Masks
Starting in spring each year, you might notice a mention of the "air quality index" on the local news. Typically during the spring months, this index is influenced by the level of pollen in the air, but as spring dials up the heat into summer, the index tends to focus on ground level ozone. For people dealing with allergies, asthma or more severe respiratory conditions, the air quality index (AQI) can be a quick and useful way to help manage your outdoor activities for the day. But what does the index measure and how does it actually help?The AQI is a chart, ranging from 0-500 that measures major pollutants and particles in the air, including ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Measured and reported by the EPA, the AQI provides a guide that can help those with respiratory problems better manage their daily outdoor activities. With six categories, the scale ranges from Good to Hazardous. The first two categories, Good and Moderate,
do not cause problems for most people, but for sensitive groups, like those with asthma, COPD, emphysema, heart or lung disease, the next two categories can begin to cause problems. If the air quality falls into the last two categories, Very Unhealthy and Hazardous, you should consider staying indoors as much as possible or consulting a local real estate agent.While the AQI can give you clues as to when it will be best to be outdoors, this measure will vary greatly depending on your location. And though it is often the case that poor air quality tends to center around metro areas (since there is typically more industry, more cars, and higher levels of pollution in general), things like topography and geography can play major roles in how and where air pollution concentrates. Mountain ranges, hills, and valleys can act as walls and funnels for air pollution, allowing it to move, collect and settle in places that you would expect to have much better air quality. Geographical features like these can also effect the duration of poor air quality, causing it to stick around and not allowing it to dissipate as quickly. This is one reason why air quality is so poor in Beijing. Images from this city sometimes show a literal fog of pollution hanging over the city, and while air quality there is generally worse than any location in the U.S., the same types of geographic features that trap air pollution around Beijing can also be found throughout the U.S.
During the warmer months, air quality tends to worsen. Heat changes simple air pollution, so while the same levels of exhaust and carbon dioxide during the winter months may register as Moderate, during the summer they may appear as Unhealthy on the AQI. Add summer heat to industrial and exhaust and you have the recipe for ground level ozone - a powerful lung irritant that can aggravate asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions.
So what does this all mean? Poor summer air quality isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so the AQI can be a handy tool to help you schedule your daily tasks with as little impact as possible. Morning tends to be the best time to get your outdoor tasks finished, and some things should simply be put off until rain, wind or decreasing temperatures improve the AQI score. Masks with activated carbon can also be helpful if you must spend time outdoors when the air quality if poor. This type of mixed filtration media mask not only targets particulate but also help to traps chemical pollutants like smoke and chemical pollutants from vehicles. Remember your meds. For a variety of reasons, people will often short dose themselves or simply skip medications that can help. Avoid this on days where the air quality is bad and you have to spend time outside. If you must spend time outdoors, take frequent breaks and get inside to cooler temperatures. Finally, drink plenty of water. Heat exacerbates many conditions, and during the summer, heat exhaustion and dehydration unnecessarily cause and worsen problems for many.
Indoors, you can keep help to improve air quality by using a HEPA air purifier which can remove not only particulate but chemicals, odors and help to keep dust levels down. Replacing your HVAC filter regularly is always a good idea. This filter is often your first line of defense in removing air pollutants in your home. Lastly, when the air quality is poor outside, keep the doors and windows closed (though most do anyway when using AC).
For more information on the EPA's Air Quality Index or to check the air quality near you.
Author: Kevin Gilmore
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With Spring finally here, the many months of keeping up with my yard begins. From pressure washing away red clay and pollen to mowing and trimming, lawn care is one of those outdoor tasks that can really aggravate those with allergies or asthma. Pollen levels are up but so is the grass, so aside from hiring someone to take care of your lawn (or napalming it), what can you do about allergies? There is one simple item that can help regardless of the season - a mask.
Since I'm not allergic to pollen, I personally don't wear a mask for this reason, though during the dry summers, I do wear one to eliminate dust. Masks remain one of the most effective ways to block tree, weed and grass pollen without having to change your regular lawncare routine. N95 masks are the most common type available. Inexpensive paper masks like this are an easy way to block reaction causing allergens. Most N95 masks are disposable, so after a use or two, you simple replace it.
