Tag: KenkoAir Purifier®

You Can Create a Sleep Sanctuary

Published on by Nikken

Sleeping well is a challenge for many people. Often, it’s because keeping up with the demands of family, friends and work can cause a huge amount of stress. The result is that neither body nor mind can decompress enough to get a good night’s sleep.

Fortunately, there are actual steps you can take to create a “sleep sanctuary,” some place pleasant and cozy, relaxing and soothing:

1. Perhaps the most important item in a sleep sanctuary is the bed. Regardless of the type of frame you choose for your bed, the mattress is important and should suit your personal needs. Do you like firm, medium or soft? More importantly, what type of mattress suits your spine? For example, even if you prefer a soft, cushy mattress, if your spine is weak, you would probably be better off with a firm mattress, because it affords more support.

Solution: No matter what type of mattress you currently have, the Kenko Naturest® Fit is a topper that sits right under your fitted sheet, in twin, full, queen or king sizes. The Fit is made with sculptured rubberthane latex, which provides massaging effects while allowing for air circulation and ceramic reflective fibers that help regulate body temperatures. 800 gauss magnets create a magnetic field which cocoons the body for relaxation to help improve sleep. Tourmaline gives off electrons that help create calming effects when exposed to pressure, heat or motion, which is provided by your own body as it lays on top of the Fit.

2. Just as the Kenko Naturest® Fit supports your comfort, what your skin actually touches also can make a difference in how well you sleep. Choose linen that feels the most comfortable for you. Invest in natural fabrics, such as cotton, flannel, flax or even silk. Manmade fabrics do not allow air to circulate as freely and may even cause itchy or sweaty skin. Natural fabrics help regular temperatures—cools in hot months and warms in cold ones.

3. Do the breath test of your bedroom or wherever you want your sleep sanctuary to be. Inhale in and out slowly. What do you smell? Since you will be spending all night in the sleep sanctuary, you need to make sure the air is fresh. Stale or unpleasant odors are not conducive to restful sleep. If there is a window, make sure to keep it open at least for a few hours every day so the room has outside air flowing through. Indoor air often contains more contaminants than outdoor air! Dust, pet dander, pollen and odors are typically in household air. Mold, mildew and dust mites may be present. Even gases such as radon and carbon monoxide are found in measurable quantities in many homes.

Solution: Whether you have a window or not, the KenkoAir Purifier®provides multiple-stage HEPA filtration, is energy efficient and includes a deodorizing filter. It operates quietly, is ozone-free and has a negative-ion generator.

4. Many people enjoy the aroma of essential oils. Lavender and cedarwood are examples of essential oils that people choose to de-stress and relax for better sleep.

5. Is your sleep sanctuary dark? Sleep scientists agree that a cool, dark environment is ideal for sleep. You can use black out curtains or wear a sleep mask.

Solution: The Kenko Power Sleep Mask not only helps block out light like a typical eye mask. It also helps relax the entire eye area, using similar technologies to those found in the Kenko Naturest® Fit. The Power Sleep Mask is made with patented Dynaflux® magnetic technology, ceramic reflective fibers and tourmaline technology which helps produce a calming effect. When your eyes are relaxed, you have a much better chance at sleeping through the night.

6. A sleep sanctuary is for rest. Your best bet is to create an environment that is natural—you might want a few green plants, but try to limit the clutter. For example, you don’t need to keep piles of books or clothes in a sleep sanctuary. Instead, hang simple photos or art on the walls and limit the amount of unnecessary furniture or accessories. In other words, create a space that you look forward to retiring in every night!

From now through October 31st, take advantage of free ground shipping on any size Makura Sleep Pack and other select Kenko Sleep products!

Breathe Easier: How Air Ionizers Can Be Beneficial

Published on by Nikken

We often don’t think about the air we breathe, but it can be filled with allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold—often invisible to the eye but affecting our health. These particles can be particularly troublesome for people with allergies or asthma. But there’s good news: air ionizers can help reduce allergens in the air, creating a healthier home.

An air ionizer works by releasing negatively charged ions into the air. These ions attach to positively charged particles, causing them to clump together and become heavy enough to settle out of the air or more easily captured by filters.

Why Should You Consider Using an Air Ionizer?

