and stay alert for any Air-Quality Warnings

Airnow.gov is a great website that gauges how much pollution there is where you’re at. That way determining whether it’s safe or not to go outside is simple and easy. In other words, when the toxic substances are lower and when they’re higher. This is excellent to use for children, because it’s easy to figure out when it’s safe to let your kids play outside and when to bring them back in.

When you exercise or walk, stay away from congested traffic areas.

Goes without saying, but particularly particulate matter and ground-level ozone, are higher around places like these and highways due to the presence of gases. Since you’re breathing more and much deeper when exercising, it also means you’re breathing in more of the not so good stuff. It’s best to find another location to exercise in. Hiking, for example, is a great way to exercise. Taking a walk in the park may be better for those that are trying to take it easy.

Avoid harmful synthetic ingredients

For anyone and everyone, it’s best to steer clear of synthetic ingredients like those found in paint fumes and household cleaning products, or make sure you’re airing out rooms when you do use them. In addition, use products with a minimal amount or no VOCs, and use alternative products like vinegar and baking soda instead of intense or strong ones like bleach. Personally I find that vinegar and baking soda do an excellent job at cleaning, and the best part is that it doesn’t stain. Just to really be on the safe side, have a family member or friend do the dirty work as a favor while you’re pregnant.

Use an Air Purifier

airmega-300-air-purifier-reviewThis is my personal favorite, because it can have a huge impact on the amount of toxins you’re exposed to. Plus it also just feels good knowing you’re in an environment that’s as clean and pure as possible, and keeping your family healthy at the same time. For buyer suggestions, head over to our homepage, we have purifiers that get rid of a variety of toxins, pollens, viruses, and mildew. Since I started to using one, the house has been less stuffy and it’s been easier to breathe.

Change filters

Pregnancy can make even the most cold blooded of us hot, then cold, then hot again. It’s good to change the filters on your conditioning and heating units, because dirt, dust, pet dander can get trapped and even mildew which can be released into the air.

Keep your home mold and dust free

I’m sure that by now everyone knows that these aren’t good for you, and can have a negative impact on your health. Make sure you’re checking for fungus, dusting regularly and keeping your home at the right humidity levels. At my house, I regularly go into the bathrooms and underneath sinks, since those are often places that get wet.  It’s also recommended to inspect walls that tend to leak, inside your fridge, and once again your air conditioner. For more information on how to inspect for mold and how to prevent it, then go to this article for more info.

Relax and Keep Your Stress Low

Last but not least, make sure you’re taking time out of your day to relax. I know it can be hard for most of us, but finding something that’s relaxing is important, especially when you’re pregnant. Researchers have found that it can make the impact of exposure worse according to Tracey Woodruff, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. When I am feeling overwhelmed by all of the business of the day, bubble baths never seem to fail me, snuggling up with a favorite book, or cuddling on the couch with my husband.

Conclusion

The best part is that these tips can lessen hay fever reactions to dust and pollen when you’re at home, which is really beneficial. Moreover, conditions like low weight during infancy, childhood allergies and asthma, and developmental problems are a parent’s worst nightmare. Thankfully, this knowledge is available, so that your family can be healthy and well taken care of.

Filed Under: Air Cleaning, health Tagged With: best air purifier for babies, best air purifier for pollutants, best air purifier for pregnancy, infant air purifier, keeping your baby healthy, pregnancy and air pollution, pregnancy and pollution

How to Keep Your Cat When You Have a Cat Allergy

March 23, 2016 By Madison McDuling

How to Keep Your Cat When You Have a Cat Allergy
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Why Are Some People Allergic to Cats?

It is a common misconception to think that being allergic to cats is all about the fur. In reality, cat hair has little to do with allergic reactions. It is a particular type of protein contained in feline saliva, urine or dander which is to blame. This protein is either called Fel d 1 or Fel d 4.

For my family, saying goodbye to our cat was impossible, so we got a special air purifier for pets. But I’ve learned over time that that should only be one of the measures taken to be able to keeping your cat.

How does the cat protein spread?

fel d 1 cats protein allergen

from: wikipedia

The problem begins when cats start to clean themselves which, of course, they learn to do from a very early age. As they clean, they spread their saliva all over their bodies. This also spreads the protein and then, when the cat moults, the potential irritant is distributed throughout the domestic environment.

For most people, allergies are a common problem, because it is usually the case that a person has a specific level of tolerance to all irritants. This means that becoming exposed to small volumes of a lot of different allergens will have the same impact as being exposed to a large volume of one allergen.

If this sounds a little complicated, imagine that the level of tolerance is measured by the size of a box. It can only contain a limited number of allergens. If any are added or taken away, tolerance for all the other allergens will be changed.

If you don’t have a cat yet: non allergenic cats

Fortunately, you can adopt specially bred hypoallergenic cats. They are not 100% free of allergens, but they are a good choice for families who struggle with allergic responses. This is definitely something I would have done if I had known my daughter was extremely allergic. But look at that face...

why I started this site....

And if you do not have the money for a special breed, make sure to have everyone in your family cuddle with a potential pet before buying. Trust me, it will save you a lot of headache!

The following breeds are known to be (almost) allergy free cats:

The Best Cats for Allergy Sufferers

Sphynx Cats

sphynx cat is one of the non allergenic cat breeds

The Sphynx breed has one very obvious advantage over other types of cat. It actually has no fur at all. The funny thing is that it does not create a lower amount of the irritating protein. However, because it is hairless, the protein is not able to make its way around the home and “stick” on furnishings.

It stays attached to the skin of the cat, which can be washed regularly to lower the risk of an allergic response. The Sphynx breed is a good choice for households with allergies because it is practical, easy to care for, and simple to maintain.

