Healthy Homes and Buildings

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual Immunotherapy Allergy Drops By Daniel More, MD, About.com Guide Updated January 31, 2009 About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board .Ads:Allergy DropsAllergy ClinicAllergy or AllergiesAllergies ClinicAllergy ShotsAds Treat Eye Allergies www.Relieve-Allergies.com Get 24 Hour Relief from Red, Itchy, Watery Eyes. Learn More Today! Nightly Nasal Congestion? www.breatheright.com Wake Up Ready To Face A New Day! It's Your RIGHT To Breathe Right® Asthma Symptoms? www.Asthma-Control-Treatment.com Learn About A Treatment That May Help Control Your Symptoms Here. Ads Erectile Dysfunction Help ErectileDysfunction.MedicStop.com Combat Erectile Dysfunction. Firm Advice On Erectile Dysfunction 5 Signs You'll Get Cancer www.newsmax.com These 5 Signs Warn You That Cancer Is Starting Inside Your Body. Updated January 31, 2009 What is Sublingual Immunotherapy? Sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT, is a form of immunotherapy that involves putting drops of allergen extracts under the tongue. Many people refer to this process as “allergy drops,” and it is an alternative treatment for allergy shots. This form of immunotherapy has been used for years in Europe, and recently has had increased interest in the United States. However, it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. SLIT is usually delivered one of two ways: drops (or tablets) of allergen extract are placed under the tongue, then either swallowed or spat out. Most studies have looked at swallowing the extract, which seems to work better. Immunotherapy by the oral route (swallowed and not kept under the tongue for any period of time), causes too many gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and therefore is not used. Generally, SLIT is administered daily, or multiple times per week, over a period of years. Most patients are able to self-administer SLIT at home. Studies have looked at giving SLIT before a pollen season, during a pollen season, both, or year-round. It is not yet known what the best dosing regimen is for SLIT. How Does SLIT Work? The immune system of the gastrointestinal tract tends to "tolerate" foreign substances, meaning that it does not respond in an over-active way to swallowed material. This makes sense; otherwise the body would over-react to anything swallowed, including food. When SLIT is administered into the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system tolerates the allergen, instead of the over-reactivity of the immune system, as with allergic disease. This results in less allergy symptoms when the body is exposed to the allergy source, such as airborne pollen or pet dander. How Well Does SLIT Work? SLIT appears to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and, to a lesser degree, allergic asthma. While most studies on SLIT do show benefit in the treatment of allergic disease, the results are somewhat inconsistent, with up to one-third of studies showing no benefit over placebo treatment. What is the Safety of SLIT? Over the past 10 years, the safety of SLIT has been well documented. Serious and fatal reactions to SLIT have not been reported to date. Mild side effects, such as an itchy mouth, occur in the majority of people, and moderate side effects have been documented (1 in about every 12,000 doses), including: •lip, mouth and tongue irritation •eye itching, redness and swelling •nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea •sneezing, nasal itching and congestion •asthma symptoms •urticaria and angioedema Because of the safety of SLIT, people generally treat themselves at home, and are followed in the clinic at close intervals to monitor response to treatment. Who Could (or Should) Receive SLIT? People with documented allergic disease (allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and/or allergic asthma) by allergy testing may be considered for SLIT. Young children have been shown to tolerate and benefit from SLIT, as have older adults. Pregnant women, as is considered the general rule of thumb for allergy shots, can continue SLIT during pregnancy, but should not start the therapy while pregnant. People with severe asthma may need to be monitored more closely on SLIT, since asthma symptoms can worsen with SLIT. Most studies on SLIT have focused on people with one type of allergy, such as grass or dust mite allergy. People with multiple allergies, such as to molds, pollens, pet dander and dust mite may not be good candidates for SLIT, given the large volume of different allergen extracts that would need to be taken.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Radon

