August 21st, 2010
Particulate Matter (also known as Particulate Pollution)
EPA is measuring two sizes of particulate matter, also called particle pollution: fine particles (PM2.5), which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter; and coarse particles (PM10), which are smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter.
EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) tracks levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone along the Gulf. These data are available publicly daily http://www.airnow.gov/ and http://gulfcoast.airnowtech.org/.
In addition to monitors used to provide data for EPA’s AQI, EPA’s emergency response teams also put up monitoring stations that monitor specifically for larger particulate matter (PM-10).
It is not uncommon to see elevated levels of PM or ozone along the coast at this time of year from other man-made sources (factories, power plants, cars, etc.). Therefore, you may see elevated levels of PM along the Gulf — in the moderate range, for example — but those levels are not elevated because of the presence of the oil. The only time that the BP Gulf spill might affect levels of PM along the coast is when the oil is being burned.
Air Toxics
The EPA is also monitoring the air for a set of pollutants known as air toxics. Several air toxics are present in crude oil.
These air toxics can pose health concerns if people are continuously exposed to them – either to high levels for a short period of time, such as an hour – or lower levels for a longer period of time – from a couple of weeks to a year or more.
Tests for particle pollution and educates about effective measures to improve indoor air quality. Check out our IQAir Filters, for VOC and pollutant removal.
Tags: Air Experts, AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN, Airborne Particles, EPA
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August 14th, 2010
EPA has observed odor-causing pollutants associated with oil on the shore in the gulf region at low levels. Some of these chemicals may cause short-lived effects like headache, eye, nose and throat irritation, or nausea. Some people may be able to smell several of these chemicals at levels well below those that would cause short-term health problems.
Air monitoring station near Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, Louisiana.
EPA is also conducting additional air monitoring for ozone and airborne particulate matter. The air monitoring conducted through August 9 has found levels of ozone and particulates ranging from the “good” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels on EPA’s Air Quality Index.
Following the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico on April 22, 2010, EPA has provided full support to the U.S. Coast Guard and is monitoring and responding to potential public health and environmental concerns. EPA continues to closely coordinate with other federal, state and local agencies as well.
Environmental data, including air quality and water samples, will be posted and frequently updated on this site as it is collected and validated by EPA’s response teams along the impacted coastlines. This data is meant to determine potential risks to public health and the environment.
We work on campaigns to educate about effective measures to improve indoor air quality. Check out our IQAir Filters, for VOC and pollutant removal.
Tags: Air Experts, Air pollutants, EPA, Gulf BP, Oil Spill
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August 12th, 2010
The Clean Air Act was last amended in 1990
The Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency /EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (40 CFR part 50) for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. The Clean Air Act established two types of national air quality standards.
Primary standards set limits to protect public health, including the health of “sensitive” populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare, including protection against decreased visibility, damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.
The legal authority for federal programs regarding air pollution control is based on the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (1990 CAAA). These are the latest in a series of amendments made to the Clean Air Act (CAA). This legislation modified and extended federal legal authority provided by the earlier Clean Air Acts of 1963 and 1970.
The Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 was the first federal legislation involving air pollution. This Act provided funds for federal research in air pollution.
The Clean Air Act of 1963 was the first federal legislation regarding air pollution control. It established a federal program within the U.S. Public Health Service and authorized research into techniques for monitoring and controlling air pollution.
In 1967, the Air Quality Act was enacted in order to expand federal government activities. In accordance with this law, enforcement proceedings were initiated in areas subject to interstate air pollution transport. As part of these proceedings, the federal government for the first time conducted extensive ambient monitoring studies and stationary source inspections.
The Air Quality Act of 1967 also authorized expanded studies of air pollutant emission inventories, ambient monitoring techniques, and control techniques.
IQAir and AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN and The GREEN FOUNDATION are proud to be the educational partners of the American Lung Association.
Together we work on campaigns to educate the public about effective measures to improve indoor air quality. Check out our IQAir Filters.
Tags: Air, Air Experts, AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN, Air pollution, Air Quality, Clean Air, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, GREEN FOUNDATION
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May 17th, 2010
A recent Harvard and Bingham Young University Study showed that life expectancy increased significantly due to cleaner air. 
Even in cities with relatively clean air, life expectancy increased measurably, if air pollution was decreased. The study evaluated changes in air pollution in 51 American cities between 1980 and 2000 and the life expectancy of the inhabitants in those cities during the same time period.
Co-author of the study, Arden Pope III, remarked that “…such a significant increase in life expectancy attributable to reducing air pollution is remarkable. ”
Life expectancy increased by 10 month, in cities that had the largest improvements on air pollution. 
“We find that we’re getting a substantial return on our investment in improving our air quality” writes Arden Pope III.
The prevalence of cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular diseases decreased considerably due improved air quality. Prof. Douglas Dockery is the Director of the Harvard NIEHS Center for Environmental Health and is co-author of the study. His research over the last couple of years shows the causal link between even relative low concentrations of combustion-related particles and increases in morbidity and mortality.
“The efforts to reduce particulate air pollution concentrations leads to substantial and measurable improvements in life expectancy,” says Prof. Dockery. 
Air pollution not only decreases life expectancy in adults, but also causes chronic respiratory diseases in children.
Ref.: The New England Journal of Medicine; Volume 329:1753-1759 December 9, 1993 Number 24; 
An Association between Air Pollution and Mortality in Six U.S. Cities; Douglas W. Dockery, C. Arden Pope, Xiping Xu.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine; 1995;151:669-674; 
John D. Spengler, James H. Ware, Martha E. Fay, Benjamin G. Ferris, and Frank E. Speizer, Pope CA III, Thun MJ, Namboordiri MM, Dockery DW, Evans JS, Speizer FE, Heath CW Jr; Particulate air pollution as a predictor of mortality in a prospective study of US adults.