The N95 rating is a NIOSH classification that means any mask with this rating traps 95% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. While this certainly isn't HEPA, it works well in many situations. With this type of filtration, it will block most of your pollens as well as dust and other particulate in the air. If you try one of these masks but find that the filtration isn't quite doing the job, you can step up to a P100 or N100 rated mask/respirator instead.
NIOSH 100 rated masks meet HEPA standards, trapping 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. This type of filter represents the gold standard when it comes to particle filtration in masks. Some of these masks are disposable while others have replaceable filters, but both types will provide the extra protection against allergens for those who need it.
Aside from keeping up with your lawn, masks also work well for simple gardening. We all like the look of a well put together flower bed or the taste of a fresh tomato from a plant in the backyard (I know I do!) but planting this time of year presents the same problems as cutting the grass for the first time. With gardening, you often don't stir up pollen like you do when mowing, but this can often involve digging around in decaying or moldy vegetation or leaves. Again, an N95 mask can often be your best bet, but if allergies aren't as severe you may be able to go with something like a Silk or Vogmask. The filtration level on these is a bit lower than N95 but both can help to reduce exposure to particles that can cause allergies or asthma to flare. Plus, these types of masks are a little easier on the eyes, fold up to fit neatly in your pocket, and are generally a bit more comfortable.
Regardless of whether your mowing, gardening or simply cleaning up after your dog, masks an easy and convenient way to block particles while helping to keep you enjoying the outdoors longer.
Author: Kevin G.
Since I'm not allergic to pollen, I personally don't wear a mask for this reason, though during the dry summers, I do wear one to eliminate dust. Masks remain one of the most effective ways to block tree, weed and grass pollen without having to change your regular lawncare routine. N95 masks are the most common type available. Inexpensive paper masks like this are an easy way to block reaction causing allergens. Most N95 masks are disposable, so after a use or two, you simple replace it.
The N95 rating is a NIOSH classification that means any mask with this rating traps 95% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. While this certainly isn't HEPA, it works well in many situations. With this type of filtration, it will block most of your pollens as well as dust and other particulate in the air. If you try one of these masks but find that the filtration isn't quite doing the job, you can step up to a P100 or N100 rated mask/respirator instead.
NIOSH 100 rated masks meet HEPA standards, trapping 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. This type of filter represents the gold standard when it comes to particle filtration in masks. Some of these masks are disposable while others have replaceable filters, but both types will provide the extra protection against allergens for those who need it.
Aside from keeping up with your lawn, masks also work well for simple gardening. We all like the look of a well put together flower bed or the taste of a fresh tomato from a plant in the backyard (I know I do!) but planting this time of year presents the same problems as cutting the grass for the first time. With gardening, you often don't stir up pollen like you do when mowing, but this can often involve digging around in decaying or moldy vegetation or leaves. Again, an N95 mask can often be your best bet, but if allergies aren't as severe you may be able to go with something like a Silk or Vogmask. The filtration level on these is a bit lower than N95 but both can help to reduce exposure to particles that can cause allergies or asthma to flare. Plus, these types of masks are a little easier on the eyes, fold up to fit neatly in your pocket, and are generally a bit more comfortable.
Regardless of whether your mowing, gardening or simply cleaning up after your dog, masks an easy and convenient way to block particles while helping to keep you enjoying the outdoors longer.
Author: Kevin G.
As the cleanup in the aftermath of Sandy continues, please try to keep in mind a few things. While it did take a little time, the problems of cleaning up after a flood did start to make their way into news stories. This is important because while the immediate effects of flooding can be severe, problems related to water damage and cleanup can persist for days, weeks and even months. The other caveat to keep in mind is that while the the Sandy story may fade from prominence in the news, recovery efforts will go on for months.