If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms or just want cleaner air in your home, an air ionizer could make a big difference. Here’s how:

  1. Reduces Allergens
    Air ionizers help reduce the presence of common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust from the air, which can help ease allergy symptoms and make breathing easier.
  2. Better Sleep Quality
    An air ionizer can help remove airborne allergens that could disrupt your rest, promoting a more restful sleep.
  3. Creates a Healthier Environment
    Even if you don’t suffer from allergies, cleaner air improves the overall atmosphere in your home, making it fresher and more comfortable for everyone.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Air Ionizer

To ensure you’re getting the most benefit from your air ionizer:

  • Place it strategically in a central area where the air circulates throughout the room.
  • Clean your home regularly to prevent allergens from settling back into the air.
  • Maintain the ionizer by following the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.

Empower Your Environment with Cleaner Air

Air ionizers are a simple yet effective way to help improve your indoor air quality. By reducing allergens and pollutants in the air, they help you create a healthier, more comfortable living space, allowing you to breathe easier and feel your best. To further enhance your air quality, combine an air ionizer with an air purifier!

Sources:

  1. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. “Air Purifiers and Their Effectiveness.” www.aaaai.org.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Indoor Air Quality.” www.cdc.gov.

About the Author

Stephanie Rosado is a journalist and marketing professional with a global perspective. She studied journalism abroad at DMJX in Denmark and Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia, and earned her degree from San Francisco State University. With over five years of experience in marketing, Stephanie specializes in social media strategy and creative writing, blending storytelling and strategy to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Gut Health Matters: Supporting Your Gut Barrier for Overall Wellness

Published on by Nikken

An Educational Look at Gut Permeability and Why It’s Worth Your Attention

Imagine pouring a glass of water from your tap and seeing it cloudy with debris. Would you drink it? Most of us wouldn’t. Instead, many rely on advanced water filtration systems to purify and enhance the quality of what we consume.

Now, think of your gut barrier as a filtration system for your body. It plays a key role in supporting digestion and overall wellness by selectively allowing nutrients to pass into your bloodstream while helping regulate exposure to other particles. Some researchers suggest that when this system is under stress, it may become more permeable—an area of growing scientific interest. While the term “leaky gut” is sometimes used to describe this phenomenon, it is not a recognized medical condition. Instead, ongoing research is exploring how gut permeability may be influenced by lifestyle factors and how maintaining gut health may contribute to overall well-being.

Just as you wouldn’t compromise on clean water, supporting your gut barrier could be a proactive step toward feeling your best.

What Influences Gut Barrier Health?

Think of your gut barrier as a tightly woven mesh, composed of specialized cells that regulate what enters the bloodstream. When functioning optimally, this barrier allows properly digested nutrients to be absorbed while maintaining balance in the digestive system. However, certain lifestyle factors may challenge this balance, according to some studies:

•Diets high in processed foods or unhealthy fats

•Ongoing stress or poor sleep quality

•Frequent use of antibiotics or certain medications

•High intake of alcohol or sugar

Some research suggests that these factors may affect proteins (such as Claudin-3 and Zonulin-1) that help maintain the gut lining’s integrity, potentially leading to increased permeability. While more studies are needed, maintaining a balanced diet and adopting healthy lifestyle habits may support gut function and digestive wellness.

Signs Your Gut Might Need Support

Gut health plays a vital role in overall well-being, but subtle signs of imbalance can sometimes go unnoticed. Consider the following:

Do you experience occasional bloating or digestive discomfort? Do you sometimes feel fatigued or experience brain fog? Are you finding it challenging to maintain energy levels and a balanced metabolism?

If you answered yes to any of these, your gut may benefit from extra care. While maintaining gut health through diet, lifestyle, and possibly supplements may help, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Final Thoughts: Caring for Your Gut Like You Care for Your Water

Would you knowingly drink unfiltered, contaminated water? Probably not. Similarly, prioritizing gut health may contribute to overall wellness, as it plays a vital role in nutrient absorption and digestion.

While research continues to explore gut permeability and its broader implications, one thing remains clear—a balanced diet, stress management, and mindful lifestyle choices can all contribute to gut health.

Explore ways to support your gut health today—because just as you wouldn’t compromise on clean drinking water, nurturing your gut barrier is a step toward feeling your best.

Suggested Further Reading: · Groschwitz KR, Hogan SP (July 2009). “Intestinal barrier function: molecular regulation and disease pathogenesis”. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 124 (1): 3–20, quiz 21–2.