Tags: Air, Air Experts, Airborne Particles, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicin, Bingham Young University, Breath, Harvard, Health, New England Journal of Medicine, Respiratory, Sick
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May 12th, 2010
Allergen Avoidance: The Primary Objective of Treating Allergies
The first step in treating a patient suffering from allergies 
is to educate them about how they can best avoid allergens in the first place.
Thomas A.E. Platts-Mills, the former President of the AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology) writes that if patients “understand the role that specific allergens play in causing symptoms,…then they can gain control of their illness, reduce symptoms and in many cases reduce reliance on pharmaceutical products.”
“Running away from our problems is never a good answer in regards to health issues” says Dan Welch owner of AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN.
Dr. Platts-Mills points out that studies in which patients were moved into an allergen free environment have been “uniformly successful” in relieving the sufferer from their symptoms.
Two key criteria to keep in mind are
- 1.) The avoidance measure must be allergen specific
- 2.) The average exposure to the relevant allergen must be decreased by 95% or more.
According to Dr. Platts-Mills the benefits of allergy avoidance are quite often obvious and greatly appreciated by the allergy sufferer. The recommended treatment for the different kinds of allergies, however, are different.
So the question then is, if you are allergic, what are you allergic to? And what is the best way to decrease exposure to that specific allergen?
IQAir and AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN and The GREEN FOUNDATION are proud to be the educational partners of the American Lung Association.
Together we work on campaigns to educate the public about effective measures to improve indoor air quality. Check out our IQAir Filters, for pollen removal.
Tags: AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN, Allergies, American Academy of Allergy, American Lung Association, IQAir, The GREEN FOUNDATION
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May 9th, 2010
Mother Earth (common metaphorical expression for the Earth and its biosphere as the giver and sustainer of life) is our home. It is the only planet in our solar system which is livable in regards to breathable air, fair temperature , rich soil for plants and growing food, and plenty of drinking water.
AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN Cordially Invites You and would so very much like You to transmit this Invitation to all of Your Friends in Joining us HERE in this blog to Create the Biggest Respect ever……to Recognize and Celebrate Mothers and our Mother Earth!
Mother Earth News is the guide to living. Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.
AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN thanks all mothers for their essence and comment to life. It is children who most need their mothers love and compassion.
AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN are committed to all mothers and their children’s well being. Air is the womb of space where all of life occurs, begins, and continues.
Air is the most vital aspect of our life. Mother Earth and our children needs all of us to live more conscientious.
Love Mother Earth with all your Heart
Tags: AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN, Mother Earth, Mother Earth News, Mothers Day
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May 8th, 2010
- The annual death toll from particle pollution may be even greater than previously understood.
The California Air Resources Board recently tripled the estimate of premature deaths in California from particle pollution to 18,000 annually. Learn more.- Long term exposure to air pollution-especially from highway traffic-harms women, even while in their 50s.
- Exposure to particle pollution appears to increase women’s risk of lower lung function, developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and dying prematurely. Learn more.
- Busy highways are high risk zones.
Pollution from heavy highway traffic contributes to higher risks for heart attack, allergies, premature births and the death of infants around the time they are born. Learn more.- New studies looking at the impact of traffic pollution, even in cities with generally “cleaner” air, expanded the concern over the health effects of chronic exposure to exhaust from heavy traffic.
- Reducing air pollution has extended life expectancy.
- Thanks to a drop in particle pollution between 1980 and 2000, life expectancy in 51 U.S. cities increased by 5 months on average, according to a recent analysis. Learn more.
AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN, IQAir and The GREEN FOUNDATION are proud to be the educational partners of the American Lung Association.
Together we work on campaigns to educate the public about effective measures to improve indoor air quality.
AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN incorporates a series of strategies to improve the indoor air quality with in residential and commercial buildings. Learn more
Tags: AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN, Air Quality, American Lung Association, GREEN FOUNDATION, IQAir
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May 6th, 2010
Clean Air Month – Take Control of Your Indoor Air
May is designated Clean Air Month 
– No one living in a polluted city is immune to the effects of air pollution. Breathing in particle pollution can increase the risk of early death, heart attacks, strokes and emergency room visits for people with asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The State of the Air 2010 report by the American Lung Association (ALA) says over 175 million people in the US–roughly 58 percent–still suffer pollution levels that are too often dangerous to breathe.
Take control of your Indoor Air with a little help from The AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN and the GREEN FOUNDATION. Learn more
Tags: Air, Air pollutants, American Lung Association, Indoor Air
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May 5th, 2010
The Michigan Smoking Ban took effect Saturday May 1 2010, making the state the 38th state to enact a smoking free law. AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN supported this legislation.
The legislation that is supported by the public was signed into law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm more than four months ago.
The Dr. Ron Davis Smoke Free Air Law bans smoking in most Michigan workplaces and public buildings including restaurants, bars, shopping malls, bowling alleys, concert halls, arenas, museums, mechanic shops, health facilities, nursing homes, education facilities, and child care centers.
The law applies mostly to indoor areas but also to some outdoor areas such as a restaurant patio where employees are present and food and drink are served.
If you have a question about this new smoking ban or methods to remove the residual smoke odors in your establishment contact The AIR EXPERTS of MICHIGAN.
Tags: Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Michigan, Michigan smoking ban
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These air toxics can pose health concerns if people are continuously exposed to them – either to high levels for a short period of time, such as an hour – or lower levels for a longer period of time – from a couple of weeks to a year or more.
Tests for particle pollution and educates about effective measures to improve indoor air quality. Check out our IQAir Filters, for VOC and pollutant removal.
