Why Thunderstorms May Trigger Asthma

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Rabbit Air

April showers bring May flowers, but they may also bring increased asthma attacks for those whose asthma is triggered by allergens. While rain can help your air quality by washing away pollutants that may be lingering in the air, a 2008 study by scientists at the University of Georgia and Emory University, found that emergency room visits for asthma attacks would rise in the days following a thunderstorm. They discovered that the wind and rain during a thunderstorm can break apart pollens into smaller pieces, making them easier to spread throughout the air and cause irritation to lung tissues. When winds pick up after a storm, they carry these tiny pollutants with them, and if sufferers are not prepared, then they may experience a sudden and surprising increase in their symptoms.

Managing triggers is one of the most important parts of a comprehensive asthma prevention plan, and research like this may help sufferers to better plan and prepare for the times when they need to exercise caution and keep inhalers or other medicines close. Keeping an eye on local pollen counts can also help sufferers by showing when pollens counts are highest, so that they can avoid going outdoors during peak times. While indoors, asthma sufferers can protect themselves from pollen and other irritating pollutants, by running an air purifier with a true HEPA filter, such as our MinusA2. By preparing for asthma triggers after a thunderstorm, sufferers can spend less time wheezing and more time splashing in puddles and enjoying the springtime showers.

How Heat Waves Hurt Air Quality

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Rabbit Air

While everyone loves a little summer sunshine, when temperatures keep rising dangerous conditions may occur. Heat waves are more than mere annoyances; they can increase the risk of health concerns from mild conditions such as heat rash to more serious problems such as strokes. Even when limiting one’s exposure to the sun and heat, heat waves can still create health risks in areas one might not expect. Air quality can worsen during a heat wave, to the point of becoming deadly in extreme circumstances. When the air is heated, chemicals compounds such as the fumes from our cars combine with the already present nitrogen oxide in the air to create thick layers of smog. The risk for this is particularly strong in urban areas, where there is already a greater concentration of chemical compounds in the air due to larger populations and more industry.

Smog is never healthy to breathe in, and during a heat wave when smog is found in higher concentrations it can cause lung tissue to become inflamed which over time can cause more serious complications. The increase in smog during a heat wave is especially dangerous for those who are suffering from respiratory illness, such as asthma, as it can increase or induce symptoms. During a heat wave, keep your lungs as healthy as possible by avoiding spending time outdoors in highly populated areas. While in your home, keep an air purifier running that can trap the harmful VOCs from smog, such as our MinusA2 with the Toxin Absorber Customized Filter. Stay cool, breathe clean air, and avoid direct sun exposure to stay as healthy as you can during a heat wave.

Celebrating 60 Years of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Rabbit Air

This year marks the 60^th anniversary of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), an important organization that works to raise awareness about asthma and allergies, and to help those that suffer from these illnesses. At the time of their founding, the AAFA was known as the “American Foundation for Allergic Diseases,” and its aim was to work with allergy specialists to promote research and search for more effective treatments. As the foundation grew, it expanded its interests to look at asthma as well, and started to focus not only on the health care providers, but the actual sufferers of allergies and asthma. Today, the foundation works closely with patients and providers, funding research and outreach programs dedicated to educating the public about asthma and allergies and to help sufferers get their symptoms under control.

Here are just a few of the great programs and resources that the AAFA offers:

1) Support groups for children, teen, and adult sufferers, as well as those who love and care for them. These support groups are a safe place to learn about how to manage these conditions and to share stories for emotional support.

2) Educational resources are also available on the AAFA’s website. These include posters, fact sheets, and continuing education resources for health care professionals, all designed to provide the best information about asthma, allergies, and treatment options.

3) For those who are seeking an online supportive community where they can connect with others who are dealing with asthma and allergies from all over the country, the AAFA offers an active online forum where members can ask questions, share stories, and trade tips and information.

4) For consumers who are looking to purchase products that have been proven to be more suitable for those with asthma and allergies, the AAFA’s Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification Program is a great resource. Rabbit Air is a proud member of this program, and we are very happy to be able to offer our MinusA2 Asthma and Allergy Friendly Edition air purifier.

