In Atlanta, some of the more progressive, ?high end?, pet boarding facilities (kennels) and veterinary clinics and specialists are doing something to improve your pet?s IaQ. That?s ?Indoor Air Quality?, not Intelligence Quotient. These businesses are providing a healthy environment of clean, purified air in their facilities, using a unique and safe technology to eliminate most of the harmful things in the air that your pets breathe. The results are healthier, livelier, more alert pets and a healthier, happier staff. Pets suffer the same respiratory ailments as their human families, such as asthma, allergies, colds and chronic fatigue created by the air they breathe indoors, in addition to some unique ailments, such as ?kennel cough?. And, pets (along with their human friends) are spending almost 90% of their time indoors. Pollen and air pollution and smog are all present outdoors during those Red Alert days. But the fact is that we have effectively sealed our families and pets inside with some very harmful things in the process of conserving energy. IAQ, or Indoor Air Quality, is a key concern these days.

Many of the major health agencies, including the EPA, World Health Organization and CDC are concerned about the quality of our indoor air. Indoor air pollution consists of three major categories:

? Particulates- are dust, dander, soot, pollen and smoke particles
? Gases/Odors- can include toluene, benzene, formaldehyde, ethyl benzene, styrene,
chloroform, acetone, etc. that are released from furniture, insulation and cleaning chemicals and insect sprays, not to mention pollution particles dragged in on our clothes. Many of these are carcinogenic.
? Microbes- are bacteria, germs, viruses, fungi, spores and mold.

Although these pollutants are present throughout our living space, many lurk around floor level, where pets (and children) spend a lot of their time living, playing and sleeping.

Mechanical filters, even HEPA filters, can clean the air of most of the particulates, but they are ?passive? and the air must be pulled through a device to treat it. In addition, these filters have to be cleaned or replaced frequently. Scented candles and sprays can eliminate some of the odors, but not the harmful gases, and once again are local fixes. Disinfectant sprays and cleaning can treat areas for a short period of time, in an immediate area, but the problem can return.

This new technology, however, is totally electronic, is proven safe and is affordable. It is a free standing ?active? system that treats the air in-place and does not require the air to be drawn to a device. It has been improved over the years and is currently available to make your home or business a safer place to live. The applications are limitless. Visit www.freshair2u.info for more information.

Bruce Bley is founder of BCB Associates, a marketing and environmental consulting firm that deals with issues pertaining to family health and wellness. He has a B.S. Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, an MBA from University of Hartford as well as numerous corporate sponsored management training programs conducted by major universities

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