· Bischoff SC, Barbara G, Buurman W, Ockhuizen T, Schulzke JD, Serino M, Tilg H, Watson A, Wells JM (Nov 18, 2014). “Intestinal permeability–a new target for disease prevention and therapy”. BMC Gastroenterology (Review). 14: 189. · Canakis, Andrew; Haroon, Mustafa; Weber, H. Christian (2020). “Irritable bowel syndrome and gut microbiota”. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity. 27: 28–35.

· Tsung-Ru Wu et al., 2019. Gut commensal Parabacteroides goldsteinii plays a predominant role in the anti-obesity effects of polysaccharides isolated from Hirsutella sinensis. Gut, 68(2):248-262

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided does not constitute medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

About the Author:

Dr. Rob is a nutrition and fitness expert with a PhD from The Ohio State University. He has led innovation in dietary supplements and functional foods for top wellness brands and now serves as Chief Science Officer for TCI BIOTECH US & Americas. An author of four books and over 100 research papers, he works globally with athletes and health professionals to optimize performance and well-being.

Clean Air for a Better Life

Published on by Nikken

“To breathe is to live.” That is one of the basic facts of life; however, not all air is the same. Did you know that air pollution is the largest external threat to human health worldwide? That means air pollution kills more people than tobacco and shortens average life expectancy by 2.2. years. It’s also the second leading cause of death in young children, with malnutrition being the first.1

Breathing is the process of “gas exchange.” When you inhale, air enters your lungs and oxygen moves to your bloodstream. When you exhale, carbon dioxide, otherwise known as waste gas, moves from the blood to the lungs to be expelled.2 What you breathe in makes a big difference to your health. Invisible particles in the air can penetrate the cells and organs of your body—not only the lungs but also the heart, bloodstream and brain. Air pollution is a major risk factor, and the World Health Organization estimates that 99% of people globally breathe air that exceeds their guideline limits for pollutants.3

Exposure to air pollutants, cigarette smoke and microplastics can damage the airways. Whereas clean air supplies the necessary oxygen to the lungs and is transported throughout the entire body, constantly breathing in polluted air can have dire consequences. Bad air not only causes a host of physical ailments but also poses major threats to the global economy. Simply put, people call out sick from work with respiratory issues more often than virtually any other complaint. The World Bank estimates that the health damage caused by air pollution costs $8.1 trillion a year, equivalent to 6.1% of global GDP, or 1.2 billion lost work days.4

Although you may not be in control of the outdoor air that you breathe, some countries are taking air pollution seriously and implementing healthy measures. For example, China has adopted a range of clean air measures since 2014. Researchers contend these changes have cut their air pollution in half, and attribute the regaining of two years of average life expectancy and a dramatic reduction in stillbirths in recent years to the improved air quality.5

Nikken has contributed to the betterment of indoor air for years with the HEPA 13 multi-stage filtration system known as the KenkoAir Purifier®. Simply replace the filters every six months and keep the reusable pre-filter/mesh filter clean. It makes sense to have them wherever you live, especially if you have babies or the elderly living with you, as they are most susceptible to the negative effects of polluted air.

1, 3, 4, 5 https://www.cleanairfund.org/theme/facts-and-stats/

2 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/lungs#:~:text=When%20you%20inhale%20(breathe%20in,exchange%2C%20is%20essential%20to%20life.

Can Napping or Extra Weekend Rest Make Up for Lost Sleep?

Published on by Nikken

Almost everyone experiences sleep loss or deprivation at some point in their lives. Whether it’s from being a new parent or an overly demanding job, the results of sleep loss can range from mild crankiness to poor performance and when chronic, a shorter lifespan.

According to sleep medicine specialist Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep you need and how much you actually get. Taking a nap is one way most people try to make up for lost sleep. Over the past several decades, research has shown that a mid-afternoon nap lasting as few as 10 to 20 minutes may help you feel more refreshed during the day. A mid-afternoon nap may also increase working memory, learning and mental acuity for a few hours.1

Another way people try to catch up on lost sleep is to sleep in on the weekends, or whichever days are not work days. In 2018, a long-term study found that folks who slept four, five or six hours a night during the week, then caught up on weekends, lived longer than those who remained sleep-deprived all week long. A 2020 study found that catch-up sleep was associated with better health outcomes than just staying sleep deprived.2

While both napping and sleeping in on weekends may help ease symptoms like fatigue or daytime sleepiness, research has shown that it can take up to four days to recover from one hour of lost sleep and up to nine days to completely eliminate sleep debt. A full recovery from sleep debt returns our body to its baseline, reducing the negative effects associated with sleep loss.3

