dust Archives - Amazing Health Advances

How House Dust is Secretly Sabotaging Your Health and Waistline

The AHA! Team — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 08:30:52 +0000

Rebecca Jacobs via NaturalHealth365 – Strange as it seems, being an indifferent housekeeper could be right up there on the list of risk factors that promote health problems and obesity. Recent studies suggest that endocrine-disrupting chemicals lurking in ordinary household dust may disturb metabolic health and trigger the accumulation of body fat, especially in children. Read on to discover the truth about how chemical residues in household dust can contribute to weight gain and serious health problems. House dust attracts, holds, and redistributes contaminants “House dust” is composed of a blend of shed skin cells, hair, bacteria, dust mites, and a sprinkling of dead insects’ body parts. This environmental mix also includes particles of pollen and soil, fibers from clothing, and microscopic specks of plastic and dye. As unwholesome as this mixture is, the real danger of house dust may be its content of pollutants and carcinogenic compounds, all of which can function as endocrine disruptors. No matter how vigorously one cleans, dust can become entrenched in carpets and accumulate in crevices, leading over the years to a harmful buildup – even in the tidiest of homes. Even more troubling is that dust in place for many years can hold residues of banned substances, such as DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Warning: Household debris contains dangerous phthalates from flame retardants and plasticizers According to an article in Chemical and Engineering News, phthalates are the most common harmful contaminants found in dust, with DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) – a phthalate plasticizer found in plastic food containers, cosmetics, and vinyl flooring – topping the list. According to recent studies, DEHP can disrupt hormone function and reduce sperm motility in men. Dust is also a major source of human exposure to PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ether. Found in flame retardants and fabric protectants, PBDEs are known endocrine disruptors. Although PBDEs have been banned, they still exist in the environment – and in household dust. And now, for a shocking fact: According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit environmental agency, the concentrations in house dust of some phthalates and flame retardants actually exceed soil-screening health risk thresholds set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Toxic compounds in dust can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested through the mouth – as can occur when eating with dusty hands. Exposure to household contaminants can trigger weight gain In a study conducted by researchers at Duke University and published in Environmental Science and Technology, precursor fat cells – or adipocytes – were exposed to household dust containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The result? The team found that extracts from seven of the eleven house dust samples caused precursor adipocytes to mature and accumulate more fat – while nine of the samples caused the cells to proliferate and increase in number. The team found that the flame retardant TBPDP (2,4,6-Tribromophenyl-2,3-dibromopropyl ether), the plasticizer DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate), and the pesticide pyraclostrobin had the greatest effects on fat accumulation. Lead author Dr. Heather Stapleton remarked that the findings raised concerns for human health, especially because the dust’s fat-producing tendency occurred at concentrations below the EPA-estimated child exposure levels. Disturbingly, as little as 3 micrograms of dust triggered fat-producing effects – well below the 50 milligrams of house dust that children could be consuming daily. Certain pollutants are linked to leukemia, researchers say Some compounds found in dust, including PBDEs, PCBs, and PAHs – or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – are suspected leukemia risk factors. According to the Environmental Working Group, PBDEs, in particular, have been linked in animal studies to thyroid hormone disruption, learning and memory impairment, hearing deficits, decreased sperm count, and even cancer. Todd P. Whitehead, an environmental scientist at the University of California, studied dust in California homes as part of his work with the California Childhood Leukemia Study. The research showed that homes of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, tended to have higher levels of PAHs, PBDEs, and PCBs. Whitehead called the findings the “strongest type of evidence” to suggest that these compounds are risk factors for childhood leukemia. In addition, Professor Marsha Wills-Karp of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reports accumulating evidence that exposure to contaminants in dust might lead to diseases such as obesity, asthma, and autism. How can I reduce the exposure to unwanted pollution in my home? Natural health experts recommend frequent hand washing and using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air filter to reduce exposure to and ingestion of dust. Avoid using feather dusters, which only redistribute dust, and clean with a damp rag. Whenever possible or practical, opt for wood or tile floors over carpets. Experts report that normal vacuuming only removes about 10 percent of entrapped dust from carpets. Other actions you can take include changing bedding once a week, removing all clutter from floors, and storing closet contents in garment bags or boxes. Finally, you may want to consider opening up the window (as often as possible) and using a good quality air purifier, at least in the bedroom. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ACS.org ACS.org Express.co.uk EWG.org To read the original article click here.