As we've discussed several times before, cleaning up after a flood can present some unique health risks. From mold and bacteria to waterborne viruses spread by the mixing of flood and waste water, floods leave a dangerous mess in their wake. So while the waters may recede the threat to health and safety can perist . It is for these reasons, that for us, it made sense to donate several different types of masks. They block everything from mold spores to odors, and are an important piece of safety equipment when cleaning up after any flood.
The outpouring of support for any natural disaster is often overwhelming at first. The way the American public responds to their neighbors in need is something that can truly be the envy of the world. As media focus shifts to the latest news of the day, sustaining that support often tends to become more difficult. However, just because you're not seeing 24/7 news coverage of the storms effects doesn't mean all is well.
So as we sit down to prepare to give thanks next week, take a moment and reflect on ways you might be able to help. If you choose to give, there are a variety of reputable, large, national charities as well as local charities that collecting and organizing supplies, money and manpower. From donating socks, volunteering, or just chipping in $2 to a relief oriented charity, every piece, large and small, helps.
American Red Cross
AmeriCare
As we've discussed several times before, cleaning up after a flood can present some unique health risks. From mold and bacteria to waterborne viruses spread by the mixing of flood and waste water, floods leave a dangerous mess in their wake. So while the waters may recede the threat to health and safety can perist . It is for these reasons, that for us, it made sense to donate several different types of masks. They block everything from mold spores to odors, and are an important piece of safety equipment when cleaning up after any flood.
The outpouring of support for any natural disaster is often overwhelming at first. The way the American public responds to their neighbors in need is something that can truly be the envy of the world. As media focus shifts to the latest news of the day, sustaining that support often tends to become more difficult. However, just because you're not seeing 24/7 news coverage of the storms effects doesn't mean all is well.
So as we sit down to prepare to give thanks next week, take a moment and reflect on ways you might be able to help. If you choose to give, there are a variety of reputable, large, national charities as well as local charities that collecting and organizing supplies, money and manpower. From donating socks, volunteering, or just chipping in $2 to a relief oriented charity, every piece, large and small, helps.
American Red Cross
AmeriCare
With most of the country firmly in fall's grip, and a large portion of the northeast dealing with a simply awful storm, I hope everyone stays warm, dry and safe. With that being said here's an update on some news and notes here at Achoo.
The response to the changes we've made to our organic cotton allergy covers has been tremendous. We recently switched our sourcing of our organic cotton to a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This has created two big advantages for you. First, we've cut the production time way day, and while you still may get a notice that one of our organic cotton covers is on backorder, 99% ship that same day. Secondly, we've also significantly lowered the price, by as much as 50% on some products.
Not only is keeping up with this demand keeping our seamstresses busy, but with winter quickly approaching they are also very busy fulfilling a large blanket contract for our men and women in the Marine Corp.
On another bedding related note, we realize that our allergy duvet covers are very popular amongst a large portion of allergy and asthma sufferers. It is often an overlooked source of dust mites, but a common complaint we hear about the covers is that they are plain (in color) and lack clips (to keep the comforter in place inside of them). While the clip issues and color is difficult to change without the use of chemical dyes or great expense, we've decided to take a different approach to this. Keep an eye out for a new AchooAllergy brand comforter. Here's a hint, you won't need a separate duvet allergy cover for it.
As the temperatures dip, we always see a big push for our cold weather mask. While most masks retain some heat, this mask has fleece to help create a pocket of warmth around your nose and mouth. As the cold enters, it is warmed and moistened before you breathe it in. This helps those who want to continue outdoor activities and exercise throughout the year but who may suffer from cold weather induced asthma. In addition to the standard black cold weather mask, we've now added navy. So you now have a choice in terms of color of your cold weather mask.
Lastly, we've been looking through and testing a variety of mattresses, so look for these to possibly make a reappearance on the site in the near future. Keep those effected by Soupy Sandy in your thoughts and have a safe and fun Halloween tomorrow evening!
