Are Air Purifiers the Solution to Improving Indoor Air Quality?

Possibly due to the increased pollutants in the air we breathe, greater numbers of people are suffering from environmental sensitivities. Second hand smoke, dust, pollens, and molds cause millions of people to seek allergy relief products. Although we can't always control our outdoor or work environments, we can take steps to control the air quality of our homes. Furnace filters and vacuum cleaners can help indoor air pollution, but many people turn to air purifiers to make the air in their homes easier to breathe.

Types of Air Purifiers

There are many different types of air purifiers, each designed to address a specific type of problem:

Dust Removal: Unless you keep your home spic and span and run your heating and air conditioning system 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you most likely have a build up of dust. Many people are allergic to dust, and turn to HEPA machines to filter out dust. HEPA machines usually only take care of the dust in the room where they're located, so they're not a good solution to keeping your whole house dust-free. Instead, it's best to keep your HVAC running 24/7 and invest in good furnace filters. There are several types of furnace filters, such as washable electrostatic furnace filters, that will filter out over 90 percent of dust particles over one micron in size.

Mold Removal: If you have a problem with surface mold, it's best to consult with a professional contractor. But many people seek allergy relief products due to allergic reactions to airborne mold. Air purifiers that remove airborne mold usually raise ozone levels (like the Airfree and Air Oasis lines of products), and in the process kill odors, chemical particulates and bacteria.

Second Hand Smoke Removal: Smoke not only negatively impacts health and air quality, but it also seeps into fabrics and hard surfaces. Liquid air purifiers (such as the Air Oasis Xtreme) are the best and most effective way to remove second hand smoke.

Virus Protection: Many people buy HEPA machines that are purported to kill viruses using UV lamps. Unfortunately, small UV lamps just don't work; you need a lamp that will create at least 24,000 microwatts of UVGI.

Total Solution?

Are there any air purifiers that are complete and total allergy relief products? Unfortunately, no. To comprehensively address indoor air quality issues, you need to implement a number of approaches. First, because carpeting collects dust and releases gas, your home should have hardwood floors. Second, you should run your HVAC system 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and use a washable electrostatic furnace filter. An ozone generator air purifier near the return air duct will help tremendously. Third, you should have an induct air sanitizer to cleanse viruses, molds, and bacteria. Fourth, you should vacuum and clean your floors with a Hyla vacuum water filtration, wet cleaning, and air purification system. Fifth, you should use air purifiers in your home's bedrooms (such as Airfree or Austin Air purifiers). Sixth, you should spray surfaces with TiO2 PCO liquid, which will address gasses, viruses, and molds.

Even considering today's air quality, respiratory illnesses aren't inevitable. By improving your home air quality through cleaning and air purifiers, you are certain to breathe easier.

Improving Sexual Health Through Better Information and

Summary:

The article discusses sexual health information,

particularly on reproductive

health and its different topics.

From contraception to pregnancy, to menstrual

cycles and infertility, this article gives a basic view

on each of these, as part of sexual health

information.

Keywords:

sexual health information

Article Body:

Sexual health information should already be made

available to children as young as 12 years old.

Parents and the schools should provide both information

and guidance regarding reproductive health and

responsible sexual behavior. Of course, the level and

scope of information to be provided should be carefully

studied, selected, and presented in order to make the

young people understand the concepts and objectives

behind such a form of education. If delivered in a

positive, scientific yet easily understandable manner,

sexual health information could help open young

people's eyes to the need for better understanding of

sexual health and the demand for a higher sense of

responsibility for sexual behavior. Sex education in

schools and at home should cover a variety of topics

including menstruation, menopause, pregnancy,

fertility, and infertility. It should also address

issues about contraception, sexually transmitted

diseases, and proper understanding of the male and

female reproductive systems.

The monthly menstrual cycle is the process by which a

woman's body gets ready for the possibility of

fertilization or pregnancy. An average menstrual cycle

is 28 days from the start of one to the start of the

next, but this cycle can range from 21 days to 35 days.

Most menstrual periods last from three to five days. In

the United States, most girls start menstruating at age

12, but girls can start menstruating between the ages

of 8 and 16.

