Protection from Bird Fanciers Lung Doctor recommended.

[philodice]

I'll list some asthma and allergy information here for starters, since I've already detailed BBL in my e-book.
All bird fanciers and breeders have a risk of 7% to 20% of falling ill with BBL. Protect yourself.

http://www.natlallergy.com/default.asp
This site has it all on allergy protection! For SERIOUS bird dust and protein reduction they have it all from matress covers to some awesome filters and masks.

http://www.icanbreathe.com/
This site has more stylish and less scary looking masks made of silk, cotton, and sometimes with lace! The owner of the site has a great story, and I think her masks could help a few people on this site with house pigeons. I'll be buying one and trying it out.


http://www.gotpollution.com/technomask.html
This site has the mask you need to win at Mortal Kombat. And pass your doctor's next lung test.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
Every pigeon racer and bird breeder should read the information provided on these sites and purchase a mask of their choice. I chose the Respro Techno Gold. I wear mine during dust storms and when I'm cleaning the aviary. I should wear it whenever I'm out there feeding or playing, but I don't. I wear it while transporting birds, though.

http://www.gotpollution.com/technomask.html
Home site for the product:
http://www.respro.com/protection-faqs/


Product Info on the mask I own: ($50.00 for the mask)

The Techno Gold mask combines the Sportsta mask's
Hepa-Type filtration for sub-micron pollutants with the City
mask's Dynamic ACC (Activated Charcoal Cloth) filter. This
combination provides increased filtration ability covering a
broader spectrum of pollutants than either filter on its own.
Working in combination with the Techno Gold filter, are two
new Techno valves specifically designed to improve airflow
performance on exhalation. With these new features, the
Techno Gold mask is at the top of the range in performance
and conforms to European Standard EN149FFP1(S).

Filters Out:

Hydrocarbons including Benzene & Pyrene, Nitrogen Oxides,
Sulphur Dioxide, Lead Oxide, and Black Smoke. Sub-Micron
Particulates including Pollen Dust, Rape Seed Dust, Irritant
Dusts and Clay Dust.

Features:

* Rapid airflow valve system
* Velcro fastening
* Made from neoprene
* Two sizes
* Premium grade filtration

Benefits:

* Low breathing resistance
* Fits without fuss and fully adjustable
* Durable and washable
* Ensures effective seal
* Filters out exhaust emissions and
sub-micron particulates

For urban use:

* Motorcycling
* Cycling
* Jogging
* Walking
In order to have good breathability in a mask especially when
undergoing exercise or other activities involving physical exertion,
it is essential that the mask breathes freely and does not create
either a pressure drop or back pressure within the mask. Heat,
carbon dioxide and water vapour, three components of exhaled
breath, need to be exhausted from the mask in readiness for the
next breath of inhaled air. If this process of evacuation fails or is
impeded, then the mask may become uncomfortable with poor
airflow and may result in the wearer not using the mask.

We therefore believe that exhalation valves are an essential
component which allows the mask to perform well under the
conditions described above.

The valves in Respro masks are designed to reduce or eradicate
any of the above effects and are available in accessory packs,
allowing the user to tailor a product specifically to their own
needs.

About Emergency Filtration Products

Emergency Filtration Products (http://www.emergencyfiltration.com/) is an air filtration products
manufacturer whose patented 2H Technology(TM) filter system has produced filtration efficiencies of
"greater than 99.99%" at a particulate size of 0.027 microns. Its initial products were developed for the
medical market: the Vapor Isolation Valve(TM) and RespAide® CPR Isolation Mask used for resuscitation
of respiratory/cardiac arrest cases; and the 2H Breathing Circuit Filter for ventilators, respirators and
anesthesia circuitry. Each has received FDA approval. The company also markets an Automated External
Defibrillator Prep Kit featuring RespAide; and the NanoMask®, a nanotechnology-enhanced
environmental mask. In addition to filtration products, the company supplies Superstat®, a modified
hemostatic collagen, to the U.S. military for surgery and extreme wound care.

