Going to a hair salon can be dangerous to your health. When you get there, there is mounting evidence that you may be exposed to formaldehyde gases emitted from salon hair treatment products. When inhaled, salon workers and their customers are exposed to health risks, sometimes serious ones. On a related front, recent analysis has linked these powerful fumes directly to asthma in children from many house sources.

Formaldehyde is dangerous! Protect yourself with air purifiers that remove this gaseous fume. Get the Austin Air Filter, the HealthMate Plus, an air cleaner from the family of Austin Air Purifiers.

Formaldehyde in Salons

Recently, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) published a report on their investigation into 45 manufacturers of hair straighteners. They found that many manufacturers don't sufficiently mark their products as containing formaldehyde, some labeled products as NOT containing formaldehyde but actually did, some contain as much as 11.8 percent formaldehyde, and most salons deny risks. In their report, they label formaldehyde as a human carcinogen and potent allergen made worse when blow drying hair at 450 degrees.

They go on to report that some salon clients have has severe allergic reactions, large hair loss, neck and face rashes, and blistering scalps. These conditions were labeled "adverse events" with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These kinds of concerns have prompted a "Hazard Alert" being issued by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to salon workers who use these products.

Recently, the Los Angeles Times wrote, "State OSHA offices in California and Oregon began investigating the Brazilian Blowout and other hair smoothing products several months ago after a host of complaints from salon workers and clients reporting headaches, nosebleeds, blisters, burning eyes, vomiting, asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. Several state-level agencies -- including those in California, Oregon and Connecticut -- issued warnings about the products. Health Canada issued an outright ban."

Asthma Link to Formaldehyde

In the March release of Environmental Health Perspectives, study results on "Formaldehyde Exposure and Asthma in Children" are presented. They write, "Conclusions: Results indicate a significant positive association between formaldehyde exposure and childhood asthma." They go on further to say, "Acute exposure to formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, whereas long-term exposure has been associated with certain cancers (e.g., sinonasal) as well as asthma (Daisey et al. 2003). Exposure to formaldehyde occurs in certain occupational settings (e.g., embalmers), but exposure via formaldehyde-emitting products such as particle board, urea formaldehyde insulation, carpeting, and furniture is more common (Garrett et al. 1999)."

They also say "Much of the research regarding the health effects of formaldehyde has focused on cancer, whereas less attention has been paid to more common conditions such as asthma. In the United States, the prevalence of asthma is approximately 7% among adults and 9% among children (Akinbami et al. 2009; Moorman et al. 2007). Among adults, some studies have reported a positive association between formaldehyde and asthma (Wieslander et al. 1997), while others have not (Krzyzanowski et al. 1990). It has been suggested that certain groups, specifically children, may be particularly sensitive to formaldehyde exposure."

Conclusion

Formaldehyde, as a gaseous airborne contaminate is dangerous! It is found in salons and in our homes. Formaldehyde gases can be removed with high quality air cleaners - air purifiers that have the capacity to remove noxious gases. The HealthMate Plus, is the one for you from the Austin Air Purifiers family. The HealthMate Plus removes not only the health risks to you, but also the health risks that are linked to asthma for children.

There are some in the Senate that think polluted air is OK! In fact, amendments to the so called Small Business Bill, SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011, introduce changes that would eliminate air pollution control in the US. These amendments erode the Clean Air Act and reduce the responsibilities of the EPA to regulate the air we breathe. Coal-burning facilities will be free to expel toxic emissions and the monitoring of air quality could disappear. We should get prepared and put our air purifiers and air cleaners on HIGH, because if passed, coal-burning facilities will be unregulated and the air quality we breathe may get worse.

The EPA is the action arm of the Clean Air Act, monitoring and regulating some of the worse contributors of air pollution. Proposed amendments will eliminate, or at the very least, limit the EPA in regulating toxic emissions. Emissions into our atmosphere that contribute to climate change and are a major source of health risks.