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sleep-deprived people sleep more deeply, which equates to more restful sleep. Therefore, when trying to make up for lost sleep, you don’t need to make up each hour with an hour. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer recommends compensating for sleep debt by going to bed 30 minutes to an hour earlier each night, taking short naps that last 15-30 minutes during the day, and adjusting your schedule so you can wake up a little bit later each morning. 4

To avoid sleep loss, stay on a set sleep schedule to keep circadian rhythms in sync, take short naps when possible if fatigued, avoid screen time at least 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime, limit caffeine intake and keep your sleep environment pitch black or as dark as possible.

Sleep is not the only thing that keeps you energetic and alert! Breathing in clean air and hydrating throughout the day are also crucial. You have until the end of this month to take advantage of the 20% discount on select air and water filters! Make 2025 the year you keep your KenkoAir Purifiers® and PiMag® water filtration systems functioning optimally with filters changed on time!

1, 3 https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/sleep-debt-and-catch-up-sleep

2, 4 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/insomnia-can-you-make-up-for-lost-sleep-on-weekends

Nature Knows Best How to Nurture

Published on by Nikken

Those of us born before electronic devices were invented, grew up quite differently from the children of today. We were told to “go outside and play” and we had a fair amount of unmonitored time. Granted, not every kid has the luxury of living in or near nature, but just being outdoors under the sky and breathing in natural air is now being studied more and more—because the benefits appear to be substantial.

From a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.1 Much of the research being conducted currently focuses on parks and forests, known as “green spaces” but “blue spaces” are beginning to be studied as well. Blue spaces are identified as places with river and ocean views. In other words, no matter the color of nature you choose to be in, you will somehow feel uplifted.

Lisa Nisbet, PHD, a psychologist at Trent University in Ontario, Canada, studies connectedness to nature. She says, “You can boost your mood just by walking in nature, even in urban nature. And the sense of connection you have with the natural world seems to contribute to happiness even when you’re not physically immersed in nature.”2 But why does this happen? Why does nature make us feel better? Scientists have come up with different theories.

The biophilia hypothesis argues that since our ancestors evolved in the wild and relied on the environment for survival, we have an innate drive to connect with nature. The stress reduction hypothesis posits that spending time in nature triggers a physiological response that lowers stress levels. And, the attention restoration theory holds that nature replenishes our cognitive resources, which in turn restores our ability to focus.3 Regardless of theories, experimental findings show that even a few moments of green space can revive a tired brain, and nature sounds, such as bird calls or crickets chirping, can also be recuperative.

John Zelenski, PhD, a psychology professor at Carelton University, says that another unproven explanation about the beneficial aspects of nature is the emotion awe. “There are some hints that awe is associated with generosity, and nature can be a way to induce awe. One of the things that may come from awe is the feeling that individual is part of a much bigger whole.”4

Alison Pritchard, PhD at the University of Derby in England, had similar findings: people who feel more connected to nature have a type of contentment that goes beyond just feeling good and includes having meaningful purpose in life.5 So, choose your blue or green space, even for a few minutes a day, and feel lighter, more energetic or even purposeful!

During the entire month of December, get the KenkoAir Purifier® for 30% off and benefit from three-level filtration and negative ion technology. You’ll be inhaling clean, ozone-free air wherever you place it! Also get the KenkoGround® to keep you connected to nature even when you’re indoors—at 20% off!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

Do You Get the Right Amount of Rest to Feel Renewed?

Published on by Nikken

According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, many people misinterpret the meaning of rest. She says that “anything that is not their normal work, they call rest.”1 She gives the example of people who go on vacation to rest. In reality, the vacationers do not actually get rest. Instead, they do a lot of fun activities, which leave them feeling tired rather than rested or restored. So, there is a difference between not working and resting versus not working and doing fun work.

How much rest you need in order to feel renewed or restored is an individual matter. There isn’t a magic formula; however, Dr. Dalton-Smith has identified seven types of rest that work together to provide the renewal every body and mind needs. Here is how they work in tandem:

1.         You can achieve mental rest by scheduling activities that do not require much thought throughout the day. This will have a grounding effect and truly give your brain a rest. You can take a short walk outside and breathe in some natural air. You can simply sit still for a few minutes and keep your mind blank.

