Archive for June, 2009

Indoor Allergens: The Monsters in Your Carpet

By Carl Conners

Allergies can come in a broad array of categories from food allergies to medication allergies as well as insect stings to even jewelry. Perhaps the most common allergies are reactions to dust, mold, pollen, and animal dander. These are also among the most difficult to control as they permeate so much of our environment. After all, we have to breathe, don’t we? But when these allergens are trapped inside a house or business, their effect can be intensified. Even people who are not overtly prone to allergies can have their immune systems compromised by a myriad of microscopic irritants.

Molds

Molds belong to a large family of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments. Mold grows in three primary families; Zygomycota, Deuteromycota and Ascomycota. Although some molds cause disease or food spoilage, others are useful for their role in biodegradation or in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics and enzymes.

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when mold spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Some molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death. Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful.

Pollen

Pollen is a fine to coarse powder consisting of microgametophytes (pollen grains), which produce the male gametes (sperm cells) of seed plants. A hard coat covering the pollen grain protects the sperm cells during the process of their movement between the stamens of the flower to the pistil of the next flower.

Allergy to pollen is called hay fever. Generally pollens that cause allergies are those of anemophilous plants (pollen is dispersed by air currents.) Such plants produce large quantities of lightweight pollen (because wind dispersal is random and the likelihood of one pollen grain landing on another flower is small) which can be carried for great distances and are easily inhaled, bringing it into contact with the sensitive nasal passages.

Dust Mites

The house dust mite (sometimes referred to by allergists as HDM), is a cosmopolitan guest in human habitation. Dust mites feed on organic detritus such as flakes of shed human skin. They flourish in the stable environment of dwellings. House dust mites are a common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide. Some of the gut enzymes (notably proteases) produced by the house mite persist in their fecal matter, and can be strongly allergenic.

Allergens produced by house dust mites are among the most common triggers of asthma. A safety and tolerability clinical trial has been completed with positive results by Cytos Biotechnology using an immunotherapeutic for treatment of house dust mite-triggered allergies.

Some main signs of house dust mite allergies are itchiness, sneezing, inflamed or infected eczema, watering eyes, runny nose, hay fever, and clogging in the lungs.

Allergy and asthma sufferers are also often advised to avoid feather pillows due to the presumed increased presence of the house dust mite allergen (Der p I). The reverse, however, is true. A 1996 study from the British Medical Journal has shown that polyester fibre pillows contained more than 8 times the total weight of Der p I and 3.57 times more micrograms of Der p I per gram of fine dust than feather pillows.

Animal Dander

People that are allergic to animals are often allergic to the dander (dead skin that is continually shed), the saliva, or the urine. Because dogs and cats are the most common pets, they top the list of animals that people are the most allergic to. However, people can also be allergic to birds, hamsters, rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, and the larger animals such as horses, goats, and cows. In addition, there may be certain animals within a given species that they are more allergic to than others. This appears particularly true with cats. Cat and Dog hair and dander can settle deep within the carpet piles and be almost impossible to get out. Animal hair compounds the problem, as it’s buildup can form a barrier that locks in other allergens such as dust and pollen.

Dust

Dust is a general name for minute solid particles with diameters less than 20 thou (500 micrometers). Particles in the atmosphere arise from various sources such as soil dust lifted up by wind, volcanic eruptions, and pollution. Dust in homes, offices, and other human environments consists of human skin cells, plant pollen, human and animal hairs, textile fibers, paper fibers, minerals from outdoor soil, and many other materials which may be found in the local environment.

There’s a very simple solution to dealing with all these nasty carpet critters. Vacuum your rugs and carpet as often as possible. A professional carpet cleaning service may be an even better solution. When compared to a consumer vacuum cleaner, professional services have more powerful vacuums that work in conjunction with steam cleaning systems to penetrate much deeper into the rug pile. Pro services often use a multi-step process to root out the particulates and achieve a much deeper clean.

It may be an unsettling thought to realize that your carpet and furniture might be attracting microscopic trouble for you and your family, but easy prevention measures will boost your health, quality of life, and even your property value.

At its most basic level, an allergic reaction occurs when a given allergen comes into contact with the body’s mast cells and basophils. If surrounding T and B white blood cells have been sensitized to this particular allergen, the mast and basophil cells will release histamine and other inflammatory chemical mediators (cytokines, interleukins, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins) into the surrounding tissue, causing several systemic effects, such as vasodilation, mucous secretion, nerve stimulation and smooth muscle contraction. This results in rhinorrhea, itchiness, dyspnea, and anaphylaxis. Depending on the individual, allergen, and mode of introduction, the symptoms can be system-wide (as in life threatening classical anaphylaxis), or localized to particular body systems. For example, asthma is localized to the respiratory system and eczema is localized to the dermis.

Carpets function as natural “sponges”, absorbing all of the above pathogens and providing an ideal shelter for them to collect and flourish. As such, they are notoriously difficult to keep clean. Try and vacuum carpets as often as possible. Better yet, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service . Professional services are markedly more effective than consumer vacuums, as they tend to use highly pressurized steam cleaning techniques, combined with very high pressure vacuuming to rid the carpet pile of built up particulates and residue.

Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or down and dirty carpet buildup, taking a few simple, preventative measures can make the world of difference, and boost your quality of life for pennies on the dollar.

