HOLISTIC HEALTH What you can't see can make you sick

Some people feel real relief from special cleaning of their air and water.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
A couple of years ago, Peggy McBane was finding herself in hospital emergency urgent care units several times a year. She suffered from severe allergies to many substances, including dust mites, molds, mildew, and newspaper ink. She was on antibiotics and other meds for sinus infections, and further suffered from their side effects.
Through a building maintenance man, Peggy and her husband Terry, learned about EcoQuest, a source for air and water purifiers, along with other environmental and health conscious products. Within a month after installing an air purifier, Peggy's health improved so greatly, she was soon able to eliminate the need for medication. The McBanes were so impressed with the products, they wanted to share them with others. They are now wholesale distributors of EcoQuest products through their own company called EnviroRich, Inc..
Personal pollution
While most people are aware of the global impact of air and water pollution, many of us probably don't think much about it in our everyday lives. We continue to breathe and drink water, until we develop health related issues.
For instance, we might think of bacteria such as salmonella as related to food poisoning, but these bacteria are also found in the air we breathe. In certain places, such as densely populated Mexico City, people can even contract salmonella and hepatitis through simply inhaling. E-coli, while associated with undercooked meat, can also be contracted through drinking water. Sick-Building Syndrome and Legionnaire's Disease are believed to be caused by mold spores and fungus. Candida, penicillium, and staph may also be airborne.
Known hazards
Some of the other major indoor pollutants are man-made building material gases, cleaners, tobacco and wood smoke, radon gas, animal dander, and carbon dioxide. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds are also known as hazardous.
"People assume if something is on the store shelf, it is safe," says Peggy. "Laundry sheets and 'plug-ins' are especially bad." VOCs are also found in paint, adhesives, linoleum tile, and caulking. Telephone cables emit seven different VOCs. The health risks associated with VOCs are headaches, dizziness, eye and respiratory irritation, and many VOCs are carcinogenic.
PBDEs are another indoor hazard. "PBDEs come from fire-retardant materials," Peggy says. "The smell of a new carpet is actually chemicals being released. The padding in carpets can emit formaldehyde for up to 10 years. Research found PBDEs present in women's breast milk."
Peggy says that much of what she does is to educate people. "My goal with our EnviroRich business is to empower people with knowledge that will enable them to create a healthy living environment and lifestyle," she says. "Many people don't ask questions, but continue through life unknowing about the silent and invisible health risks present in our air and water. I hope we can help people become aware and proactive in healing and protecting our environments."
Terry adds that many of their air purifiers hold "Certified Space Technology Status." "NASA recognized this technology by awarding it this title, which means it is the same quality that is used in the space shuttles," he says. He also said these products were included in the International Builders Association Trade Show. "The association builds a home inside the convention center. They go out and search for products that represent the next generation home, and chose EcoQuest air and water purifiers."
One of the newest projects the McBanes are undertaking is to bring the Ecovision Plan to restaurants, nursing homes, and other public buildings where food is prepared. This plan includes a number of different technologies that eliminate odor, reduce food contamination, and create a safer overall environment, in addition to reducing liability and lawsuits and improving public image. The informational publication for Ecovision stated that ". . .food illnesses strike 76 million people a year. And food poisoning is 34 percent higher than in 1948." The system also removes grease from the air. Peggy says that kids today are breathing in grease from working in fast-food restaurants.
The McBanes also carry a product that hooks up to washing machines. "It uses advanced oxidation technology which creates millions of bubbles without using detergent," says Terry. "It actually opens the fibers of the fabric to release soils, stains, and odors."
For more information about indoor environmental pollutants, or information on EcoQuest products: (330) 647-4988 or (330) 565-7683, or envirorich@EcoQuest.com. www.EcoQuest.com/envirorich.
XLaughing Crow is a practitioner of holistic healing. She may be reached at laughingcrow@neo.rr.com.