Breathing Easy at Home:
Indoor Air Pollution and Your Health
By Ellen J. Matheson

Living a holistic lifestyle involves much more than eating nutritious food and getting adequate exercise and rest. Creating a healthy indoor environment is also necessary to achieve and maintain optimum health. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution can be up to 10 times as high as outdoors and is considered one of the top five health risks in America. When ventilation is inadequate, high concentrations of airborne pollutants accumulate in the air within your home or office. Add heat or humidity and the levels of concentration rise even higher. With continual exposure to polluted air, your health and wellbeing is certainly at risk.

There are many kinds of pollutants that contribute to bad air quality. It’s very likely that you’ve heard of the dangers of toxic mold and mildew lurking in your home, and many know firsthand the allergenic intensity of dust, mites, pollen and dander that accumulate in the air. You may also be aware that second hand smoke contributes a host of pollutants to the air and presents many serious health risks and that gas stoves, heaters, and fireplaces can add deadly carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide to your environment. Repeated exposure to any one of these airborne substances can cause serious health conditions ranging from asthma to organ damage to cancer. However, what you may not have heard is that the largest contribution to indoor air pollution comes from the fumes emitted by the thousands of ordinary household, personal care and office items. They are ubiquitous, and unfortunately, they may be dangerously toxic to you, your children and your pets.

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are noxious fumes that are emitted from various items such as paint, lacquer, solvents and wood preservatives; glues and adhesives; permanent markers; cleaning products and disinfectants; moth balls and bug sprays; air fresheners (including synthetically scented candles and incense) and aerosol sprays. Personal care items that may emit VOCs include dry-cleaned clothing, hair dyes, nail polish and remover, synthetically based perfume, cologne or aftershave (including heavily perfumed shampoos, soaps and lotions), depilatory products such as Nair, aerosol deodorants and hair sprays. Office supplies such as printer toners, correction fluids, and dry erase markers as well as pressed board furniture and synthetic fibers found in carpet and upholstery also add VOCs to the indoor environment.

The EPA states that VOCs are a primary source of indoor air pollution and recognizes that exposure may cause serious short-term and long-term health risks for people of all ages and their pets. Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies conducted during the 1990s by the EPA showed levels of many common VOCs, including formaldehyde, trichloroethylene (TCE), and benzene, to be up to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of industrial or rural location. These studies also indicated that people expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels by using products containing organic chemicals. Elevated concentrations of these fumes can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.

Health Risks
Exposure to VOCs may contribute to many serious health conditions including asthma, brain, lung, liver and kidney damage, and cancer. Effects of exposure may be experienced immediately or delayed for years, after a single exposure or after repeated exposures. Reactions may be mild or severe and depend largely on the age, overall state of health and constitution of the individual. According to the EPA, “Age and preexisting medical conditions are two important influences. In other cases, whether a person reacts to a pollutant depends on individual sensitivity, which varies tremendously from person to person. Some people can become sensitized to biological pollutants after repeated exposures, and it appears that some people can become sensitized to chemical pollutants as well.” Small children experience the highest risk of exposure and potential damage.

Signs and symptoms of toxic exposure to VOCs are numerous and often mimic other conditions such as colds or flu, often making it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Key symptoms to look for if you suspect toxic exposure include red, scratchy or otherwise irritated eyes, nose, or throat; headaches, dizziness, loss of coordination, nausea or vomiting; skin reactions such as itchiness, rashes, hives, or other sensitivity; lung irritation, coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing; nosebleeds; or unexplained fatigue.

Solutions for Limiting Exposure
The EPA recommends that you limit exposure to hazardous airborne chemicals first by identifying and removing the source(s) of contamination. The next step is to increase ventilation and circulation by cleaning vents, ducts and air filters regularly. Maintaining humidity levels between 35 and 65 percent is also suggested and can be accomplished by adding an assortment of live green plants to the indoor area. In extreme cases, controlling relative humidity with a humidifier or dehumidifier is also advised.

HEPA filters, although they work very well to remove particles, do very little to eliminate VOCs from the air. Houseplants do much better, and research first conducted in the 1980s by NASA reported that particular plant species effectively lower VOC levels. In 1984, NASA’s senior research scientist Dr. Bill Wolverton tested houseplants for their ability to maintain clean air. Dr. Wolverton’s research concluded that philodendrons and golden pothos greatly controlled formaldehyde; gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums eliminated benzene; and pot mums and peace lilies were highly rated for TCE removal. Other studies have reported that spider plants rapidly detoxify formaldehyde, English Ivy reduces second-hand smoke, and the snake plant clears the air of chemical odors from household cleaners. Other beneficial houseplants include Chinese Evergreen, Ficus, and Dracaena.