Healthy Resolutions for the New Year

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Rabbit Air

The tradition of making a resolution for the New Year goes back a surprisingly long time; all the way to the Romans during the first century BC, in fact. At that time, the celebration revolved around the two headed god Janus, who had one head looking behind to the past year and the other, forward to the future. Roman citizens were encouraged to do the same and evaluate their past actions so that they could resolve to improve themselves in the coming year. Over the centuries, the tradition has gone in and out of popularity, and was changed many times along the way. While we no longer celebrate with Janus, the New Year’s Resolution is a popular practice that many like to make as they look forward to a bright new year.

Here are some ideas for a healthy New Year’s resolution!

1) If you wake up with a stuffy nose and find yourself sniffling every morning, this might be the year to make your bedroom allergy friendly. Every month, make one change to help you breathe better at night. This can be as easy as replacing cloth curtains with vertical blinds, using a hypo-allergenic cover for your mattress, or adding an air purifier.

2) Start doing random acts of cleaning throughout your home. Wash a dish every time you walk into the kitchen, or dust a different shelf during each commercial break of your favorite show. By making the tasks small and simple, you won’t get overwhelmed, and you can even help to relieve asthma and allergy symptoms by removing clutter and preventing a build-up of dust or mold.

3) If you spent a lot of time last year lounging on the couch, try adding a brisk walk to your weekly routine. You don’t have to do much to start reaping some of the benefits gained by regular walks, so don’t be afraid to start slowly. Easing into a new routine can make it easier to stick it out too; start at a pace that feels comfortable to you, and as your build up stamina, you can start walking faster or walking more days a week to get the most out of this healthy activity.

4) Whether you want to lose a few pounds or just want to strive for a healthier lifestyle, make it your New Year’s resolution to add some more “super foods” into your diet. These foods – like spinach, walnuts, honey, and salmon – contain powerful nutrients like anti-oxidants and vitamins that play an important part to keep you feeling great. Challenge yourself to eat one of these nutrient rich foods every day for a healthy and delicious new year!

Secondhand Smoke Facts and Statistics Infographic

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Rabbit Air

The Negative Health Effects of Secondhand Smoking

A “passive” smoker is someone who inhales the secondhand tobacco smoke generated by others. Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the residual smoke that comes from burning tobacco and the smoke exhaled by a smoker. Exposure to secondhand smoke is thought to be more harmful than smoking a cigarette directly for the same amount of time. The below infographic details statistics about the negative health effects of secondhand smoke.

You are welcome to use this infographic about secondhand smoke statistics on your own website, please link back to this page or www.rabbitair.com as the source.

All of Rabbit Air’s air purifiers are excellent for smoke removal, secondhand smoke, and the odor from smoke. Cigar Aficionado rated Rabbit Air a top air purifier for smokers, you can read the article on our site. Choosing the best smoke air purifier for your home is a matter of many factors including room size, filtration needs, unit cost, filter replacement cost, etc. Visit our website to learn more about the air purifier models we offer.

Secondhand and Environmental Tobacco Smoke Facts

Mainstream Smoke is the smoke in the air that is exhaled by a smoker.
Sidesteam Smoke is the smoke in the air from a lighted cigarette, pipe or cigar.
Secondhand Smoke (SHS) is a mixture of the 2 above forms of smoke that come from burning tobacco. This is also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).

SHS worsens asthma and asthma-related problems in up to 1,000,000 asthmatic children.

The immediate effects of SHS may include: headache, dizziness, eye irritation, cough, sore throat, nausea

Long term effects may include: stroke, asthma, dementia, cognitive impairment, lung cancer, breast cancer, cardiovascular problems

About 3,400 nonsmoking adults die of lung cancer each year as a result of breathing secondhand smoke.

SHS effects on children may include: allergies, olfactory diseases (nasal), circulatory problems, asthma, respiratory problems, behavioral problems, Crohn’s disease, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

An estimated 35,000-62,000 deaths occur annually from heart disease in people who are not current smokers, but who are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.

