If you don't suffer from asthma or allergies, it's likely that someone close to you does.

Twenty million Americans — one in every 15 — suffer from asthma (source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.)  And resulting allergic diseases affect as many as 40 to 50 million Americans.

While these statistics are staggering, they are not entirely surprising:  Consider that, according to studies by the EPA, "Air quality inside homes is a minimum five times worse than the air outside — and North Americas spend an average of 90% of their time indoors."  Poor air quality is a direct link to respiratory and other health-related issues.

How Poor Air Quality Is Affecting Our Health

Recent data shows a dramatic increase in allergies and asthma "up 700% in the past 15 years".

(source:  EPA, Indoor Air Quality Scientific Findings Resource Bank, 2009)

The list of triggers and related ailments is exhaustive:  Leaky faucets can cause mold growth; as the mold releases its tiny spores into the air, asthma episodes ensue in people who are allergic to mold.  Exposure to dust mites — tiny insects that are invisible to the naked eye, yet are present in all homes — can trigger asthma in young children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.  Coughing, wheezing, tightening of the chest — all of these are symptoms of allergic asthma.

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, a nationwide survey found that more than half (54.6%) of all U.S. Citizens tested positive to one or more allergens — and more than 50% of homes had at lease six detectable allergens present.

There are1,000 sub species of indoor allergens.  Carpets, clothing, curtains, bedding and other upholstered items are the main breeding ground. (source: EPA)  Allergic reactions can be triggered by dust miles, mold, animal dander, pollen, drugs and chemical sensitivities.  (source:  EPA)

What We Can Do

Experts agree that avoidance is always the best treatment for allergies.

And while there are many easy and effective cleaning methods that can significantly decrease allergens within the home, none of these complete eliminates the problems.

Achieving A Healthy Balance In the Home

Searching for healthy indoor air solutions, experts provide the following input: humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be effective yet, unless disinfected daily, there is a danger of molds growing in the collection chamber central air conditioning and heating systems can be used and outfitted with electrostatic filters that catch smaller particles than regular filters — the downside is ozone production caused by the filter that can aggravate asthma air purifiers and filters do not address the critical problems related to moisture and dampness, which lead to mold and mildew

E-Z Breathe is the ideal ventilation solution that rids the home of toxic air and replaces it with fresh, clean air up to 10 times each day.

"I was skeptical at first, but now it's been over six months and my boys are doing better than ever!  No allergies from the weather, no wheezing or coughing — just two small boys full of energy and life.  I'm thoroughly convinced that my boy's lungs are not irritated by floating particles that would normally cause them to become sick and I owe that clean air to my E-Z Breathe system!"  (M. Foster)

Questions?  Want to learn more?  Call us at 1-913-226-6326 or e-mail ezbreathe@rbekc.com