State lawmakers are considering a measure requiring schools to test for radon. But some districts fear that, while it's a good idea, it could be expensive. Radon is found naturally in Iowa soil, and creeps its way into buildings. At high levels, and with repeated exposure, radon can cause cancer. That's why state lawmakers may require schools be tested for radon gas. Whether it's radon testing or other measures, schools everywhere -- including Waverly -- want to keep students safe. But the big question is: What will it cost? Jere Vyverberg is on his way out, soon retiring as superintendent of the Waverly-Shell Rock School District. But he's still very concerned about the financial picture at the district next year, since legislators still haven't set school funding. "That's what we're waiting for," Vyverberg said. "Just how much allowable growth can we expect or can we hope for? ... One is for 2 percent and one is 4 percent -- but that 1 percent can make a whole whale of a difference, especially coming off the hard times and zero allowable growth we've been going through. So we really need to have a good handle on that." But before those budget decisions are made, the state legislature is voting on other school issues, including education reform and a bill that would require districts to test their buildings for radon. Vyverberg thinks radon testing could be a good thing. After all, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. "I can't argue with the validity of doing the testing," Vyverberg said. "Obviously it's something important if it has to do with safety." But in cash-strapped schools, the question is how to pay for testing -- and, if high radon levels are found, how to fund the pricey systems used to fix the problem. "I think anything we do for kids is excellent," Vyverberg said. The problem is that when we're coming into hard budget times, like we have right now -- especially with the uncertainty -- we don't know what we can spend money on." The school testing bill has been approved by the Iowa Senate. It now moves to the House for consideration, and will require the governor's signature before any schools are required to start testing for radon. U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley is also lobbying for a federal law requiring schools to test for radon. That bill would provide grants to help schools with high radon levels to install mitigation systems, which is a provision the state law does not currently include.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The best ever home cleaning tips!

Your home is your refuge-or is it? Dig a little deeper and you may be surprised at what you find. Here's what to do when you spring clean. BREATHE EASY Poor indoor air quality can trigger allergies, irritate your lungs-and even cause cancer. Here, four new ways of improving air quality. GO GREEN You know greenery is good for the air; now research reveals that some specific plant species that may rid your home of various toxins. One study found that weeping figs (ficus) efficiently remove formaldehyde gas-released from some carpets and curtains. Other studies have shown that purple ivies eliminate VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like those in paint fumes, Devil's ivy (money plant) removes ozone, a respiratory irritant present in auto emissions (so place where you park your car), and Gerbera reduces levels of benzene, a solvent used for dry cleaning. home cleaning DON'T FAKE IT Phthalates, a class of plasticising chemicals often used in synthetically fragranced products, fuel cancer growth in some of the most hardto-treat types of breast cancer, says a new study published in The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Nix artificially scented toxic air freshener sprays and perfumed candles. Opt for essential oils instead. And if pollen allergy is not a problem for the family, use fresh flowers like tuberose and rose for a natural aroma. UN-BAG YOUR DRY-CLEANING The dry-cleaner may have removed the stains from your fave dress, but he's left it covered in toxic chemicals like perchloroethylene or kerosene. These release VOCs linked with kidney and liver damage, nervous system problems-and even cancer. Do not put dry-cleaned clothes in your cupboard right away. Take the plastic bags off and let the clothes air out for a day or two, till the smell is gone CONSIDER SELF-CLEAN TILES home cleaning Imagine ceramics having a positive impact on indoor air quality. So claims the ISO-certified Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic tile company. The tile they manufacture contains titanium dioxide micrometric particles which help to break down pollutants under the action of light and oxygen. So nitrogen dioxide and VOCs are converted into innocuous compounds which improves the air quality of air you breathe. In fact the University of Milan study claims that 100 square metre of Active tiles reduce toxic nitrogen oxides like 30 trees (22 square metre of leafage) would. The chemical reaction also decomposes harmful bacteria like E. coli, staphylococcus aureus and klebsiella pneumonia. Titanium dioxide also stops dirt and dust from attaching itself to surfaces, making them easier to clean. Try Somany's Dirt Free "Green" tile that has the Active technology. Secure your home Do ensure basics like adequate lighting both in and around the house, resilient grills on widows (the kind that cannot be unscrewed), solid doors with hinges on the inside and quality locks. Trim hedges and shrubs so they can't be used as hideouts by intruders. The Crime Investigation Department, West Bengal, advises installing an alarm system especially if you are away from home for long hours. Find out about security solutions that suit your lifestyle from reputed brands like Godrej, Zicom and Eureka Forbes. Clean with a Conscience The chemicals you use to clean surfaces and clothes may be causing large-scale ecological damage. "Phenyl and popular washing detergents contain toxic chemicals that eventually find their way to water bodies-drains, streams, rivers, oceans- and kill everything they come in contact with, especially fish," says Goa-based Claude Alvares, director of The Organic Farming Association of India, and editor, Organic Farming Sourcebook. "Switch to EM (effective microorganisms) cleaners to scrub your floors, sinks and toilet bowls, as well as to launder your clothes. You could also use detergents without phosphates (Henko is one such brand) to wash your clothes, or traditional cleaning agents like soapnut," he adds. Contact Maple Orgtech India Limited (09051498600) for EM distributors in your city. Use Safer Paints Lead-based paint is the most significant source of lead exposure at home. Various studies by Toxics Link, Centre for Science and Environment and Quality Council of India have found that popular brands of household paints contain lead that is higher than the 1,000 ppm (parts per million) limit specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Why is that important? Because, lead is a dangerous metal that harms every organ in your body, causing the most damage to the brain and the nervous system. "It can affect everyone, but kids below 6 are most vulnerable, mainly because they have developing brains and nervous systems. It leads to lower intelligence, cognitive disabilities, hearing problems and behavioural disorders in them," says Ravi Agarwal, founder-director, Toxics Link, New Delhi. Switch to lead-free paints for your walls. Asian Paints, Nerolac and Dulux are some options. Leadbased paint is a hazard when it chips, peels or cracks. "So when you repaint, make sure that you keep the kids away when the wall is being scraped. Cover your mouth (ask the painter to cover his too), to avoid ingesting the paint dust. Carefully clean the floor, window sills and nooks and crannies, to ensure there's no paint dust left," says Agarwal. "Since paints and varnishes contain other VOCs and harmful chemicals, keep doors and windows open to allow circulation of air," he adds. Rethink Containers to Lose Weight Look around: is your kitchen making you fat? Big plates, wide glasses, transparent cookie jars could sabotage your weight-loss mission. Because most of us have a habit of filling our plates and finishing what's on them, using a smallerthan-dinner-plate size can help you eat less. Swap your old plates for portion plates if you are on a weight-loss mission. Else, 10-inch diameter dinner plates are a good option. Similarly, rethink your glasses. People serve themselves more cola and juice when they pour it out in short, wide glasses than tall, slim ones, according to recent research. "That's because we focus on the height of beverages when pouring a potion. Switch to skinny glasses for sweet drinks and fill wider ones with water and other calorie-free quenchers," says Mumbaibased nutritionist Naini Setalvad. Also, just looking at tempting foods makes people feel hungrier. Plus, it triggers the release of feel-good chemical dopamine that may intensify a particular craving. Use opaque containers to store tempting snacks (cookies, matthi, bhujia) and stash them in an inconvenient spot to make them difficult to reach. Sleep Better Than Ever Your bed may be harbouring dirty little secrets. Dust mites, dander and pollen that thrive on pillows and mattresses not only worsen allergy and asthma symptoms but also aggravate skin conditions like eczema, says a study from the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Stay safe by using fresh sheets and pillow covers every alternate day. Wash dirty ones in hot water and dry in the sun," says New Delhibased Dr Narendra Saini, the India representative, Global Hygiene Council. And for extra protection, invest in mattress and pillow protectors. These water-proof encasements create a barrier to prevent dust and germs from sinking into mattresses, pillows and quilts. Try the ones from Protect-a-Bed and Hush Sleep Studio.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Recall of Lot of Black Licorice containing lead