Proposed Amendments

1. The McConnell Amendment proposes removal of all the Clean Air Act’s authority in the regulation of carbon pollution.
2. The Baucus Amendment proposes the removal of the monitoring and accounting of industry discharges. Additionally, it allows carbon producing facilities to build or modified operations without any of the required EPA regulatory oversight that exists today.
3. The Rockefeller Amendment proposes a 2 year delay for industries to implement EPA compliance mandates intended to improve carbon emission standards. In practical terms, this could mean permanent removal of EPA involvement given this kind of legislation can easily be extended. Making matters worse, the House of Representatives is also pressuring the Senate to reduce the role of the EPA regulatory controls, placing greater doubt on the fate of the EPA.

The EPA has been highly successful at reducing air pollution to 1/10 of what it was 30 years ago by enforcing air pollution guidelines established by the Clean Air Act. Coal-burning and other air polluting industries have been encouraged by the EPA to install systems that reduce polluting emissions using air purifiers and scrubbers. These industries have responded and as a result, we breathe cleaner air. This improvement trend can easily reverse if the EPA is removed from their industry role. As a result, there could be the same or greater air pollution and worse, increased airborne cancer causing toxins.

There is significant documented evidence that air pollution is linked to global warming, cardiovascular heart disease pulmonary disease (like asthma), and many other human ailments. If the Senate amendments are implemented, Americans may experience increases is airborne contamination from unregulated industries. Without mandates, these industries may implement fewer air purifiers and scrubber technologies as required by the EPA. With air pollution already at unacceptable levels throughout the US and technology upgrades for toxic pollution control slowing down, our health risks increase!

The water and the elements it contains are always changing from the influences of man-made and natural occurrences. We are getting more aware of these fluctuating water supplies, fluctuations that can alter taste and sometimes introduce health risks. Our best defense in improving these water supplies and having safe, crystal clean water is to use a water purifier, a water filter that can remove drugs, toxic metals and other dangers. We recommend Berkey Water Filters, the most effective and affordable solution in the market today.

Water sustains life. We must have water to live. A healthy body is composed of 60-70% water with every body cell dependent on water to function normally. Dehydration can be dangerous to the body, and as a consequence you can experience complications such as skin problems, fatigue, heart irregularity, temperature variations and neurological problems. Water fluid levels must be sustained to maintain a healthy body.

Imagine if the water you need to drink every day in large quantities holds undesirable elements, even in trace amounts. There seems to be a growing trend of water sources confirmed to contain one or more contaminants. Over a period of time, these contaminants can make your water strange tasting or worse, can take a toll on your body threatening your health. You need an excellent filter for your drinking water that can remove harmful bacteria, prescription drugs, chemicals, viruses, heavy metals fertilizers and a long list of additional contaminates. Berkey Filters are these water purifiers and are a significant improvement in gravity flow water filters on the market which to date - no other competitor can match. All Berkey systems that contain the Black Berkey filters are classified as water purifiers. In fact, Berkey Water Purifiers remove 99.9999999% or a log 9 reduction of pathogenic bacteria.

You can have healthier, safer drinking water. Chemicals, hormones, heavy metals and so many other dangers to your health can be removed with Berkey Water Filters. You will be able to have crystal clear water in your home, when traveling or in emergencies using this very affordable, environmentally safe solution.

Preparing for a disaster is not hard to do and emergency preparedness can make the difference in you and your family's survival. The most important critical needs are food and water. Your best choice for emergency food supply is Wise Food Storage meals and for water purification, Berkey Water Filters.