[philodice]

More information from the Respro company, which I'm posting here because of a %20 percent improvement of my lung capacity since I started wearing the mask around town whenever we get a pollution or storm warning, or inside the aviary when cleaning.

Pollution

Here's how the land lies!


Pollution is made of of two distinct categories:


1. Gases and Vapours

2. Particulates


Most types of pollution can be put into one or other category.


Gases & Vapours:


Nitrogen oxides

Sulphur Dioxide

Carbon Monoxide

Low level Ozone

Hydrocarbon Chemicals


These all require an activated carbon filter media to adsorb these pollutants.



Particulates:


Asbestos dust from brake linings

Pollen

Road dust

Black smoke from diesel emissions

any other material which is solid in nature


There are two categories of particulates:


Inhalable and respirable.


Inhalable particulates: are the particles big enough to be trapped within the nasal hairs and the mucous membranes at the back of the throat.


Respirable particulates: are the particles that pass beyond the nasal hairs and the mucous membranes of the throat and pass into the lung sacs and subsequent blood barrier. These particulates can carry carcinogenic chemicals used in petrol (benzene, pyrene, etc) to the blood barrier.


So there you have it in a nut shell.


What can you do about it? - get a mask.
Masks

In order to consider the effectiveness of a mask, the following points must be taken into consideration

1. How well does the product seal?

2. How effective is the filter material?

In order for any mask to perform to its maximum it must be able to seal properly around the nose and mouth so that as much of the air that is being inhaled, is actually passing through the filter. If it is not passing through the filter then, no matter how effective the filter is, the user will still be inhaling unfiltered air.

Sealing

All our masks apart from the Bandit scarf and the Aero mask are made from neoprene. Being resiliently stretchable it allows the masks to conform easily to varying facial features, sealing around the face, thus a good seal and a comfortable fit.

Another consideration in the sealing is sizing. As the range of sizes within adult populations varies to such an extent, one size cannot fit all people. We have introduced two sizes to comfortably accommodate 90% of the adult populations. Medium and large. For an adult female of average height/weight, we would recommend the medium size. Likewise for an adult male of average height/weight, we would recommend the large size. By choosing the correct size and following the fitting instructions you can be assured that an effective seal can be attained.

As the neoprene mask will stretch between the nose and cheekbone, a negative cavity will exist. This gap if not closed up, will allow polluted air to pass through this region unfiltered, consequently reducing the masks overall efficiency. To effect a good seal in this region, all our masks use a fully annealed aluminium nose clip which can be formed to the individual facial shape of the wearer.

Each mask contains a replaceable filter specific to either an urban or countryside environment. Depending on the environment that you are active in, you will need to assess the type of filter that is required. Essentially the City filter is designed for use in the urban environment and the Sportsta filter is used for country environments where much higher levels of particulate material can be encountered. To assess the correct filter for your environment the following chart highlights the main atmospheric pollutants and indicates the appropriate filter that should be used.

back to the top
Filters

The filter materials used in Respro masks were primarily developed for use in military applications requiring excellent filtration properties yet at the same time requiring an air flow efficiency that would not impede the user's activity.

Respro use the same filter materials in their masks to accommodate the filtration of a wide spectrum of pollutants that are found in the urban, country and home environments.

Each mask has a complimentary filter type for individual activities and Respro have designed the filters so that they are also interchangeable within other Respro masks allowing customisation for more specific applications.

Respro filters are also of benefit for people who suffer from breathing difficulties having either particle or chemical sensitive respiratory systems. However, it is always prudent to take advice from your doctor if you are considering adding a mask to your health improvement programme.

As well as consumer applications the The Respro FB-1 mask and the Sportsta masks are used and specified for industrial applications and conform to European Standard EN149 FFP1 for particulate material including water based aerosols.

The filter lifespan is based on the characteristics of the active urban cyclist.