11% of children 6 years and under are exposed to ETS in their homes on a regular basis (4 or more days per week)

SHS contains thousands of toxic chemicals including: ammonia, butane, chromium, lead, carbon monoxide, cyanide, polonium, formaldehyde

Summer Air Quality

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Rabbit Air

New York Smog – Wikipedia

We all know that the hot summer sun can be bad for our skin, but did you know that the air quality during the summer months can pose a health risk as well? UV rays from the sun are stronger in the summer, causing more ozone to accumulate in the atmosphere and particularly in big cities, heat can cause outdoor air quality to worsen. The calm skies of summer can cause pollutants that have been released into the air to stagnate and hover in the skies, becoming thick layers of smog. This increase in pollution can be potentially harmful to those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, often contributing to symptoms or causing reactions.

Keep safe throughout the summer by checking air quality forecasts and planning your outings during the day when pollutants aren’t as concentrated in the air. If you usually exercise or perform strenuous activities outdoors, try something new and workout to a fun video or podcast at home. If you do decide to soak up the sun, try to steer clear of locations that are near freeways or other high-pollutant producing areas like big cities. If you relax indoors to beat the heat, use an air purifier to keep indoor air fresh and clean. Whatever you decide to do this summer, do it with clean air in mind inside your home and out.

Air Quality Statistics

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Rabbit Air

We all know that poor air quality is bad for you, but just how bad is it really? Some of these air quality statistics shown in the below infographic may shock you. For instance 186.1 million Americans live in 525 different counties that are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution (either ozone or particles in the air). 6 out of 10 people are exposed to short-term or long-term levels of pollution or ozone. Breathing ozone may trigger a variety of health conditions including: coughing, chest pain, congestion and throat irritation. Check out the infographic for more statistics.

Air Quality Statistics Infographic by RabbitAir

You are welcome to use this infographic about air quality on your own website, please link back to this page or www.rabbitair.com as the source.

The air quality statistics infographic above provides an alarming amount of information about the air many of us breath on a daily basis. We usually do not have direct control of the quality of our air outside, however we can control the quality indoors with an air purifier. Read more about indoor air quality.

Rabbit Air offers a certified asthma and allergy friendly air purifier that is based on our popular MinusA2 design. The asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program, administered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with the international research organization Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), is an independent program created to scientifically test and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.

May is Asthma Awareness Month

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Rabbit Air

May is National Asthma Awareness Month, an important time of year where government organizations and non-profit programs reach out to communities across America to provide education about this serious condition. It is estimated that as many as 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, a chronic illness that affects the airways of the lungs and can cause symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath. Though it is a genetic condition, asthma attacks are often caused by environmental triggers, such as dust, mold spores, or other forms of indoor and outdoor air pollutants. If you or someone you love suffers from asthma, learning more about the illness and what you can do to manage triggers is an important step for staying healthy, happy, and in control of your asthma.

For more information regarding asthma awareness, there are a number of great online resources that provide helpful tips and materials. The EPA provides free educational materials, from guides with asthma prevention tips to fun activity books for children. AirNow.gov is another useful resource that provides daily air quality forecasts and information about particle pollution. If you are considering using an air purifier to help tackle the air pollutants that can trigger asthma attacks, Rabbit Air offers the MinusA2 Asthma and Allergy Friendly Edition air purifier which is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This important organization is dedicated to helping people who suffer from asthma and allergies, and is another fantastic source of information through their educational resources advocacy programs. Check out their site to learn more about Asthma Awareness Month and see what you can do to take action.

Remove Mold Successfully with Your Air Purifier

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Rabbit Air

Did you know that you can remove mold successfully with your air purifier? Surprisingly, not everyone knows this important fact. Removing mold is critical, especially for those with asthma and allergies. But even if those living in your home do not have allergies or asthma you’ll still want to remove mold from the air with your air purifier. Mold can be quite troublesome, and in some cases, cause mild to more severe health problems.