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Want to Alleviate Allergy Symptoms Immediately? 3 Effective Strategies

AHA Publisher — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:06 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If you suffer from allergies, it can be difficult to find relief. They seemingly affect many people year-round. From pollen to dust to molds, it’s tough to get away from allergens and alleviate allergy symptoms. However, there are steps you can take to improve the situation. Here are why allergens often affect us, and the 3 best natural ways to alleviate allergy symptoms. Allergies: Numbers and Methods Allergies are common. In fact, according to the CDC, more than 50 million Americans now suffer from allergies each year (1). At their core, allergic reactions are inflammatory responses and may occur most often in those who have greater inflammatory reactions in general. In fact, studies show that those with seasonal allergic reactions and asthmatic allergies have higher underlying inflammation even when they are not showing symptoms (2). These results have led experts to believe that reducing the underlying inflammation may improve asthmatic and allergic conditions. Here are 3 strategies to help you alleviate allergic reactions! 3 Natural Strategies to Alleviate Symptoms 1. SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH THE RIGHT NUTRIENTS First and foremost, you can support your body with the right nutrients when fighting seasonal allergy symptoms. Four to consider are: OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS Start by consuming nutrients that reduce inflammatory reactions. Omega-3s from fish oil are the best source available. You can take a potent omega-3 supplement daily or consume fatty fish regularly. Of course, if you are “aspirin-sensitive” or on blood thinners, always talk to your doctor before starting or increasing fish oil. PROBIOTICS While it may seem odd that your gut has anything to do with sneezing and post-nasal drip, probiotics have been shown to help those with seasonal allergies. In fact, one study of 173 people who suffer from seasonal allergies found that taking a daily probiotic with lactobacillus strains significantly improved their “quality of life” scores from baseline to peak pollen compared to a placebo group (3). It is hypothesized that probiotics help to increase the percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs) thereby improving allergen tolerance. ZINC, VITAMIN C, AND VITAMIN D AND MORE There are also vitamins and minerals that bolster immune response. Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Multivitamin and Organic Divine® Health Green Supremefood® contain balanced amounts of important nutrients for the immune system and immune response. These include organic greens, probiotics, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and more. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR While not exactly a “nutrient,” apple cider vinegar works against allergies in 2 ways: First, scientists have found that the bacteria in raw vinegar can actually improve immune factors and protect from an allergic reaction (4). Next, apple cider vinegar is a natural decongestant, and it causes your sinuses to drain when you drink it. While the relief is temporary, it is effective and reduces the risk of clogged sinuses becoming infected. How should you take it? ALWAYS dilute apple cider vinegar. Taken straight, it can damage your esophagus. Mix 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 4 oz. water, 1/2 tsp ginger, ½ tsp cinnamon, and stevia to taste. Take 2-3 times per day during allergy season. 2. OPTIMIZE YOUR DIET TO REDUCE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES In addition to consuming anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting nutrients, it’s vital to vastly reduce pro-inflammatory foods and fats in your diet. How? ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS First, identify and remove ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods are the commercial, processed foods that contain a lot of processed fats and sugars. These foods and the carbohydrates and fats in them promote inflammation, weight gain, abnormal blood glucose, elevated blood pressure, and more in the body. If you want a healthy body and immune system, start by reducing any ultra-processed foods in your diet, if needed. PROCESSED OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS Second, remove as many potent, processed sources of omega-6 fats as possible. Processed omega-6s act as an antagonist to omega-3s in the body, and work to increase inflammatory factors and reactions. How can you remove them? The best way is to look at every single item you buy with an ingredient label, and avoid all products with soybean oil. Then, take it a step further and avoid all those with high omega-6s. The full list and steps can be found here. 3. CLEAN UP YOUR ENVIRONMENT TO REDUCE ALLERGENS Whether you’re inside or out, allergens come from your environment. