News / Health & Wellness
Fungal Cells in Synthetic Bedding Can Exacerbate Asthma and Allergy Symptoms
Asthma affects 7% of the population and 300 million worldwide. During attacks (exacerbations), the smooth muscle cells in the bronchi constrict, and the airways become inflamed and swollen
Washington, DC -- According to a recent study by researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington confirms that synthetic bedding has much higher levels of fungi related beta glucan than feather bedding. This is the first study of its type in New Zealand and backs up similar evidence regarding synthetic bedding and fungi done overseas. The problem of allergens in the home is not just limited to bedding. Allergens from cockroaches, rodents, pet dander, pollen and additional sources of mold are also commonly found. All of these allergens can trigger asthmatic attacks and allergies and according to some reports.
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lungs in which the airways are reversibly narrowed. Asthma affects 7% of the population and 300 million worldwide. During attacks (exacerbations), the smooth muscle cells in the bronchi constrict, and the airways become inflamed and swollen. Breathing becomes difficult, and asthma causes 4,000 deaths a year in the U.S. Attacks can be prevented by avoiding triggering factors and by drug treatment.
Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab), a leading allergen testing laboratory (accredited by AIHA), has extensive experience analyzing samples for known allergens. “Indoor environmental screening of the home or work environment is important for individuals with allergies, chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, emphysema, asthma, atopic dermatitis, immune deficiencies, etc.
“In keeping with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) 1997 recommendations, it is desirable to identify and remove common allergens and modify the home or office to reduce the level of ubiquitous (common) allergens”, stated Dr. Rajiv Sahay, EDLab Lab Director. “Before one can remove allergens and/or pollutants effectively, it is essential to understand if they exist and in what quantity”, Sahay added.
A great way to identify ubiquitous allergens is with the IAQ Screen Check. The IAQ Screen Check DIY product allows for the identification of molds, pollens, insect biodetritus, fiberglass fibers, duct mite, etc… The products can be purchased at www.indoorairtest.com/or one of the many fine on-line dealers and/or distributors across the US.
Contact Cy Garner, product manager at 1-800-422-7873 ext 404 for more information on the inexpensive and easy to use DIY IAQ Screen Checks.
About EDLab/ Pure Air Control Services:
Alan Wozniak founded Pure Air Control Services, Inc. in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm. Today, the firm sets the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis and remediation.
Pure Air Control Services nationally performed IAQ services include: Building Sciences Evaluation; Building Health Check; an AIHA accredited Environmental Microbiology Laboratory; Environmental Project Management; and HVAC System Cleaning/Mold Remediation Services, among other indoor environmental services.
The company’s expanding client roster includes the FAA, Walt Disney World, Target, General Services Administration (GSA); Allstate Insurance; CBRE, Carrier Air Conditioning; NAVFAC, DOT, USACE, US Army, and many other Fortune 500 companies, school boards, and city, state, and county governments, making Pure Air Control Services the reliable industry leader.
For more information on Pure Air Control Services, Inc. please contact Alan Wozniak or Cy Garner at (800) 422-7873 ext 802 or 804 respectively, or visit www.pureaircontrols.com.