Please see the attached product recall issued by FDA. The product (Lot A3057 of Lucky Country Aussie Style Soft Gourmet Black Licorice with Natural Ingredients) is manufactured by Lucky Country Inc. of Lincolnton, NC. The recalled products were sold in Costco and Smart & Final stores located in California, Arizona, and Utah. The aforementioned Lot contained lead levels as high as 0.18 parts per million which could provide up to 7.2 micrograms of lead per serving. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Lucky Country Aussie Style Soft Gourmet Black Licorice with Natural Ingredients is packaged in a 1.5lb (680g) gusset bag with zipper. The package is red, white and black in color. Please see the recall notice for specific information for consumers and contact information for the company. You may also contact the CT Department of Public Health Lead Poisoning Prevention & Control Program at 860-509-7299.

Lead in Spices

The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Lead and Healthy Homes Program (LHHP) would like to make you aware of an investigation recently conducted by a local health department (LHD) in collaboration with the LHHP, and the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). During the LHD’s investigation of a childhood lead poisoning case, no environmental lead hazards were found at the child’s home. However, spices were identified as a potential source of lead exposure, and the LHD collected and analyzed a common Indian spice known as Asafoetida. Lab results indicated the sample of Asafoetida taken from the child’s home contained 31.2 ppm of lead. The brand name of the Asofoetida was LG, manufactured by Laljee Godhoo & Co., Mumbai, India. The LHD in collaboration with the DCP and LHHP, collected six samples of Asafoetida powder which included one sample from the lead poisoned child’s home, three samples from the store where the child’s family purchased the spice, and two from an Asian grocer in a neighboring town. In summary, two different brands and lot numbers of Asafoetida were tested. The sample results ranged from 0.072ppm - 31.2 ppm. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees the safety of food products imported into the U.S. does not have specific guidelines for screening lead in dried products like spices. As a result, the FDA has not set a recommended maximum lead limit for spices or developed regulations to remove lead contaminated products from retail sale. However, it’s common knowledge that there is no safe level of lead in food. As such, if you are conducting an epidemiological investigation as the result of a childhood lead poisoning case and there are no common environmental lead hazard sources found on the property, you should consider imported spices, home remedies, medicines/supplements, Ayurvedic products, and cosmetics as other potential sources of lead exposure. Samples of these products should be collected and submitted to a laboratory for analysis. We advise LHDs to work with the LHHP and the DCP to remove food that is suspected or confirmed as contaminated from retail sales on a case-by-case basis. A director of health may utilize Connecticut General Statutes sections 19a- 206 and 19a-101 for this purpose. If you have any additional questions regarding ethnic remedies and other sources of lead exposure, please contact your regional lead case manager. Laboratory analysis questions can be directed to the DPH laboratory.