Author: Kevin Gilmore
The response to the changes we've made to our organic cotton allergy covers has been tremendous. We recently switched our sourcing of our organic cotton to a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This has created two big advantages for you. First, we've cut the production time way day, and while you still may get a notice that one of our organic cotton covers is on backorder, 99% ship that same day. Secondly, we've also significantly lowered the price, by as much as 50% on some products.Not only is keeping up with this demand keeping our seamstresses busy, but with winter quickly approaching they are also very busy fulfilling a large blanket contract for our men and women in the Marine Corp.
On another bedding related note, we realize that our allergy duvet covers are very popular amongst a large portion of allergy and asthma sufferers. It is often an overlooked source of dust mites, but a common complaint we hear about the covers is that they are plain (in color) and lack clips (to keep the comforter in place inside of them). While the clip issues and color is difficult to change without the use of chemical dyes or great expense, we've decided to take a different approach to this. Keep an eye out for a new AchooAllergy brand comforter. Here's a hint, you won't need a separate duvet allergy cover for it.
As the temperatures dip, we always see a big push for our cold weather mask. While most masks retain some heat, this mask has fleece to help create a pocket of warmth around your nose and mouth. As the cold enters, it is warmed and moistened before you breathe it in. This helps those who want to continue outdoor activities and exercise throughout the year but who may suffer from cold weather induced asthma. In addition to the standard black cold weather mask, we've now added navy. So you now have a choice in terms of color of your cold weather mask.Lastly, we've been looking through and testing a variety of mattresses, so look for these to possibly make a reappearance on the site in the near future. Keep those effected by Soupy Sandy in your thoughts and have a safe and fun Halloween tomorrow evening!
Author: Kevin Gilmore
So maybe the title is a bit deceptive since there will be no mention of the famous movie by the same title that starred Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis, except for this one. What I am referring to, however, is the intense heat that is EZ-Baking the middle of the US and slowly marching east. From Denver to DC, Atlanta to Chicago, temperatures surpassing the century mark have set records in over a dozen cities this week. While a lot of us really enjoy the sun and being outdoors, +100° temps are a time when some caution should be used. Here's just a quick list of things to keep in mind while you worry about if you used enough deodorant today.
Author: Kevin Gilmore
- Avoid the Heat, Avoid Ozone - Record temperatures are almost synonymous with ground level ozone and air quality warnings. A look at the national map reveals a lot of code orange dots scattered throughout the eastern part of the country. Heat mixes with emissions to create a stew of pollutants that can adversely effect everyone but specifically the elderly, children and anyone suffering from a heart condition or respiratory issue. This means asthmatics and those with
COPD, among others, should take precautions to limit to their time outdoors to early mornings when ozone is at its lowest levels. If you must go out, use a mask that features carbon or charcoal in the filter. - Sunscreen + Water = Win! - If you are going to enjoy the sunshine, make sure to use a little sunscreen and drink plenty of water. With almost no chance of rain, not a cloud to be found and temperatures so high, it's important to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Vanicream offers a healthier sunscreen is healthier alternative to traditional sun blockers that can be laden with harmful chemicals and fragrance. Water is very important in replacing what you lose through perspiring and preventing dehydration. It's a great way to avoid looking like a sun-dried raisin!
- Put Off Yard Work - Much to the chagrin of your significant other, you officially have a legitimate reason for putting this off. If there is work to be done in the yard, aim to complete it by 9-11am, at the latest. Depending on local conditions, there may be no dew on the ground even earlier than this, but typically dew "burns off" by the midmorning hours. You can either wait a few days until the extreme temperatures subside or use the early hours to get your outdoor chores completed (and earn brownie points for not putting it off!).
- Take a Break - If you are outside for very long or doing physical activity, take a break! Find some shade, a cool drink and give you body some time to recover. Extreme sun and heat saps your strength, so short periods of rest can help recharge your batteries. And don't forget about eating. When the temperatures are warm and I am outside, I can be guilty of this. Heavier foods are not going to be helpful, light snacks and fruit provide the energy you need to keep going.