2.         What Dr. Dalton-Smith calls spiritual rest is what the Japanese call ikigai. She says to “consider your life purpose and your connection to something bigger than yourself.” This can simply be achieved by soaking in some sunlight, smelling flowers that are in bloom, listening to the rain or anything in relation to nature. This is similar to the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing—soaking in the effects of being in nature, specifically the forest.

3.         Emotional rest occurs when you feel comfortable enough to let down your guard to be open and vulnerable. Find your inner circle of people with whom you can show your true emotions, whether it’s fear, joy or anything else.

4.         Finding your community of like-minded people can providesocial rest. This is the “no man is an island” type of rest as you need time to spend with others.

5.         In the digital world, many suffer from sensory overload. Sensory rest can be achieved by shutting off electronic devices, listening to calming music, and stimulating your sense of smell with aromas you enjoy.

6.         In Zen Buddhism, there is something called “beginner’s mind.” Dr. Dalton-Smith’s version is called creative rest. She says, “Go back to a beginner’s mind and experience something with a fresh new perspective to tap your creative juices.”2

7.         Every single body needs time to recover from work, play and everything in between. Physical rest is equated with sleep most often. Dr.Dalton-Smith defines physical rest as recovery time. She says, “Honor your body by stretching and taking breaks to breathe deeply and reboot. This practice will calm your body and lift your mood.”3

Proper rest is an important fuel for our human tanks. Productive people require enough mental, physical, creative, emotional and spiritual rest. Breathing clean air and staying grounded are two other ways to achieve proper rest. For the entire month of December, take advantage of 30% off the KenkoAir Purifier® and 20% off the KenkoGround®, and see how much it can help you get the rest you truly need!

1, 2, 3 https://mindfulhealthsolutions.com/embrace-these-7-types-of-rest/#:~:text=The%20seven%20types%20of%20rest%20are%20physical%2C%20mental%2C%20emotional%2C,prioritize%20our%20self%2Dcare%20accordingly.

Feel Renewed by Breathing in Clean Air

Published on by Nikken

At Nikken we say, “To breathe is to live.” Said another way, there is no life without breath. Breathing is such a crucial part of existence that we often take it for granted, unless we have a cold and are congested, or if we suffer from any type of respiratory distress. Breathing fills the body with oxygen, which is even more important than food and water to fuel cell activity! After all, we can spend hours and days without food and water, but how long can we survive without breathing?

Every system in the body relies on oxygen. It’s not just the respiratory system that is fueled by oxygen—the digestive, circulatory, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems all depend on oxygen, so imagine how important it is to breathe deeply and the importance of the quality of the air we breathe in! Dirty air still fuels the body but it also wreaks havoc, whereas clean air supports the body’s natural abilities for renewal.

The process of breathing is one of the body’s amazing feats. With each inhalation, the diaphragm that is located at the bottom of the ribcage, contracts so the lungs can expand. As air travels through the air sacs and lungs, oxygen is passed to the bloodstream. At the same time this is happening, carbon dioxide travels into the air sacs from the bloodstream to be released out of the body with each exhalation. On average, this process takes place between 17,000 to 30,000 times a day!1

You can actually maximize the benefits of breathing in clean air by taking time out each day to breathe mindfully. It’s far easier to do than to quiet the mind for meditation! Here are the two main ways to increase the benefits of deep breathing:

1. Make sure your posture is good. Sit or stand up straight. This allows your lungs to expand quickly and efficiently with each breath you take. It also helps to get the carbon dioxide out quickly with each exhalation. When you feel groggy or are suffering from an afternoon slump, sit or stand up straight and take some deep breaths in and out. You may be surprised how quickly you feel a renewal of energy, because oxygen has filled your brain!

2. Most people think about breathing in terms of inhalations. In reality, exhalations are just as important, because you are pushing carbon dioxide out. Most people only exhale 70 percent of the carbon dioxide in their lungs.2 Do your best to push all the air out of your lungs as though you are blowing bubbles. Your body will feel renewed almost instantly.

Scientists are finding that breathing properly can help reduce stress and even strengthen the brain’s functionality and performance. Breathing techniques can also help maintain clarity and a sense of calm and focus as oxygen nourishes every single in the body.3

During the entire month of December, get the KenkoAir Purifier® for 30% off and benefit from three-level filtration and negative ion technology. You’ll be inhaling clean, ozone-free air wherever you place it!