Friday, March 15, 2013

What are the Health Effects of Fiberglass?

The main sources of fiberglass particles in indoor environments includes, but are not limited to, ceiling tiles, debris from renovation projects, or degradation of HVAC system liners. Washington 3/12/2013 04:18 PM GMT (TransWorldNews) Pure Air Control Services, Inc. Recent Submissions What are the Health Effects of Fiberglass? Staphylococcus aureus Poses Threat for Indoor Environments Mold, Taxes and Death – What is the Commonality? Fiberglass is a type of fiber primarily composed of glass that is used in a wide variety of applications, and is predominantly used as a residential and commercial thermal insulator. As an insulator, it maintains a resistance to the spread of heat (known as the R-Value), cold and sound in structures, vehicles, aircraft, etc. By trapping pockets of air, it keeps areas warm in the winter and cools in the summer and thereby serves as a excellent way to increase energy conservation all the while maintaining comfort. Glass has been woven into small amounts of coarse fibers for many centuries, even by the ancient Egyptians, but fiberglass did not exist in its modern (insulation) form until 1932 as a result of an accident. An Owens-Illinois researcher named Dale Kleist was attempting to create a vacuum-tight seal between two glass blocks when a jet of high-pressure air turned a stream of molten glass into fine fibers. He had unintentionally discovered an effective method to produce large amounts of fiberglass particles, a method that he would refine in later years. In the United States, the first commercial production of fiberglass was started by Illinois Glass Company and the Corning glass work in 1939. The main sources of fiberglass particles in indoor environments includes, but are not limited to, ceiling tiles, debris from renovation projects, or degradation of HVAC system liners. These particles are very important from health and hygiene point of view. OSHA regulates fiberglass particles as a nuisance dust since 1991. Health implications from these particles may vary depending on the fiber size and type of exposure. Skin/eye irritation, rashes, soreness in nose and throat, asthma like symptoms, upset stomach etc. are some common symptoms due to contact, inhalation and ingestion of relatively larger fiberglass fiber although the smaller fragments (less than 0.5 micron) are capable of reaching the lower part of the lungs increasing the chance of adverse health effects. Health effects from exposure to fiberglass can be different depending on the fiber size and type of exposure. Larger fibers have been found to cause skin, eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. There are other possible health effects: •A rash can appear when the fibers become embedded in the outer layer of the skin. No long-term health effects should occur from touching fiberglass. •Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass. •Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass. •Temporary stomach irritation may occur if fibers are swallowed. Little information is known about the health effects caused by small fibers. Smaller fibers have the ability to reach the lower part of the lungs increasing the chance of adverse health effects. People who work with fiberglass or who have worn-out duct work lined with fiberglass in their homes or workplace may have long-term exposure to fiberglass. There is no evidence that fiberglass causes cancer in people. Animal studies have shown an increased risk of cancer when fiberglass fibers were implanted in the lung tissue of rats, but these studies are controversial because of how the fibers were implanted. Under a microscope, fiberglass appears as a smooth-walled, colorless or slightly pigmented surrounding, entire margin, elongated tube-like structure with varying size ranges, 1 to > 1000 microns. Ideally, there should not be any air or surface-borne fiberglass fibers in indoor environments. An independent study performed by EDLab at Pure Air Control Services Inc., utilizing over 10,000 indoor air samples, reveals that 99% of the air and surface samples collected were deemed negative for the presence of fiberglass fiber. Samples deemed positive for these particles indicated that the concentration of fiberglass fiber is greater in surface samples (up to 176 cts/cm2) in comparison to air samples (66 cts/m3). Additionally, this independent study suggests the concentration of fiberglass fiber in the air should be less than 5 cts/m3 and 4 cts/cm2 in surface samples.