- Don't Forget the Pets - Have outdoors pets? Bring them inside. If they're anything like my dog, after a hot day at work, he loves to just flop on the cool tile in our downstairs and soak up the cool. At the very least, keep an eye on outdoor pets and ensure they have plenty of fresh water and shade. Alone inside a parked car with the windows cracked? Unless you have the vehicle running, and your AC cranked, it's like a blast furnace in your car or truck. In this case, it is actually better if they are outdoors, or best still, leave them home.
- Take a Moment for Tomatoes - If you have a garden or just a few tomato plants and landscaping like I do, the heat can wilt and damage them in fairly short order. Vulnerable, potted plants should be moved to areas where exposure to sunlight is less than normal. Water them in the early hours or after the sun has gone down to reduce the amount that is lost by evaporation. Some plants, even when not exposed to direct sunlight, will wilt simply due to the extremely high temperatures.
- Your Excuse To.... - On a lighter note, use the heat as an excuse to stay indoors in the air conditioning. If this means spending time with the family or visiting/checking on an elderly relative, perfect! If it just means you staying inside and catching a movie you've been wanting to see, that's fine too!
Author: Kevin Gilmore
Just as an update on a couple recent posts....
First, look for the addition of the Vogmasks to our mask line up. We're a couple weeks away, but this will also include a product review by Achoo staffers. We had been leaning towards giving these masks a trial run, and the positive feedback to this post just gave that effort a little more momentum. The feedback is very appreciated! Besides, that's why we're here - to provide the products you want!
Second, the pollen count yesterday in Atlanta was 8164, and that smashed the old record... until this morning. The current count from this morning is 9369, and judging by the amount of sniffling sneezers, it's not going unnoticed.
The margin of difference between the last week's record and the new one, as it relates to Mr. Chestnut? 106. I think your record is safe for now Joey.
First, look for the addition of the Vogmasks to our mask line up. We're a couple weeks away, but this will also include a product review by Achoo staffers. We had been leaning towards giving these masks a trial run, and the positive feedback to this post just gave that effort a little more momentum. The feedback is very appreciated! Besides, that's why we're here - to provide the products you want!Second, the pollen count yesterday in Atlanta was 8164, and that smashed the old record... until this morning. The current count from this morning is 9369, and judging by the amount of sniffling sneezers, it's not going unnoticed.
The margin of difference between the last week's record and the new one, as it relates to Mr. Chestnut? 106. I think your record is safe for now Joey.
Over a year ago, we implemented a FAQ function on our site, and since then, we've answered thousands of questions. Some of these questions you'll see posted on product pages, and others you won't see due to the personal nature of the inquiry. Being the person who answers a majority of these questions, I can safely say that at least half of all FAQ's are about masks and air filtration.
While I would suggest that the majority of the people who visit our site have a good understanding of the link between personal health and air pollution, there continues ongoing studies to determine the exact nature of this relationship. And though there are a variety of factors that can influence this type of study, for the last 20 years researchers have been trying to find a more definitive link between pollution and tangible health consequences - like heart attacks and strokes.
Two recent studies found in the Archives of Internal Medicine seem to support this theory and make direct links between elevated levels of air pollution and health problems. French scientists showed that short term exposure city pollutants (carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, etc.), increased the immediate risk of heart attack. This built upon an earlier study that had shown when air pollution levels in the Boston area went from "good" to "moderate," there was 34% risk of having a stroke.
Things like memory and the ability to plan and carry out tasks decline naturally with age, but air pollution may speed the decline. In the second study, researchers tested almost 20,000 women for nearly a decade and found that cognitive abilities in this decreased more rapidly for those who had more exposure to air pollutants from city/urban environments.
For the allergy, asthma and MCS sufferers who visit this site daily, the link between poor air quality and quality of life is a bit of "old hat." For those sufferering from particle allergens, the choice in masks has been a HEPA respirator while for chemical pollution, emissions and odors, a mask with activated carbon or charcoal is the best fit. Research will continue, and until large scale changes begin to seriously curb pollutants in our air and water, wearing masks and filtering pollutants remain easy steps to improve your health and quality of life.
For more information on these studies, check out this NY Times article.