In addition to limiting exposure, it is strongly recommended that you follow an internal detoxification program designed to cleanse chemical accumulations from your body. Toxins accumulate in the liver, kidneys, lungs and colon, as well as in fatty tissue including the brain. Over time, this toxic waste stored in your cells erodes your health and steals your vitality, with chronic, life-threatening illness a result. A well-designed and -directed detoxification program will remove the toxins from your body and will also nourish your organs. This will help to restore and improve functioning and maintain wellness. For more information on detoxification or to discuss specific options, please contact your holistic health practitioner or the author.

Ellen J. Matheson is an artist, massage therapist and holistic health practitioner in Sherman Oaks, CA. She has first-hand experience in dealing with Environmental sensitivities and is currently working towards certification in Holistic Nutrition and a doctorate in Traditional Naturopathy. Ellen can be contacted via email at ellenjmatheson@yahoo.com.

Footnotes
1.) “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality” EPA Document #402-K-93-007, April 1995; http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html.
2.) US Environmental Protection Agency, “Sources of Indoor Air Pollution - Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds – VOCs)”, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html.
3.) Ibid.
4.) Ibid.
5.) “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality”, EPA Document #402-K-93-007, April 1995; http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html.
6.) US Environmental Protection Agency, “Sources of Indoor Air Pollution - Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds – VOCs)”, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html.
7.) Rembert, Tracey C. "Living Filter: Do Houseplants Really Improve Indoor Air?" July-Aug. 1998; http://www.questia.com.
8.) Knopper, Melissa. "Clearing the Air: How to Breathe Easier at Home." July-Aug. 2005; http://www.questia.com .

Book Review: The Promise of Energy Psychology: Revolutionary Tools for Dramatic Personal Change By David Feinstein, PhD, Donna Eden & Gary Craig

What if there were a tool you could use to successfully erase long-standing emotional trauma, crippling phobias, and even physical aches and pains within minutes…without talk therapy and without medication? What if this same tool would help you finally drop deeply inbedded bad habits, and simultaneously enhance your ability to love, succeed and enjoy life? Would that tool interest you? If so, then you need to get your hands on a copy of Feinstein, Eden and Craig’s book, The Promise of Energy Psychology, which explores the new and burgeoning field of energy psychology in a very accessible, down-to-earth and immediately functional manner.

“Your emotional health, your success in the world, and your level of joy can all be dramatically enhanced by shifting the energies that regulate them. That is the promise of the fascinating new field of energy psychology.” (Page 1)

Energy psychology centers around the stimulation and manipulation of the body’s energies to shift your neurology and actually alter the patterns in your brain that maintain unwanted habits, emotional responses, and self-limiting thinking. At the center of The Promise of Energy Psychology is the instructional use of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a relative of acupuncture and acupressure. Indeed, some call EFT “acutapping,” because rather than piercing the skin with needles or massaging certain points on the body, the client “taps” on these points with his or her fingers. When combined with focused intent, such tapping can facilitate extraordinarily rapid healing on many levels.

Readers are introduced to the fundamentals of energy psychology and shown through the use of illustrations where to tap on the body to affect desired changes. These instructions are supplemented with case studies, which demonstrate how individuals have used energy psychology to shift from some form of ill health or blocked state to one of increased calm, physical and mental wellness and joy. While readers are encouraged to find a qualified practitioner to aid in their healing process, The Promise of Energy Psychology offers everyone a “basic recipe” for success, as well as tips on how to focus in on problems, empower potentials, and cultivate emotional intelligence.

“Just as emotional intelligence is vital to a child’s ability to thrive personally and socially, skills in understanding and working with your body’s overall energies can be vital to your psychological and physical health.” (Page 196)

The last third of the book introduces and explores the topic of the body’s subtle energy systems. As with the systems of the physical body, what’s known as the “energetic body” or “human energy field” also has its varying systems, each with its own purpose and function. Based on Eden’s extensive experience and skill with viewing and working with these subtle energies, The Promise of Energy Psychology presents an easy-to-follow, illustrated guide to strengthening, tonifying and otherwise working with the body’s energies. An assortment of energy-enhancing and –balancing exercises is provided from which readers can select and personalize a daily routine that will encourage wellness of both the body and mind.

Energy psychology is a rapidly expanding field with incredible potential for health professionals and laypeople, alike. Having a tool of transformation like EFT literally at your fingertips is one of the best ways to experience the healing potential of the mind and body. As an EFT practitioner myself, I highly recommend this book to you.

David Feinstein, PhD , is a clinical psychologist who serves as national director of the Energy Medicine Institute. Donna Eden, one of the eminent energy healers of our times, has been teaching people how to understand their body’s energies for more than a quarter century. Gary Craig, author and presenter, holds a degree in engineering from Stanford University and is the founder of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), one of the most widely used energy psychology techniques today.

Ryan N. Harrison, MA is a Holistic Health Educator/Consultant with a private practice (http://www.BeWholeBeWell.com).