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your allergen contact while still enjoying the health benefits of the great outdoors. LEAVE YOUR SHOES OUTSIDE Shoes have a way of trapping pollen on them and then depositing it all over your floor surfaces if worn inside. Instead, remove them at the door and leave them outside. KEEP YOUR FLOORS AND COUNTERS AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE Dust mites cause many allergy symptoms. You can decrease dust mites in your home. Dust regularly, vacuum, and use a HEPA filter. Wash floors and surfaces regularly. These tasks can help reduce dust mites and thereby seasonal allergies and symptoms. KEEP WINDOWS AND DOORS CLOSED Especially if you live in an area with high pollen counts, keep windows and doors closed. Pollen blows around most in the Spring, and typically in the early hours of the day. Keep windows and doors closed to avoid pollens blowing inside. Instead, use an air conditioner if you feel too warm. Make sure to change the old filters as they will most likely be full of dust, pollen, and mold. Installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter will also help to remove allergens from the interiors. TAKE SHOWERS OFTEN AND CHANGE CLOTHES AFTER BEING OUTSIDE Clothes and hair are pollen magnets, so take them off and rinse as soon as possible! Instead of dragging the pollen inside and sitting it in, shower and change. REMOVE POLLEN BEFORE YOU LIE DOWN Consider showering before bed, changing pillowcases daily, and sheets regularly. If you go to bed with pollen in your hair, it can stay on your pillowcase for days. Then, you’re essentially sleeping in pollen! Keep these soft surfaces as clear of pollen as possible to get a good night sleep and wake up feeling better rather than worse. KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN The environment of your nose is also an important consideration. If you can get the allergens out that are trapped inside your nose, you can alleviate allergies. To do so, try all-natural nasal sprays and/or a neti-pot flush. At most stores and pharmacies, you can find nasal sprays with simple ingredients like baking soda, salt, and purified water. These sprays flush out your nasal passages. When used a few times per day they can ease allergy symptoms, especially if you begin using it proactively before strong symptoms begin. BOTTOM LINE Allergies are a reality for many, many adults. However, you can use our strategies to gain relief immediately. Alleviate allergy symptoms with healthy nutrients, a “clean” anti-inflammatory diet, and an improved personal environment. Then, let us know how these tips helped you! To read the original article click here.

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Israeli Air Purifiers Fight Covid in 400 UK, Irish Buses

AHA Publisher — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 08:00:18 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Four hundred touring coaches, repurposed to transport essential workers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, have been outfitted with air filtration and disinfection devices from Israeli startup Aura Air. The device has a pre-filter to catch large particles of dust, pollen, insects and animal hair. A patented three-layer HEPA filter catches particles as small as 0.3 microns, absorbs volatile organic compounds and bad odors, and neutralizes viruses, bacteria, fungi and mold. It also includes an ultraviolet LED-based component, the Sterionizer, which generates positive and negative ions to purify and freshen air. The system’s sensors and algorithms constantly monitor and analyze particles in the air as well as temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide. Passengers can view results via an app, and alerts are sent to the driver if any levels go above a certain threshold indicating a possible hazard. In pilots of the technology at a hotel and other locations in the United States, and at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, Aura Air neutralized various viruses, including the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, at a rate of 99.9%. Aura Air devices are sold to corporate customers such as schools, train stations and offices in Israel, Europe, the United States and the Far East, as well as to individual customers through the company’s website. Aura Air was founded by brothers Aviad and Eldar Shnaiderman and and has 14 employees. The devices are manufactured in Israel in collaboration with Beit El Industries. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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