Sexual health information is not complete without an

extensive discussion on pregnancy. Women, and even men,

should gain knowledge and understanding about the

process of fertilization and the efforts that need to

be made during the usual nine months of the baby's life

in the womb. Usually, pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks,

or just more than nine months, from the start of the

last menstrual period to childbirth. Prenatal care is

also very important since this is the means to educate

parents about how to care for the baby in the woman's

womb. Getting early and regular prenatal care is

important for the health of both the mother and the

developing baby. But aside from reading books or

reading online articles about pregnancy, the pregnant

woman and her partner should regularly visit their

obstetrician-gynecologist or physician regarding how to

have a successful pregnancy or how to ensure proper

prenatal care.

Infertility is another important albeit often sensitive

topic for women. Infertility is the condition where a

woman is unable to get pregnant. It is often used to

describe women of normal childbearing age who

experience difficulties with getting pregnant or women

who are near or past their menopausal stage. Women who

are able to get pregnant but who cannot carry a

pregnancy to full term or actual birth are also

sometimes considered to be infertile. Having

infertility is a complex problem with no single known

cause. It is actually a result of a number of adverse

conditions or a chain of events that have an impact on

fertility.

Indeed, gaining more in-depth information about matters

relating to sexual health is crucial to our health. It

should cover the areas of sexual behavior, personal

care, and reproductive health. It is not only a means

to understand how we can protect ourselves from harm,

it is also a way to know how we can enjoy our existence

Taking Medications and Improving Sexual Health

This article talks about the effects of some medications on sexual health. However, these side effects can be lessened by switching medications or taking smaller doses. Individuals who notice declines in their sexual health and performance should inform their doctors.

Many specialists define sexual health as the ability to relate to each other sexually in a way that satisfies and rewards both parties. However, some men and women, it may be difficult to have an arousal or a satisfying orgasm. Some cases may require the mind to stay focused, nerves to be healthy, and to have good blood circulation. However, many things may break the cycle—stress, excessive alcohol, and even certain medications may take its toll on one's sex life.

Medicines may affect sexual function because it alters blood flow and brain chemistry. Some types of medication may affect decrease a person's sex drive, delay or prevent orgasms, while others may cause erectile dysfunction in men. If one notices a decline in sexual performance while under certain medication, it is important to seek the doctor's advice to know the possible causes. But the medication should not be totally stopped. Doctors can help determine if it is the medicine that is causing the problem and help switch to another medication. Antidepressants which contain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), narcotic painkillers, and blood pressure medications can affect sexual functions.


A report conducted by the American Family Physician in 2000 conclude that up to half of patients taking antidepressants with SSRI reported sexual problems. The study results varied depending on the patients studied, but it suggests that the sexual side effects of antidepressants are common. Men who are taking antidepressants with SSRI may switch to non-SSRI medication that may less likely cause sexual side effects. If one's current medication is working well, they may ask their doctors if they can lower the dose or temporarily stop the intake of certain drugs.


Narcotic painkillers bring more than just pain relief. These drugs may also reduce the production of testosterone and other hormones that are needed for sex drive in both men and women. The side effects of narcotic painkillers have not been thoroughly investigated but individuals who take these medicines may experience a drop in sex drive or may experience irregular monthly periods.

Diuretics, beta blockers, and other medications to control blood pressure can cause erectile dysfunction in men and diminish the sex drive of women. In other cases, the remedy that can be done to overcome sexual problems caused by these medications is to change medication. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium antagonists may less likely to cause sexual side effects than diuretics or beta blockers.


Over-the-counter drugs like antihistamines may also take its toll on one's sexual health. These medicines may cause ejaculation and ED among men and vaginal dryness among women. These effects cannot be properly explained by health professionals but some studies suggest that the antihistamine's sedative effect might be the culprit for its sexual effects.


There are other drugs that may cause sexual health problems that are not included in this article. Other possible causes of sexual health problems include the use of certain oral contraceptives, anti-psychotics, and other medications. Individuals who notice effects on sexual health should inform their doctors about their condition to make adjustments and lessen these side effects.