Russian Blue Cats

russian blue hyper is one of the allergenic cats

The Russian Blue is easily identified by its gorgeous blue and silver fur, which is very dense and soft. The breed is quite reserved, but it is very clever and usually very affectionate towards its owner. There is only a little bit of scientific evidence to prove that these animals are good for allergy sufferers, however, so bear this in mind when making a decision.

The Russian Blue is known to produce less of the Feld 1 protein, but it is clear exactly how much of a difference there is between this breed and others. It may also trap allergens within its dense, short, fluffy fur.

Siberian Cats

siberian cat is one of the allergy free cat

This breed generates a lower volume of that harmful protein, so it is a common choice for households which struggle with allergies. The Siberian is a fairly big cat, with medium length fur. It comes in a range of different tones and it is a notoriously skilled jumper.

The age old belief about Siberian cats is that they are more like dogs than felines. This breed has been known to wait patiently for its owners, at the front door, when they are due home from work. Some Siberians will also respond if you call their name.

Alternative Strategies for Dealing with Cat Allergies

The following techniques can be used to lower the risk of allergic responses to contact with domestic cats.

Use an Air Purifier for Pets

This can be quite a pricey thing to invest in, but it does make a huge difference. The HEPA filters are great at eliminating irritants in the air. They are not only effective for cat allergies, because they can also pick up things like pollen and dust mites. Air purifiers make the air inside a home healthier all round, so the chance of an allergic response is significantly lower.

If you do decide to purchase an air purifier, you need to think carefully about how much you want to pay, what kind of features you require, and which brands offer the most quality. Generally, it is worth paying a little more for a top quality product, because premium air purifiers are very effective.

When my daughter turned out to be allergic to our cat, we chose the Austin Air Pet Machine, and are still very happy with it! There are not that many in stock anymore, so you might want to research some newer, more advanced models (check out my reviews on air purifier for pets here).

Keep One ‘Safe’ Room

If you are having problems with a cat allergy and need a temporary solution, you can limit the areas in which your pet is allowed to play or sleep. For example, keep the bedrooms off limits to cats, so that this space, at least, offers a comfortable environment for sufferers.

They can spend time in this area during the day if they begin to feel stuffy and they are guaranteed a restful sleep in the evening. You must prevent pets (and particularly cats) from entering your ‘safe’ space. Vacuum often and dust regularly to eliminate irritants.

Install Wood Flooring

When it comes time to update your flooring, opt for hardwood or laminate, instead of carpet. Soft materials collect allergens and trap them between the fibres. This makes them much harder to keep clean and irritant free than non-porous surfaces.

Installing wood flooring can be a costly solution, but it might be worth swapping your carpets for wood or laminate in your ‘safe’ pet free rooms. You won’t have to put as much work into keeping them clean, because the dust and allergens will settle on the surface, rather than embed themselves in the material.

Wash Your Cat Regularly

While this might sound a little strange at first – after all, cats are usually left to wash themselves – it is the components in the saliva that are causing the problem. So, to reduce the amount of Feld 1 and Feld 4 present on the body of your cat, you need to gently wash it. If you do this carefully, no harm will come to your pet and the risk of an allergic reaction will be smaller.

However, it can be very tricky to get adult cats to cooperate with manual cleaning. If you want to use this technique, it is best to start with a kitten and familiarise it with the sensations at a very young age. That way, by the time it is fully grown, regular washing will be a normal and expected part of its life.

Here's a great video how to survive a cat wash :)​

Provide a Healthy Diet

If you have tried all of the strategies outlined above and your cat is still giving you nasty allergic reactions, it could be time to try a change of diet. You can actually buy special anti-inflammatory ingredients designed to help your furry friend eat better, stay stronger, and shed less fur throughout the year.

Try to make sure that your feline is getting a lot of essential fatty acids, because they are really effective at minimising dander loss. Or, alternatively, you can take bromelain supplements to help reduce the severity of reactions. Bromelain is a special enzyme that increases the compounds in your body that fight inflammation.

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tips for cat allergies

Conclusion

So, no worries if you or a family member are allergic to your cat. Just make a plan and make sure everyone sticks to it, and you will see a huge improvement in your cat allergy symptoms!

Filed Under: health

Welcome!

Madison

Hi, I’m Madison, thank you for visiting! I started using air purifiers over 10 years ago....and have become quite the expert (after many many costly mistakes).

I now help people breathe more freely and become healthier by guiding them to the right air purifier.

Improve your air, improve your life!

Madison

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The Best Air Purifiers for Removing Mold from your Home

The Best Air Purifiers for Removing Mold from your Home

Mold is a deadly fungus that tends to form in homes and the offices that you should be cautious of. Apart from destroying the walls by altering their usual colors, the fungi also cause various symptoms and diseases to human beings. Some of these problems include the seasonal allergic reactions, skin and nose irritation and […]

How to Properly Size your Air Purifier for your Room

When you are looking for an air purifier for your home, you probably already have a good idea of the specifications that you want.  However we want to make sure you know how to properly size your air purifier for your room it will be used in.  This can include the filtering capabilities that it […]

Floods and Mold: What Does it do to Your Home and Your Health

Floods and Mold: What Does it do to Your Home and Your Health

For many victims of natural disasters, the cleanup in the aftermath is a scene of thick mud, scattered debris, splintered wood, and mangled metal. Most often, however, there’s a dirty little secret with far less dramatic imagery, but perhaps even more dangerous, MOLD. If you’re dealing with soaked carpet, wet furniture, and damp drywall, odds […]

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