Editor: Mercia Tapping, President, Allergy Buyers Club

PLEASE NOTE that references to prices or specials within this archive reflect prices
and market conditions at the time of newsletter publication.
Prices may have changed since publication.

In This Issue

• Importance of Pre-filters in Hepa Air Cleaners
• What to do if exposed to a suspicious powder
• Some facts about Anthrax you may not know
• Cleaning Up Dog and Cat Hair
• Outgassing of Smoke Odors, Chemicals in Your Carpet
• Tip for Cleaning Hard Water Spots from Shower Doors
• Asthma and Vocal Problems
• Letter from a member: Non-allergenic Rhinitis and Immune Disorder
• Letter from a member. More on ultra violet in duct work

Shop Talk

• Review Cordless HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

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IMPORTANCE OF PREFILTERS IN HEPA AIR FILTERS

Pre-filters extend the life of your hepa filter, and pre-filters are not all made the same. I cannot say more about the importance and need for a good pre-filter. Some pre-filters are like a piece of foam, some are like a piece of abrasive padding and the one put out by IQair is a totally different design entirely. I was opening up all the hepa filters in our office recently in order to train a new employee. What I found was very illuminating.

The Blueair has no pre-filter but does have three hepa-type filters. The filters were a year old (I deliberately let them run over the manufacturer's recommended time span). After a year, the filters still had quite a bit of life left in them but I decided to change them anyway. I could see the larger dust particles on the filters but I also saw some dust on the inside of the machine that needed some wiping with a cloth. The intake vents at the machine's base were also covered with visible dust and needed wiping from the outside. Another little point about Blueair that made me a trifle uncomfortable.

Then I went over to the Whispure. This has a pre-filter like abrasive thin pad. The pre-filter was covered with thick dust and the nice thing about it is you can extend the life of the pre-filter by giving it a light vacuum with an upholstery tool or dusting brush (of course Whirlpool recommends you buy new pre-filters). The hepa filter was still pearly white after 4 months of use. Brownie points for the Whirlpool.

Next came the Austin Air Healthmate. The pre-filter is hidden behind the metal grill and should be vacuumed from the outside. Getting inside a Austin Air is a real production, so I skipped that except for giving the unit a cursory "sniff test", the manufacturer's recommended way to figure out whether the filter is shot is to see whether the air smells bad. I wasn't clear whether it was on its last legs or not so I continue to stare at it balefully, resenting that it does not tell me when to change the filter. Actually, in the Austin manual (which they do not ship with their machines for some reason unbeknownst to me), it tells you to change the pre-filter or wash it in the bath tub every two years. I ought to take courage and do it, but like many people I think the whole operation is a pain in the "whatsit"!

Then came the IQAir - my favorite although I should mention Clarifier is a good second. We opened up the IQAir easily enough. It was not as simple as the Blueair and Whispure to open up, but at least no screwdrivers. Then I inspected the state of the pre-filter, which IQAir claim takes out 90% of the particles coming into the machine. After 5 months the pre-filter resembled the inside of a vacuum cleaner bag -there was so much dust. Guess it is doing its job. No wonder the particle counter shows clean air around that machine. I did check with the manufacturer as to whether I could vacuum the pre-filter. I was told firmly to keep my vacuum away from the filter, not a good idea since I could damage it. I also checked the life of the filters at the same time and got a read out - still 5 months left on the pre-filter.

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WHAT TO DO IF EXPOSED TO A SUSPICIOUS POWDER
Contributed by Murray Grossan MD

If exposed to suspicious powder

• Leave the area.
• Blow your nose into the sink so material won't spread to others. Take air in via the mouth, and blow out the nose.
• Sniff salt water in the nose and spit it out.
• It is best to use Breathe.ease XL nasal wash. This has calcium and potassium ions that speed the cilia so you can defend against bacteria / spores. The Xylitol is added because it has been shown to inhibit bacteria from entering the cell wall of the nasal tissue.
• We suggest you use Breathe.ease XL if you have chronic sinusitis or post nasal drip. If your nose is functioning normally then the good nasal cilia and natural enzymes can defend the body. But if mucus just lays in the nose, then bacteria have ample time to enter the body.

In these days of crisis it is even more important to have a healthy nose.

Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com
Hydro Med, Inc. Originators of Nasal Irrigator, Clear.ease and Breathe.ease
http://www.sinus-relief.com/clearease.html
http://www.sinus-relief.com/breatheease.html

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• Anthrax is a very scary germ because it travels in spores. It is very resilient and has been known to survive hundreds of years in pharaohs tombs. The spores are near lifeless and can travel inside a hard shell which is resistant to boiling heat or freezing cold which kills other normal bacteria.
• Do you have flu or anthrax? Experts say that when you have the flu you get a runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches and headaches, and often yellow sputum. Anthrax victims have trouble breathing, have intense debilitating fatigue and are prostrate in their beds, with almost clear sputum. Anthrax victims feel sicker than they ever have felt before. Please get your flu shot. I have had mine already. As an allergy sufferer I was on a priority list.
• Only blood tests can really confirm/disconfirm the presence of anthrax. Nasal swabs are not sufficient.
• With cutaneous anthrax, a black scab develops. Most of these people survive if treated with antibiotics.
• The most lethal form of anthrax comes from the inhalation of lung penetrating particles. The anthrax floating around lately is about 1 to 5 microns. TOO SMALL for you to even see it with the naked eye.
• One or two spores of anthrax is probably not going to kill you. In fact, experts estimate that 5 to 10,000 spores may be needed to kill you.
• There are no reliable anthrax early warning detection systems available yet on a consumer level (people are working on them). The problem is that while air detection equipment can detect changes in air density, they cannot reliably distinguish WHY and can give you all sorts of false positives. Incidently, this is why I do not like those machines which purport to tell you when there is pollen in the room. Truthfully, those machines cannot distinguish one kind of particle from another.
• Microwaving your mail will not "sanitize" it. Microwaves work by heating water and anthrax spores have no water in them.
• The same goes for using an iron (intense heat) on your mail. By the time the heat is hot enough to kill anthrax spores, your mail would be on fire.
• Moist heat can but we are not convinced yet that our vapor steam cleaners we currently sell are up to the task.
• You need 260 degrees of moist heat but applied at 15 pounds of pressure for 15 minutes or more. This is not an easy process, and could spread spores. We are watching this one.
• Exposing Anthrax to ultra violet light. Yes, ultraviolet light can kill anthrax spores. But this is tricky as ALL anthrax spores need to be exposed to the light for the prerequisite time period, and endospores are known to be very resistant to both heat and UV radiation (we are investigating this one closely for you). UV lights will NOT penetrate the mail, UV lights work on bacteria on surfaces.
• Alcohol, acetone and household disinfectants do not work in killing anthrax.
• Save your pennies on gas masks. They are only effective if they are fresh and are custom fitted, filter spore size down to .5 microns, and are worn before an anthrax exposure (as if anybody is going to warn us what they are doing). And if you do not wear them properly you can suffocate.
• Surfaces contaminated with anthrax can be cleaned up with a 1:10 solution of warm water and household bleach.
• Buildings can be fumigated with formaldehyde or ethylene oxide but this is a job for the experts.
• The post office is buying high energy electron beam machines to sanitize the mail at $5 million a piece. They can do the job.

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CLEANING UP CAT AND DOG HAIR

One of our staff came back with a rather amazing story the other day. They had been demonstrating a Ladybug vapor steam cleaner for carpet cleaning - something we do not usually recommend, as it is too time consuming. The sequence for carpet cleaning is vacuum, vapor then vacuum again. The idea being to vacuum up excess dirt, then use heat to loosen up the fibers on the carpet and bring the dirt up to the surface. Then whatever dirt is not on the toweling attachment you then vacuum up afterwards. So here is what happened.

The carpet was first vacuumed with one of those vacuums we hate - the see through container kind. Then the carpet was vapor steamed. So far, so good. Then it was vacuumed again. The homeowner then panicked as large clouds of visible black dust could be seen being sucked up into her vacuum cleaner. So our guy examined the nature of the dust and declared it to be dog hair. The problem was that the house-owner denied vigorously she had a dog, so he had to be wrong. He took another look, definitely dog hair. Then light dawned and she said "Well, I have had this carpet for three years but it belonged to my Mother and she had a black dog…..". So the moral of the story is vacuum cleaners often do not create sufficient air flow and penetrating power to bring up dirt /pet hair deeply embedded in your carpet. You need to release them with hot steam.

