How High Are Your Indoor Air Quality Standards?

I recently became aware of one of this Country's watchdog agency's standards for ensuring the indoor environmental quality of their facilities. All, I could say was, "Holy Cow, they're finally getting it" !!

The CDC, (Center for Disease Control & Prevention), is a government-based agency that was founded in 1942. They are staffed with over 15,000 highly educated engineers, doctors, biologists, chemists, toxicologists and more. These are the folks that keep us up-to-date on local health issues up to biological threats to our population.

Apparently, this educated and informed agency has set very high standards for Indoor air quality in all of their facilities. The standards have been set to protect the health of their employees and customers, as well as lowering their liabilities to them. In the guidelines, they've even established the types of cleaners, etc., that will be used.

Here's a recap of their Housekeeping Guidelines:

CDC will ensure the products used in the workplace, such as soaps, cleaning products, paints, etc. are safe and odor-free or emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the fullest extent feasible. Only GREEN CLEANING (emphasis mine), products shall be specified and used within CDC facilities and leased spaces unless otherwise approved by the Office of Health and Safety.

They also have a laundry list of "Non-Permissible Products":

Scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior space owned, rented, or leased by CDC. This includes the use of:

• Incense, candles, or reed diffusers


• Fragrance-emitting devices of any kind


• Wall-mounted devices, similar to fragrance emitting devices, that operate automatically or by pushing a button to dispense deodorizers or disinfectants


• Potpourri


• Plug-in or spray air fresheners


• Urinal or toilet blocks


• Other fragrance deodorizer/re-odorizer products

Personal care products (e.g. colognes, perfumes, essential oils, scented skin and hair products) should not be applied at or near actual workstations, restrooms, or anywhere in CDC owned or leased buildings.

In addition, CDC encourages employees to be as fragrance-free as possible when they arrive in the workplace. Fragrance is not appropriate for a professional work environment, and use of some products with fragrance may be detrimental to the health of workers with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, and chronic headaches/migranes.

Do you know anyone who has regular issues with the above mentioned chemical sensitivies, allergies, asthma and chronic headaches/migrances?

Is it possible that some of their health issues may be a direct result of exposure to some of the CDC's mentioned "non-permissable products"?

Do the research and check out our non-toxic cleaners and personal care products. It may end up being a life-changing experience for you and others around you.

Swine Flu aka H1N1

Some people that I know, believe that all the commotion about Swine Flu (H1N1), is exaggerated more than the reality of the situation. Of course, none of these folks that I know, are experts in the health arena, nor am I! But, it never hurts to be proactive when it comes to your health. So, I looked around for some basic, common sense, information on this topic.

My first questions was, "What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people"? After all, I'd like to know what this invisible beast looks like. Per the CDC (Center For Disease Control & Prevention), the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention in children included:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention in adults included:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

What you can do to protect yourself?:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

As I mentioned above, being proactive towards your health, is the best medicine that anyone can practice. Common knowledge these days, tells us that the foods that we consume don't provide enough natural supplementation that most folks need. That's why it's a good idea to research and consider natural health supplements to improve one's overall health. Additionally, a good immune booster wouldn't be a bad addition, especially with everything going on right now. Lastly, don't forget to separate/remove yourself, from as many toxins as you reasonably can.