The Emergency Preparedness Plan

In a disaster, you need food, water, shelter, tools and other useful survival equipment. The following suggests emergency preparedness needs:

• Food - have an emergency food supply of quality food to sustain your family for at least a few day and preferably, an extended period of time
• Water - recommend 1 gal/day for each person per day for minimum of 3 days and a water filter system for long-term disasters.
• Battery-powered and/or hand-crank weather radio
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Tent
• Prescription medications
• Battery-powered and/or hand-crank weather radio
• Disinfectant
• Dust masks and supplies such as moist toilettes, bath tissue, garbage bags, etc.
• Basic tool box
• Important documents: personal, financial, and insurance
• Baby supplies including formula and diapers
• Pet food
• Paper towels, paper plates, paper cups, utensils,
• Matches boxed in waterproof vessel
• Sleeping bag or other weather-appropriate bedding for each person
• A weather-appropriate change of clothes for each person
• Coats, jackets, and rain gear
• Paper and pencil
• Local maps

Make sure you are always informed about potential disasters. Use the internet, news information sources and local radio to ensure that you understand what is around you at all times.

Food and Water

Food is fundamental to sustain life and at the top of the list of any emergency preparedness plan. With some emergencies lasting a very long time, it may become very difficult to find food. You will need an emergency food supply that will last for you and your family. Make sure the meals you buy will last in storage for up to 25 years and are chef-developed, great-tasting, nutrient-rich gourmet meals. The best choice for emergency food supply is Wise Food Storage meals.

Water is critical and also sits at the top of your list. Make sure you have some stored water and have the capacity to filter your own water of impurities, toxins and organic dangers from raw or treated water sources. You need a water filter system that removes the dangers to your health and delivers safe, crystal clear water in emergency conditions. The best choice is the Berkey Water Filters that come in various sizes. They are gravity-fed water purification systems that require no electric power.

Summary

Getting everything you need for emergency preparedness can be easily done. Make sure you get food and water first, because they are the most critical. Get Wise Food Storage meals for your food and the Berkey Water Filters for your water.

Dust and other airborne matter found in clouds and pushed around by the wind can carry radioactive particles. Naturally occurring processes and manmade sources can generate airborne particles that can ultimately be dangerously radioactive. Health can be endangered from radon gases, nuclear reactor particles being emitted into the air or damaged nuclear facilities created by disasters. Radon is a natural occurring decaying matter emission that is a radioactive. When airborne, radon can attach to dust and other particles. When this occurs at high concentration levels within a home , often in a basement, this space should be remediated by exhausting the contaminated air to the outside. As an extra precaution, air purifiers that have a medical grade HEPA filter meeting the DOE standards should be used to remove any residual radioactive particulates.

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is an example of a manmade facility being destroyed as a result of a natural disaster. An earthquake and tsunami severely damaged an electrical generating facility and ever since, steam carrying heavy concentrations of radioactive particulates have been released in the air. People near the site are wearing protection to prevent skin contact and face masks preventing the inhaling of contaminated particles. Most other Japanese have been asked by the Japanese government to remain in their homes until the air clears and requests that the home’s doors and windows remain closed. Contaminants within the home could remain high which is why a high quality HEPA filter should be used for removing trapped contaminates and new contaminates that may enter through cracks and leaks.

The HEPA filter was developed many years ago to protect scientists from radiation exposure found in airborne dust. Modern high quality air purifiers that contain medical grade HEPA filters are as effective as or better than filters from the 1940s at removing the extremely small invading radioactive dust. These same air purifiers can maintain a healthy fresh air environment in your home while also protecting you from future naturally occurring and manmade radiation.

Berkey Water Filters come with the most sophisticated water filter element you can find. With the use of gravity, raw water is poured in the top of the system. Water passes through the core element and cleaned of any impurities. The water flows into the bottom of the system and is ready to drink.

Tap water and untreated raw water from such sources as stagnant ponds, remote lakes, and streams can be input into the Berkey Water Filters and the output is crystal clean water. Berkey Water Filters are ideal for filtering water supplies in foreign countries where often, water sources are substandard. You are always confident that you have safe, clean water with outdoor activities and in hostile environments where electricity, water pressure or treated water may not be available.