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OUTGASSING OR SMOKE ODORS, CHEMICALS IN YOUR CARPET

We quite often hear from reformed smokers who call us wanting air cleaners to take the smell out of their residences. The smoke odor has penetrated every fiber of all soft and hard surfaces. In other words, the smell is everywhere. Then by now from our last tale you will have guessed the answer. An air filter with carbon will alleviate the symptom but if you want to get the smell out at source, then out-gassing using a vapor steam cleaner is the answer. Vapor steam cleaners work well for getting out embedded chemicals or smells. I myself was just demonstrating how a steam cleaner can be used for carpet spotting recently. Well, the spots came out no problem but so did the most obnoxious of chemical rug cleaner fumes that had to have been there prior to my vapor steam cleaning days. I started coughing, my eyes stung and were watering and soon everyone else started exhibiting the same symptoms. So the process works but for us allergy sufferers, get someone else to do it. My husband does not know that this carpet is on my secret 'to do' list for him. I am just waiting for the right time!

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TIP FOR CLEANING HARD WATER SPOTS FROM SHOWER DOORS

Heard from a cleaning pro last week. If you have recent hard water mineral water deposits on your shower door try rubbing in some fresh lemon juice with your finger, then vapor steam afterwards. This will not clean old mineral deposits which have impregnated your glass more deeply.

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PRODUCT REVIEW - CORDLESS HEPA VACUUM CLEANER DIRTAMER DELUXE

Overview:
This is currently the only hepa cordless vacuum cleaner on the market. We think it has a number of advantages to other commonly sold cordless vacuum cleaners but like most appliances it did not get perfect marks from us.

As a special note for those of you that have asked about its abilities to vacuum up "suspicious powders". We have told law enforcement officials who have approached us that this hand held vacuum is better than anything else we have found. We advise anybody involved in decontamination efforts to use this cordless vaccum on the suspicious powder then quickly seal it up in a plastic bag and take it along to a lab for analysis. We do not advise you try this yourself as law enforcement officials should be wearing gas masks when they remove the powder. If it is found to be contaminated, dispose of it.

Pluses:

• Filtration: HEPA filtration and Wet/Dry vacuuming options. Try finding that in a dustbuster handheld!
• Power: This cordless vacuum cleaner is great deal more powerful than most machines of this kind. It has good suction power and a decent sized nozzle
• Tools: The extendable crevice tool and squeegee store in the charging base. We used them to clean crevices and upholstery which we found especially useful when car cleaning.
• Battery life: Twelve minute battery life for this vac compared to 5 minutes for others sold in retail stores
• Best Tasks: This rechargeable cordless vacuum was seen as invaluable for doing stairs, picking up cat litter and crumbs in the kitchen, or the dorm room of college students, quick dirt pickups in the car
• Quiet: The dirt tamer was much quieter than other cordless vacuum cleaners we tested
• Warranty: 2 year factory which is one year longer than with other brands
• Indicator lights: The charge and low battery lights let our testers know when the recharging was done or needed
• Headlight: great for use in the car or under heat registers or in other tight dark spaces

Minuses:

• Weight: We found this cordless vacuum a bit heavier than others we tested. It was more cumbersome to use overhead on blinds and in ceiling corners. This hand held may be too heavy for someone with arthritis. The men who tested it loved it.
• Battery Life: Even though the battery life is longer than in other handheld vacuums, this might be too short for a real thorough car vacuum cleaning. It is good for keeping the dirt and debris down but not for spring cleaning your car.
• Dirt Collection: Dust and dirt are collected in a open cup container which then needs disposal into the trash. Allergy sufferers might find this method less hygienic than changing a vacuum cleaner bag in their regular vacuum..
• HEPA Filter: Because of the open cup collection method, the HEPA filter is situated right next door to the open cup and so routinely collects a great deal of large debris which can be dusted off at time of dust disposal. This makes us suspicious that the true benefits of the HEPA filter. However, there was almost no visible dust vented out the back of the vacuum while we were using it.
• Attachment storage: The Dirtamer attachments fit handily on the rechargeable holder but it takes a jigsaw expert the first time around to figure out how to put the tools back neatly so they fit flat back in the pack

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ASTHMA AND VOCAL PROBLEMS

SOME RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO LIVE WITH ASTHMA
By Rosalie Loeding
(630) 717-8676

Asthma and allergies are common disorders that affect a large number singers and professional voice users. It is imperative to find a doctor who specializes in performing arts medicine; one that understands the special needs of vocal thoroughbreds, because of the high price exacted - financially , professionally and emotionally. A football player or baseball player must be in peak performing shape at all times; a vocal athlete should expect no less. Treating symptoms as they occur without a total evaluation and treatment plan -- the usual symptomatic treatment -- leaves a professional voice user insecure, fearing that his/her instrument will not function reliably. A recent article indicates that untreated and symptomatic care may responsible for the rising asthma death rate.