Most of us know that mold grows under damp conditions. You can often see and smell mold as it grows, and it sure isn’t pretty! But there can also be mold spores in the air sometimes before it has appeared in your home, or even after you think you have removed it. These tiny spores can get into your lungs and cause irritations. For some, this means feeling like you have a cold or a sinus problem. If you have asthma it can aggravate your symptoms. For those with mold allergies it can cause mild to severe reactions, depending on the type of allergy you have. Even those without allergies or asthma often feel the effects of mold. They may sniff and sneeze, or feel like they are coming down with a cold. It is irritating and uncomfortable. No one wants their family and friends to feel this way, especially if it can be avoided. But what is the most important thing about mold? It loves to grow! So if you do not take care of the problem, it probably will continue to grow and spread, lingering in your home until it is removed.

Your air filter can help to purify the air, removing tiny mold spores. This can be a tremendous help, and soon you’ll start to feel more comfortable. Note that not every air purifier can remove and purify mold; you should check to make sure that your air purifier can do the job. Rabbit Air’s MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier has an optional Customized Filter called the Germ Defense that will effectively trap and reduce airborne mold spores and particles that can carry viruses.

Help your air purifier do the best job it can, and tackle your mold problem hands on. Once you’ve targeted the areas that have mold, place the air purifier next to the locations to stop the spread of mold spores. If you don’t see mold right away, take your time and search through each room patiently. Try especially to check rooms that have the potential to be damp and wet, like the laundry room and bathrooms. If you really can’t find the source of the mold, you may need to call a mold specialist to help solve the problem.

Your air purifier can clean the air and remove the tiny particles of mold from the air, but remember that if you do not remove the source of the mold, it will continue to grow and you will continue to have a mold problem. Worst of all, your symptoms may increase as time goes on if the source is not removed. No one wants their family and friends to suffer, so it is important to act quickly!

Mold most often is a problem that can be solved. With the help of your air purifier, your family and friends will be quite comfortable in no time!

What is Air Pollution?

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Rabbit Air

Anyone concerned about breathing better has probably thought about air pollution at some point. We know that it is unhealthy and we should take action to protect ourselves from it, but what exactly is air pollution and how does it affect our bodies? Air pollution refers to the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials into the atmosphere that can cause harm to living organisms or damage the environment. Here in the United States, densely populated areas tend to have the highest levels of air pollution. Every year the American Lung Association ranks the most polluted cities in America; you can view the 2011 rankings here.

While some forms of air pollution are not visible to the eye, smog is usually very noticeable. It is a mixture of smoke and fog commonly found in major metropolitan areas, and is notorious for turning the air an ugly color and obstructing views. A number of particulates can be found in smog, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, soot, ozone, dirt and dust. Most of us know that these nasty substances are produced by cars and gas stations, but smog can also be caused by the smoke from fires or as a byproduct of waste treatment and industrial facilities.

The effects of breathing in air pollution differ depending on the duration and concentration of exposure; this means that those living in highly populated areas are more at risk. Young children, the elderly, and those with illnesses are also affected more than others. The short term effects of breathing in air pollution can cause a host of unpleasant health issues. Nausea, headaches, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat are common reactions. Breathing in polluted air can also aggravate existing conditions such as allergies, asthma, or emphysema and can even cause respiratory infections. Air pollution is even more dangerous in the long term, and can cause or exacerbate serious conditions such as chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and damage vital organs.

Luckily, we can help protect ourselves from air pollution. Monitoring air pollution levels during the day is a good way to find out the best times to venture outside and when you should try to stay indoors. Making changes to help reduce pollution in your city benefits everyone, and can be as simple as switching from plastic shopping bags to reusable canvas ones. Of course, we at Rabbit Air know that if you want to protect yourself in your home or office, using an air purifier is a great way to keep the air clean and safe.

Visit the links below for more information on air pollution. If you have other facts or knowledge about air pollution that you want to share, please let us know by leaving a comment!

Sources:
Berkeley Lab: How Can Air Pollution Hurt My Health?
American Lung Association: Most Polluted Cities: State of the Air 2011.
EPA: Six Common Air Pollutants
World Health Organization: Air Pollution
National Geographic: Air Pollution
Environment 911: Major Causes of Air Pollution
Think Quest: Smog – Causes

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