While I would suggest that the majority of the people who visit our site have a good understanding of the link between personal health and air pollution, there continues ongoing studies to determine the exact nature of this relationship. And though there are a variety of factors that can influence this type of study, for the last 20 years researchers have been trying to find a more definitive link between pollution and tangible health consequences - like heart attacks and strokes.
Two recent studies found in the Archives of Internal Medicine seem to support this theory and make direct links between elevated levels of air pollution and health problems. French scientists showed that short term exposure city pollutants (carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, etc.), increased the immediate risk of heart attack. This built upon an earlier study that had shown when air pollution levels in the Boston area went from "good" to "moderate," there was 34% risk of having a stroke.Things like memory and the ability to plan and carry out tasks decline naturally with age, but air pollution may speed the decline. In the second study, researchers tested almost 20,000 women for nearly a decade and found that cognitive abilities in this decreased more rapidly for those who had more exposure to air pollutants from city/urban environments.
For the allergy, asthma and MCS sufferers who visit this site daily, the link between poor air quality and quality of life is a bit of "old hat." For those sufferering from particle allergens, the choice in masks has been a HEPA respirator while for chemical pollution, emissions and odors, a mask with activated carbon or charcoal is the best fit. Research will continue, and until large scale changes begin to seriously curb pollutants in our air and water, wearing masks and filtering pollutants remain easy steps to improve your health and quality of life.
For more information on these studies, check out this NY Times article.
With winter fully upon us, the flu season is in full swing. From children to the elderly, the flu is keeping millions of people away from school, out of work and in the house. Worse for specific groups, the flu is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually in the U.S. While the flu virus itself is found in multiple variations and mutations, two of the easiest ways to avoid it are two of the most simple things you can do each day.
First, wash your hands. Unfortunately for most people, hand washing is something that happens only a few times per day. However, if there is one thing that is true about all variations of the flu virus, it is that the flu virus is resilient. Washing your hands may not kill it, but it removes the virus and other germs you encounter every day from door knobs, water fountain spigots, desks and other surfaces we commonly touch.
Secondly, wear a mask. Look specifically for something that is at least N95 rated. This is the minimum recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) to protect against the influenza virus.
Masks come in a variety of styles and sizes with different filtration options, but something as simple as a basic N95 mask can put a barrier between you and illness. While there is still some stigma associated with wearing a mask in public, this in minor when compared to some of the virulent strains of the flu that are out there. You only need read the second paragraph of this CNN article to highlight this point.
Additionally, for the elderly, the very young and for those who are at risk of flu complications, it is recommended to get an annual flu shot. While this does not guarantee you will not contract the flu, it does reduce your risk. To find your nearest location to obtain a flu vaccination visit the Flu.gov website.
By taking a few simple steps and making minor changes to your hygiene regimen, you can do yourself a big favor and increase your chances of keeping the flu away during the holiday season.
First, wash your hands. Unfortunately for most people, hand washing is something that happens only a few times per day. However, if there is one thing that is true about all variations of the flu virus, it is that the flu virus is resilient. Washing your hands may not kill it, but it removes the virus and other germs you encounter every day from door knobs, water fountain spigots, desks and other surfaces we commonly touch.
Secondly, wear a mask. Look specifically for something that is at least N95 rated. This is the minimum recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) to protect against the influenza virus.
Masks come in a variety of styles and sizes with different filtration options, but something as simple as a basic N95 mask can put a barrier between you and illness. While there is still some stigma associated with wearing a mask in public, this in minor when compared to some of the virulent strains of the flu that are out there. You only need read the second paragraph of this CNN article to highlight this point.
Additionally, for the elderly, the very young and for those who are at risk of flu complications, it is recommended to get an annual flu shot. While this does not guarantee you will not contract the flu, it does reduce your risk. To find your nearest location to obtain a flu vaccination visit the Flu.gov website.
By taking a few simple steps and making minor changes to your hygiene regimen, you can do yourself a big favor and increase your chances of keeping the flu away during the holiday season.