Respiratory conditions often remain undiagnosed and untreated because singers and professional voice users with mild, "silent asthma" seldom wheeze, they appear to be in good health, and the speaking voice may sound relatively normal. They are still able to perform, though not at optimal levels. Their pulmonary function tests are usually evaluated "Good," because the pulmonary specialist is not aware that singers and actors normally have higher lung volumes than the average population, often 120% of normal values. In order to properly treat these patients, it is important to ascertain reversibility.

For example, if the lung volume is found to be 85% of predicted, the singer could be operating 30-35% below THEIR 100%. Even singers with 5-22% reversibility often experience dramatic improvement in their speaking and singing voices following treatment.

Airway constriction/obstruction results in poor distribution of gases to the alveoli (the little air sacs in the lungs) and impaired ventilation (the volume of air breathed in a specified length of time). In asthma, obstruction of airflow is most marked in expiration/exhalation -- that is the air you use to sing. As airflow resistance increases, active muscle contraction is required to force air from the lungs during expiration. Mucus clogging (plugs) the airways also increases resistance. Therefore, greater muscular effort -- nearly 16 times as much -- is required under normal conditions and the air pressure available is less than needed for professional singing and speaking. As more energy is expended breathing, the singer tires, making it difficult to maintain good posture. One of the causes of the fatigue is the impaired and uneven distribution of air throughout the lungs, limiting the lungs' ability to rid itself of carbon dioxide.

A series of small -- or large -- disasters are responsible for vocal problems. Let's talk about a hypothetical radio talk show host, Joe Smith, who uses his voice for extended periods. This Spring his allergies were really bothering him -- a little hoarseness, but he was surviving vocally until he came home one night to find a note from his wife telling him that she is divorcing him and marrying his best friend. The next day the boss calls him in and says, "Sorry, Joe but we are moving to a country music format and won't be renewing your contract." Within days Joe has severe laryngitis and chest constriction alerts him to asthma problems. Stress exacerbates allergy and asthma.

Sometimes vocal problems sneak up on you - your voice is hoarse one day and seems almost normal the next (day-to-day variability), so you assume it is only temporary. I call it "Denial Syndrome." Though most of my clients originally say their symptoms began a few months before, but eventually realize that they began much earlier.

A singer must be especially alert for signs of physical problems that can cause vocal problems. Even when it doesn't hurt, there can be significant damage because there are no nerves in the vocal folds to relay pain back to the brain. Your vocal folds can be permanently damaged and sometimes irreversibly. A stiff, fibrous vocal fold(s), caused by long term overuse and abuse, may never vibrate adequately to again sing professionally.

Most asthmatics have allergies, but not everyone with allergies has asthma. Constriction of the airways and chest tension are often go unnoticed because the asthmatic has become used to it -- it is there all the time. This does not allow correct breathing, so the person is more tired and short of breath. He/she blames it on being out of shape, staying up late and getting older, but it is caused by asthma.

Some medications used to treat asthma/allergies, often in combinations.

ALBUTEROL: Inhalers such as Proventil (and other trade names) are non-steroid bronchodilators. They are often called "rescue" inhalers. This means they should be taken on the onset of acute asthma. Most asthma sufferers assume that is the only time they are to be used. Asthma should always be kept under control. Most of the people who die of acute asthma attacks have only used medications on a symptomatic basis. In order to sing at their optimal level, singers and professional voice user must keep their symptoms under control -- their pulmonary function should be as close to 100% as possible. Otherwise it is like running a race with one leg in a cast. The
usual dosage is two puffs morning and evening. Another inhaler, Serevent, is a long lasting albuterol which helps sustain the Proventil. It lasts 12 hours and reaches its peak in about 2 hours. It is not meant to be used instead of Proventil in acute situations. . The usual doseage is two puffs morning and evening.

STEROID INHALERS: Topical steroids are not dangerous to the voice if properly used and monitored-- and not used in high doses.

NASAL INHALERS: Beconase and others are great for inhaled allergens.