1 https://elliottphysicaltherapy.com/importance-proper-breathing-overall-health/

2, 3 https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/restore-renew-rejuvenate-one-breath-at-a-time-the-yoga-way/

Spring is in the Air

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Warmer weather has arrived and for many people, spring is a time to venture back outdoors and become more active. Depending on where you live, the scenery changes, generally to be greener, with many species of flowers budding or blooming. You can hear different birds calling in their own special ways as they flock to suburban neighborhoods and rural areas.

Air temperature affects air movement and therefore, air pollution.  Some types of pollution are worse in the summer heat, while others are worse in cold winter weather. Air pressure, temperature and humidity all affect air quality. The same atmospheric conditions create weather patterns. For example, low pressure systems create wet and windy weather that can transport air pollutants to other areas, producing a sense of clear skies. On the other hand, high pressure systems tend to produce stagnant air that is “dead” or doesn’t move. In these instances, the pollutants from car exhausts and factory fumes hover and create unpleasant air quality.1

As we move out of cold weather, many of us begin some frenzied activities known as “spring cleaning.” Ironically, this well-intentioned cleaning that is aimed at letting the fresh air in and the stale out, has its own set of issues. Cleaning supplies that are purchased from retail stores generally are full of chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds. So, as we clean and inhale these chemicals, we’re also polluting our indoor air. Returning to old-fashioned ways of cleaning with water, vinegar and baking soda can help, as well as wearing a mask while cleaning, and airing out after cleaning.

If you have pets, spring is also a time of intense shedding, adding to the dust- and mite-filled air. Combined with the pollen released from the new spring growths, allergic reactions may well be triggered. During the spring season, concentrations of particulate matter tend to be higher, another source of allergies. And, on warm sunny days, the concentrations of ozone are also higher when the air is stagnant. A HEPA air filtration system is practically a must-have, especially if you are prone to any respiratory challenges. Spring air can be the most polluted of the year.2

Nature gives us the beauty and renewal of spring but also challenges us with its companions of pollen, dust and fluctuating air quality. If you don’t already have a KenkoAir Purifier®, this is the perfect time for it to make a difference in your household.

And through March 31, check out 20% off all sleep products and receiving free shipping on them!

1 https://scied.ucar.edu/search?search_api_fulltext=spring+air+quality

2 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/09/spring-is-not-the-only-thing-in-the-air

Do You Know About Plastic Microfibers?

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Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are smaller than 5 mc. They come from household items such as synthetic clothing, furniture and packaging. Every year, about 16% of the plastic produced in the world consists of textile fibers. In recent decades, production has grown by 6% and now equates to 60 million tons per year. Synthetic clothing is responsible for endless amounts of microfibers, which can even be found in drinking water.1

Microplastics washed off from synthetic clothes contribute up to 35% of the plastic particles polluting our oceans. When we do laundry, an average of nine million microfibers end up in wastewater treatment plants that cannot filter them.2 These unfiltered microfibers add to the plastic waste in the oceans.

Microplastics have been filling the oceans for years, but they also can be found indoors, especially within the dust on floors. Research shows that individuals may ingest microplastics at the rate of 11 particles per hour, and this occurs more through household dust and textiles than through consuming seafood, such as mussels. Researchers have found that the microplastics in wild mussels were low compared to those found in household dust.3

Until recently, research was focused on microfiber pollution through laundry washing. A recent study, however, shows how simply wearing synthetic clothes can pollute the environment. As many microplastic fibers are released into the air whenever we wear synthetic clothing as when we do laundry.4

To help reduce the amount of microplastics indoors:

• Choose products with less plastic packaging.

• Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton and wool, instead of synthetics, which are derived from petroleum-based chemicals.

• Wash synthetic clothing on a gentle cycle to decrease shedding.

• Use a HEPA air filtration system because it is effective at capturing microparticles.

From now through February 29, 2024, take advantage of 20% off select replacement filters! Be sure to check your KenkoAir Purifier® and keep its HEPA filter up-to-date. PiMag Waterfall® filter cartridges, PiMag® Sport Bottle filters and PiMag® Shower Systems filters are available at 20% off. Even Air Wellness Pro and Aqua Pour replacement filters are included in this special offer!

1, 2, 3, 4 https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/2018/03/how-damaging-is-breathing-in-microplastics/#:~:text=Plastic%20microfibers%20are%20not%20just,of%2011%20particles%20per%20hour.