How To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality in Dubuque and Beyond

As Summer draws to an end allergy sufferers know what's coming.  Fall allergies and all their symptoms.  Although most people regard the Spring as being terrible for allergies, Fall can be just as bad.

According to doctors at WebMD, "Male plants release tiny cells called pollen into the air in order to reproduce. When these pollen or other allergy triggers get into the noses of certain people, their immune system mistakenly sees them as foreign invaders and releases antibodies -- substances that normally identify and go after bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms. The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies.
During the fall season, ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger. Though the yellow-flowering weed typically begins pollinating in August, it can linger well into the fall months. About three-quarters of people who are allergic to spring pollen-producing plants are also allergic to ragweed. Ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind, so even if it doesn't grow where you live, it can still make you miserable if you're allergic to it.
Mold is another culprit, because its spores can easily get airborne. The piles of damp leaves that line yards and streets in the fall are breeding grounds for mold, as are damp basements and bathrooms at home.
Dust mites -- microscopic, spider-like insects -- are yet another common indoor allergen."

These are all things to be on the look out for.  Battling against airborne allergens is just one thing ServiceOne is really great at thanks to the help of the American Standard AccuClean whole house filter.  You can learn more about that by CLICKING HERE or better yet give our comfort advisors a call for a free indoor air quality evaluation.  563-556-0666.
In the meantime you can also take a look at this great tool from the EPA.  You can actually take a tour of an IAQ house.

How Are You Handling Your Asthma in Dubuque?

Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

 As part of our series on Asthma and Allergy Awareness month we wanted to share this great article from the folks at Fox News Health.

Asthma is a serious and costly health issue that has an estimated annual cost of $19.7 billion – nearly $10 billion in direct health care costs and $8 billion for indirect costs (lost earnings due to illness or death). (Source: The Costs of Asthma, Asthma and Allergy Foundation 1992 and 1998 Study, 2000 Update)

Earlier this month, government researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new study showing asthma rates have risen dramatically since 2001. The study also found the increase was present in every demographic group – men, women, blacks, whites and Hispanics – affecting one in 12 of all Americans and one in 10 school-aged children.

Although researchers could not explain why asthma is on the rise, in recent years many scientists believe environmental pollution may be a contributing factor. Tobacco smoke, pesticides and harsh, toxic cleaning products – commonly used in homes, schools, businesses and medical facilities – lead to poor indoor air quality and can trigger and exacerbate asthma symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
• Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children.

• Each day, 11 Americans die from asthma, totaling over 4,000 asthma-related deaths each year. Asthma is a contributing factor in another 7,000 deaths.

• Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism and the fourth leading cause of work absenteeism resulting in nearly 12 million missed or less productive workdays each year.

• Asthma accounts for more than 10 million outpatient visits and 500,000 hospitalizations. Nearly half (44 percent) of all asthma hospitalizations are for children and is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization in children.

• Since 1980, 0 among all genders, age groups and ethnic groups. The death rate for children under 19 years has increased by nearly 80 percent.

Deirdre Imus is the Founder and President of The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health CenterTM at Hackensack University Medical Center and Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer. Deirdre is the author of four books, including three national bestsellers. She is a frequent speaker on green living and children’s health issues, and is a contributor to FoxNewsHealth.com. For more information Click Here.

ServiceOne can also help make things more comfortable for you with an American Standard AccuClean whole house air filter. Click Here for more information or call 563-556-0666 to request a FREE indoor air quality evaluation for your home or business.