STEROID INHALERS for the chest: Flonase, Vanceril, Asthmacort, Beclovent and others are excellent for breaking the allergic/asthma cycle and controlling symptoms. One must be properly instructed in their use and for singers it is even more important to use spacers such as Optihalers, Aerochambers to name a few, or the vocal folds can be adversely affected. With the spacers, you avoid a concentrated blast of steroid or propellant to the vocal cords. ORAL STEROIDS such as prednisone are also very effective in breaking allergic cycles and controlling asthma, but must be used with extreme caution by singers. Most arts medicine otolaryngologist advise 7-10 days maximum. Prednisone can cause vocal fold tremors and even loss of high notes if continued too long (and too often). Many singers like the dramatic improvement that can be gained by using steroids and may ask their doctor to prescribe it for them for rather mild conditions. (ASIDE: They also like the feeling of energy/euphoria it gives them after feeling tired and lethargic because of asthma.. But beware, some people become very hyper.) Not realizing the consequences, if their own doctor refuses to prescribe prednisone, they will often go to another doctor. Steroids can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It can make possible a performance. It can also has serious consequences. In case of an accident where the person goes into shock, the doctor needs to know that you are on steroids or discontinued recently, because steroids suppresses the secretion of natural adrenalin.

Some doctors may advise the use of these steroid inhalers to apply the steroid to the larynx when the vocal cords are swollen. Here you again use the spacer, but now you take shallow puffs to get medication only to the larynx and not to the chest.

CROMOLYN SODIUM: Nasalcrom and Intal takes 3 to 6 weeks to make a difference. For this reason many people do not think it is not working and quit taking it. It is a preventative. Often it is taken on an as needed basis. If you know when your pollen season is coming - check the pollen calender, you can start this 3 - 6 weeks before the start of the pollen season. Cromolyn is available without a prescription. When taken only on an as needed basis, it is relatively ineffective.

ANTIHISTAMINES: If you must take antihistamines, it should be

1). For a real emergency -- sudden exposure to an allergen (dogs, cats, bee, spider and insect bites or by contact with plants and other allergens) with symptoms of hives, itchy eyes, wheezing, sensation of not getting enough air. Immediately call 911 and go to the hospital. If this is a frequent problem, the doctor may advise carrying an Epipen - an epinephrine auto-injector- to use in case of a serious allergic reaction. For example a severe reaction to peanuts.

2). For short term allergies to pollen -- for instance, on a vacation. If these allergies are long term see an allergist who understand singers and follow his instructions.

Antihistamines are very drying to the mucous membrane linings of the nose, throat and lungs and cause thick mucus. Asthmatics should avoid them if at all possible because their mucus is already drier. When the mucus is very thick the cilia in the lungs cannot cough it up without great effort and lots of coughing. Coughing irritates the vocal folds. Generally coughing takes over when the cilia of the chest fail to move the mucus out of the chest. Enzymes such as Bromelain from pineapple or Papain from papaya may be useful. See http://www.sinus-relief.com/clearease.com

Other measures you can take to help yourself:

All asthmatics whether or not they are singers should have and use a Peak Flow Meter. It tells you the staus of your respiratory function. To translate: what you can expect from your breathing at that time. Take the reading before using an asthma inhaler (Proventil) and then about 15 minutes after the inhaler. If using Serevent, wait 2 hours before checking the results. The best times to monitor are 7 AM and 3 PM. It is a useful tool, but don't become paranoid about it. Buy an air cleaner with a hepa filter. I use Cloud Nine in my bedroom to filter dust and other allergens from the air while I sleep. After all, I am in that room for 7 straight hours. Reminder, do not open the windows between midnight and approximately 10 AM. This is when pollen is released. Treat yourself to a small steam inhaler -- only seven and one half inches -- to specifically moisten dry nose and throat membranes. Every singer should have one and use it often. The usual room humidifier is good, but does not get the moisture to the specific place. It is easily obtainable from pharmacies, discount stores and many catalogues. The heat control assures that the steam is not too hot. It has automatic dual voltage (110/220) -- wired for travel. For steam it is best to stick out your tongue. Beware of boiling water for direct steam use. Might inhale too much burning gas.

Another handy dandy old fashioned remedy for nasal allergies and dry nasal passages is Nasal Washing. Use a saline solution without preservatives. You can make it with one teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to a pint of water. Preservatives such as benzalkonium can make the condition worse. You can get Breathe.ease XL without preservatives - see
http://www.sinus-relief.com/breatheease.html

Nasal washing removes allergens from the nose and washes out thick proteins that the body creates to fight the enemy. The result is thick mucus we refer to as postnasal drip. It drips down the back of the nose into the throat and onto the folds, changing the vibratory patterns and irritating the vocal folds. I cannot state strongly enough the importance of keeping the nose and throat membranes moist. The voice resonates best and feels right when the membranes are moist.