These systems remove parasites, pathogenic bacteria, and cysts completely and extracts harmful chemicals such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), herbicides, radon 222, pesticides, organic solvents, and trihalomethanes. The Berkey Water Filters will reduce levels of nitrites, nitrates, and unhealthy minerals such as lead and mercury. Berkey Water Filters have the exceptional capacity to remove food coloring from water while still preserving beneficial minerals your body needs. There are no other water purifiers that deliver this incredible performance.

Berkey Water Filters come in five different stainless steel housings holding from 1.5 to 3.25 gal: Royal Berkey, Big Berkey, Crown Berkey, Travel Berkey, Imperial Berkey. Additionally, there is the Berkey Light, constructed of non-bpa copolyester plastic with a storage capacity of 2.75 gal.

the Conscious offers water filters that ensuring crystal clear water. We offer Berkey Water Filters. They are exceptional water purification systems that deliver fresh, clean water for you and your family. There are no better systems on the market!

There are well known health impacts to our bodies from airborne particulates and gases we breathe. Inhaling some of these may only create undetectable irritants. For others however, you can experience cold like symptoms or if concentrations are high with prolonged exposure, it can be serious if not deadly. The air quality in our homes can be 3 to 10 time more contaminated in our homes than outside air. We can easily reduce these levels along with the associated health risks with the Austin Air Purifiers.

Austin Air Purifiers are the highest quality manufactured air purifiers on the market. They have powerful fans that draw untreated air within the home or office into a pre-filter. The pre-filter removes the large particles of dust and debris. Next, the air is drawn into a medical grade filter called the High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filter, removing 99.97% of particulates as small as .3 micron. Finally, the air passes through a significant amount of activated carbon/blend. The carbon filtering removes the smells and the potentially dangerous gases called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Mold spores, allergens, chemical gases, dust, dander, odors and many other sources of health risk concerns are removed.

the Conscious carries the Austin Air Purifier family of air purifiers including: The National Sleep Association Bedroom Machine by Austin Air, HealthMate Plus, HealthMate, Allergy Machine, Babys Breath and the Pet Machine. The can come in a standard size for spaces up to 1500 sq/ft or jr sizes for spaces up to 700 sq/ft.

With all the breathing we do and the many sources of airborne irritant and pollutants, the Conscious offer the Austin Air Purifiers. With thousands upon thousands of satisfied customers and leading experts agreeing, the Austin Air Purifiers remove airborne pollution before they can affect your health.

Food is fundamental to sustain life. At home, cooking a meal can be easy. What if power goes out, you get flooded, there is an extreme emergency, you are camping or maybe and you can not get to the store? What will you do for food? the Conscious considered these very serious questions that need to be answered. That is why we offer the best value, high quality storage food, the Wise Food Storage meals. The Wise Foods provide an extensive variety of great-tasting, gourmet meals that your family will love. Within minutes, your meals are prepared just by adding water. These quality meals are exceptionally healthy for you because they are packed with nutrient rich ingredients. We have breakfast, lunch and dinner meals that are dependable, simple and affordable food for you family for years to come.

You will be prepared with great food for shortages, camping, man-made or natural disasters, illness, and emergencies with our Ready-Made Food Storage Meals. You will have peace of mind knowing you are ready to feed the family and need not worry about future food concerns. You will have food that tastes great and can last for as much as 25 years on you self! This food is encased in an airtight NITROGEN-PACKED durable plastic container. Investing in Wise meals saves you thousands of dollars over time for your simple camping trips or for the unplanned extreme emergencies in the future.

These are delicious meals developed by professional chefs for adults and children. They are freeze-dried and dehydrated components carefully sealed in 4-serving mylar pouches. When re-hydrated and heated, you get the wonderful aroma of fine food and a very tasty meal.

It takes 10 to 12 minutes after water is added to the meals for you and your family to feast on a hearty, tasty and nutritious meal. Get you food today by ordering from the Conscious. Get your Wise Food Storage Meals and be ready for anything.