About the Author: This article was written by Carl Conners. Carl has done extensive research on carpet related health problems and recommends On Time Carpet Cleaning New York as his favorite cleaner in the Tri-State area. Be sure to check out On Time Carpet Cleaning NY for afforable and thorough onsite carpet cleaning for your home or business. Let OnTimeCarpet.com pay you big dividends in your health and quality of life.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=379650&ca=Home+Management

Tips on Preventing Intruders

By Michiel Van Kets

It is normal to be anxious and concerned for our loved ones, especially if they are home alone and we are far away on business and can’t be there to protect them if anything should happen. This is why it is so important to ensure your home is secure and safe by employing techniques that will deter intruders, and provide protection with efficient and reliable home alarm systems.

There are various preventive tactics you can incorporate yourself to prevent burglars from entering your house. Some practical advice that can help keep your home safe is to never attach your name and address to the house keys, if you lose them a would-be intruder will know exactly where to go. Also don’t leave your house keys in your car, if it is broken into it won’t take them long to find out where you live. Gone are the days when you could hide the door keys under the welcome mat and if someone calls the house always confirm their identity before giving out any personal information and never let it slip that you will be away on holiday or for a few days on business.

If you have to leave the house empty for a period of time then you don’t want to broadcast the fact, opportunists are always looking for an opening. Ask a friend or neighbor to pick up any packages that might be left in view or check on the property for you at various times. Set up an automatic timer for your lights so they come on in different rooms at random times, giving the impression someone is at home. Some areas will have a neighborhood watch scheme, this is an organized group of individuals who live in your street or local area and arrange street patrols to try and prevent vandalism and crime, including checking the property of those away on holiday.

In quiet residential areas more burglaries are likely to take place during the daytime as daily routines see people going off to work and shopping. Park your car in the garage when you are at home, if you leave it in the driveway it can be seen clearly by a burglar and they will learn that when it is not there neither are you. A garage door left open with expensive tools on display is practically asking someone to come in and take them.

Monitored home alarm systems generally come into play after an intruder has made the decision to break-in, so they are either in the process or even already inside the house. Taking some of the preventative measures mentioned could stop a burglar in his tracks well before this happens.

You should take time to educate yourself and your family how to take care of your home against possible intruders. When leaving the premises have a routine that is followed by everyone to confirm the house is well and truly locked up. This should include checking all doors and windows are locked and your alarm system is activated.

Home alarm systems are not expensive, as with everything you get what you pay for. They can even save you money, many home insurance companies offer a discount if you have an alarm system installed.

Research your options as there is a large range of alarm systems at various prices available. If you decide to go with a home monitoring system then be aware that you will possibly be paying a monthly fee for the 24 hour coverage and security supplied by the company. When you outweigh these costs against your family’s safety they will seem very reasonable.

Home alarm systems can provide a fast, reliable response time during a burglary, fire or medical emergency at an inexpensive cost. Compare residential alarm system services online to help you with your security needs and compare a few residential alarm system services before making any final decision.

About the Author: Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Safeguard Home Security, a company offering home security systems setup and alarm monitoring. For advice on security systems Houston and alarm monitoring Houston, please visit the website.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=379496&ca=Home+Management

Techniques to Protect Your Home

By Michiel Van Kets

Monitored home alarm systems can offer the ultimate level of protection for your home, don’t wait until you actually experience a break-in or fire before considering your need for a home alarm system.

Most common security risks are simply a lack of knowledge or not realizing the results a few simple tactics can produce.

When choosing options on how to protect your home you should take a walk around the perimeter and gardens of your property in order to identify any problem areas. These could include a dark passageway, a broken gate latch or windows that are not secured.

A burglar will want to avoid any lighted areas and noise, floodlights triggered by motion and the sound of home alarm systems will definitely discourage them from hanging around.

Checking the property out, consider the level of security on your windows and doors and if they could be easily pried open for instance. Cut back bushes or trees near to your house where an intruder could hide if necessary, and think about how, although a high fence around might give you a sense of privacy and security, it can also present an intruder with the privacy they require too. Outside lights are always a deterrent as no intruder will try and break into a house if a bright light is shining on them. Take time to look at every aspect and how you can make your home a safer place to be.

Your aim is to make things difficult for any potential intruder. There are various simple techniques you can employ that will protect your home and don’t have to be expensive or unattractive. Outside doors should be made from a strong enough material to withstand considerable force, such as metal or solid hardwood, and be over an inch thick. Door frames should also be constructed from similarly sturdy material. There is no point in having a strong lock if the door frame is rotten or made from a weak wood.

Once this is done, take another look at your house from the street or public area and take note of what you can see. You may realize that your expensive family silver can be seen clearly from the road, an open invitation to any passing criminals casing the area.

For further protection at home it is always advisable to have a peephole fitted in the main door so you can identify the person before opening up, or even a camera placed in the porch area. If you have a patio in the back of your house they can often cause a security risk as the doors are relatively simple to open for a burglar. Invest in a deadbolt lock and key locks for windows. For windows at street level, think about iron grates or grilles, there are some attractive models available.

Making the decision of what you need to secure your home will depend on your budget and your own preferences. There should be a community police officer available in your local area that will come and advice you on security measures available. You can also compare residential alarm system services online for an idea on services included and prices.

About the Author: Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Safeguard Home Security, a company offering home security systems setup and alarm monitoring. For advice on security systems Houston and alarm monitoring Houston, please visit the website.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=379405&ca=Home+Management