See http://www.sinus-relief.com/breatheease.html

Use Entertainer's Secret to keep the mouth and throat membranes moist.

To summarize, You must educate yourself about asthma and how it affects singers and professional voice users. Take a tape recorder to doctor visits so that you will be able to exactly follow his directions. Keep your respiratory function as close to 100% as possible. Co-operate with your physicians and be a partner in your care. With the asthma under control you can have a successful career.

Reprinted with Permission

Bio: Rosalie Loeding received her BM and MM in Voice Performance from Northwestern University. She is a Professor Emeritus Benedictine University and was formerly a member of the Internal Medicine Faculty of Rush Medical College.

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LETTER FROM A MEMBER. NON ALLERGENIC RHINITIS AND IMMUNE DISORDER

Hi, I am a reader of your newletters, and I think I even bought stuff a couple of times. ;>

I have been having constant sinus infections for the last three years, after having been "normal" from the age of 20-35. (Before that I had constant "allergies" which never responded too well to treatment and never caused the traditional itchy eyes, runny nose - my sinuses were just "blocked".) I finally got referred to a doctor who told me he was certain I had an immune disorder even before testing me. One simple blood test later, and I am now on a regimen of a monthly infusion of gamma globulin for the rest of my life- Thank goodness I have great insurance!! (It costs about $5K each time.)

While these disorders are quite rare- especially the ones that become serious later in life- it would not be suprising to me that some of your "multiple chemical sensitivity" patients may actually have "nonallergic rhinitis" with an immune dysfuntion. My sensitivity to fragrances and smoke and solvents and you-name-it is due to swelling of my sinus cavities that still occurs after my sinus surgery- classic MCS, right? Well, no. It may be the same cause as many other individuals with similar symptoms, however- an immune deficiency. You don't have to catch HIV or have AIDS; my immune disorder is *genetic*. My troubles early in life were not serious enough to set off the warning bells, but perhaps they should have! Please pass these along to your readers:

THE 10 WARNING SIGNS OF PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY

* Eight or more new ear infections within a year.
* Two or more serious sinus infections within a year.
* Two or more months on antibiotics with little effect.
* Two or more pneumonias within a year.
* Failure of an infant to gain weight or grow normally.
* Recurrent deep abscesses in the skin or organs.
* Persistent thrush in mouth or on skin, after age one.
* Need for intravenous antibiotics to clear infections.
* Two or more deep-seated infections such as meningitis, osteomyelitis, cellulitis, or sepsis.
* A family history of primary immunodeficiency.

This is from the National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, a pamphlet on Primary Immmunodeficiency:

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/primaryimmunobooklet.htm#SignsandSymptoms

Thank you for providing such a wonderful service, giving us information we can trust as well as reasonable prices on the items that can help many people function better! Feel free to use my name (or not) and to edit my message for length and clarity. Thanks!

Susan Eshelman

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LETTER FROM A MEMBER. MORE ON ULTRA VIOLET IN DUCT WORK

From: Gil Vice [mailto:gilvice@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 3:29 PM
To: allergybuyersclub@mediaone.net
Subject: Re: Allergy Consumer Review: Mid-October 2001 Issue-UV & ozone

I found your mid-October 2001 newsletter very interesting, particularly the response by Derek A. Laferriere, Vice President - Commercial & Medical Sales for NQ Environmental Inc. Mr. Laferriere apparently is a marketing person and not technical. He implied that ozone is emitted from within certain UV lamps, and leaks out. Had you given this reply to Dr. Gadish, I'm sure he would have immediately seen this fallacy.

Ozone is formed from the oxygen in the air. It is a highly energized form of oxygen (tri-atomic instead of the usual di-atomic form), the extra energy coming from something like a lightening strike, or UV light- thus the stratospheric ozone layer, up where air is thin and solar UV radiation is strongest. And, as Dr. Gadish suggested, from UV lights in a ventilation system.

I suspect both of these experts raise valid points, and the truth lies somewhere in between. SBS is commonly caused by HVAC grown microorganisms, and UV may keep these in check, but must be properly sized and placed withing the system, and not just by anyone who has simply read about these wonder machines.

Gil Vice

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