GCNM Graduate Profile
Rose Forbes, NC

My name is Rose and I am a graduate of GCNM's Nutritional Consultant program. I have followed the path of a healthy and natural lifestyle for over 12 years. I found GCNM's program after comparing it to similar online certifications. After reviewing the curriculum, course offerings, and tuition programs, it was easy to choose GCNM. When I received all of my materials, I was pleasantly surprised to see that many of the books I've already read and supported were included, such as materials by Dr. Andrew Weil and John Robbins in Diet for a New America. I completed the program in about 3 months and was glad to know that the faculty was just a phone call away to answer any questions or clarify anything I was unsure about.

With my Nutritional Consultant certification I've been able to help my 23-year-old daughter cleanse and rid herself of a variety of ailments, including PMS, Candidiasis, and mercury toxicity. I've also used my certification, along with my own research, to develop presentations and educational seminars for parenting groups. My specialty is in the relationship between food intolerance and attention/behavior problems in children.

I am now enrolled in GCNM’s Holistic Health Practitioner course. I believe the additional knowledge of herbs, alternative therapies, and healing methods will help me as I build my new Bed and Breakfast business. Green Mountain Bed & Breakfast in Asheville , NC ( http://www.greenmountainbb.com) will focus on serving organic and natural foods. We'll also plan to offer Health Retreats for guests who would like to cleanse and detoxify with juicing and raw foods.

I feel lucky to have been led to this path, as I know my 6-year-old daughter will benefit by growing up knowing natural ways to eat and live. My thanks to GCNM for allowing me to continue my education in natural health within the comfort of my own home and on my own schedule.

___________________________________
[You can learn more about the Global College of Natural Medicine by logging on at www.GCNM.com, where you will find details on the school, its programs, tuition, and contact information.]

Motivational Tips
How Long Does It Really Take?
By Grace L. Judson  

I have a friend who actually knows how to work all the functions on his Ironman watch – you know, the timer, the split-lap timer, the alarm, the countdown timer. I don't know if it's an obsession with him, or simply something he does to keep himself amused, but he times everything. He can tell you how long it takes his coffeepot to finish making coffee and how long a particular traffic light stays red.

Perhaps with his example in mind, I've recently started looking at how long certain tasks take – especially the ones I don't really want to do. Not being as familiar with my (much less fancy) watch's functions, I take the cruder approach of simply writing down when I start something, and then noting when it's done.

It turns out, somewhat to my embarrassment, that I've been spending far more time debating with myself over whether to do these tasks than it actually takes to complete them once I get moving. For instance, my grumbling over the cat fur on the floor may last for days before I finally drag out the vacuum cleaner and spend eight minutes – eight minutes! – vacuuming the house. Mowing the lawn? Fifteen minutes apiece front and back, with another fifteen minutes each if I edge and weed-whack.

Suddenly, my productivity horizons have opened wide. Why am I pouring my valuable energy into procrastination and complaints, if it truly only takes a few minutes to do what I'm fussing about?

As a nation, we are working longer and longer hours and – predictably enough – accomplishing less and less. Work-life balance is suddenly important enough that multi-million-dollar corporations are hiring external consultants and trainers to conduct work-life studies and workshops, and featuring the results on the human-resources pages of their websites. Time management and personal productivity are long past being trendy; they've become so ingrained in corporate culture that they're cliches. And as a nation, we continue struggling with overwhelm, stress, and guilt – guilt that we're not doing enough for our families or our careers, never mind how and if we're taking care of ourselves.

We all have a different tolerance for the level of overwhelm we can handle. I'm certainly not suggesting that overwhelm would vanish if we eliminated procrastination and grumbling (if that were even possible!). And I'm well aware that a certain amount of procrastination is simply part of the creative process.

I do wonder, though, how much productivity is being poured into avoidance rather than accomplishment. I know I'm certainly taking a closer look at how I'm spending my time, especially on those days when my to-do list seems to be multiplying alarmingly. And I challenge you to examine your day and ask yourself the simple question: What one thing can I do right now that will bring me closer to my goal?

Then do it! (And let me know how long it takes!)

"Action is at bottom a swinging and flailing of the arms to regain one's balance and keep afloat." Eric Hoffer, 1902 – 1983; American longshoreman, philosopher, and author.

© Grace L. Judson; http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Judson13.html

About the Author: Grace Judson is the founder and driving force behind Svaha Concepts. She works with powerful women who appear successful on the outside, but struggle with feelings of discouragement and defeat on the inside. For more articles like this, sign up for the free Svaha Concepts newsletter. Grace offers a free weekly teleclass Stress Management for the Insanely Busy, open to all! View the list of upcoming topics, listen to previously-recorded classes, and sign up: Stress Management.

 

Global Health Newsletter brought to you
 by the Global College of Natural Medicine
and  Global Institute For Alternative Medicine