1. Half hour journey to work half hour back
2. A breathing rate of 30 litres of air per minute
3. Pollution levels where the WHO (World Health Organisation) guidelines recommend that the average citizen should wear some form of respiratory protection.

On this basis we recommend that the filter be changed every 69 hours of use in the environment.

The City, Sportsta & Techno masks are available in two sizes, medium and large. They also have equivalent sized filters. It is important to identify the correct size filter replacement for your mask in order to ensure comfort and efficiency. The size can be found by looking at the back of the mask (for masks manufactured after April 1999), which will indicate its size. Respro have also introduced the Techno Gold Upgrade Kit, so that a City or Sportsta mask already purchased, may be upgraded in filtration performance.

Filter replacement for any mask is carried out by removing the filter and valve assembly (where applicable) from the Neoprene mask. This is readily effected by pushing the valves through the holes where they are situated in the mask. This procedure will release the valve and filter assembly in one unit. The valves should then be dis-assembled from the filter and the filter discarded thoughtfully. To re-assemble the product with a new filter, reversal of the procedures should be carried out.

[philodice]

More from www.icanbreathe.com because I find this to be good advice for any bird keeper. If you notice, it sounds like she has the lungs of an exotic parrot. If you have birds you should keep your house clean and dust free and reduce toxins for the bird's sake as well as your own.

GETTING WELL: One Journey Toward Taking Control and Thriving with a Chronic Disorder.

Kara

Maria-Lydia

Following is a summary of the results of my experiments leading to higher energy and greater strength. This is not advice, just a record of what seems to work for me. As I hear from others whose health has improved, I will add their reports on separate pages, look to the left.

At 50 years old I was teaching 5 literature classes and 8 individual students (reading comprehension, critical thinking and writing), doing research, writing (educator and writer), and swimming several times a week in Chicago, IL. After a viral infection in 1994, at 55 I was physically and mentally exhausted much of the time. Unable to concentrate, I cut back on teaching and research. If I taught a one hour class in the morning, I was wiped out for the day. Wheezing in Sept 1994 impelled me to see HMO doctors. In 1995 I was inhaling three types of asthma medication every day, and twice took prednisone. Plaut's Peak Flow Diary was important to me at the time. I adhered conscientiously to everything my doctor prescribed.

To avoid airborne triggers, I tried wearing a disposable mask for 24 hours. I noticed a dramatic difference in energy. A search for comfortable, washable, good looking masks prompted me to create my own masks then this business to share with others. All of my research focused on becoming well again. I developed my Trigger Detection Diary to get a handle on what was affecting me.

At 67 years old: Most of the time I am symptom free of asthma with a high level of energy and creativity (teaching, preparing papers, writing a book, running a business and household, and enjoying children and grand children--they call me "the masked granny"). When challenged, I wear an appropriate mask to reduce exposure to airborne environmental irritants. For me known irritants are: dust, mold, latex; vehicle fumes, perfume, fabric softener, paint, chlorine, some plastics, printer’s ink, ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, gasoline, natural gas, smoke; and cold. When traveling by plane I wear a Honeycomb Mask with Carbon Filter and do not suffer ear pain or illness while flying or after. I remove mask briefly to drink or eat. At home, in a room full of books, I wear a Silk Comfort Mask. For sleeping I add my magical I Can Sleep...™ Mask.

See what I mean about this poor lady having parrot lungs??

In the following ** indicates noticeable difference in added energy within 24 hours and sustained for over a week. The following is not a recommendation, just a record of what works for me.

Medications: Until April 2002, I took 1 Singulair** 10 mg every evening, a leukotriene modifier for asthma. I experienced no negative side effects. One positive side effect: I no longer craved chocolate. Masks reduced exposure to irritants. I have needed no inhalants for four years, but wear masks when challenged and carry a rescue medication just in case. April 30, 2002 I stopped taking Singulair and felt great--energetic, creative. The doctor said my lungs sounded clear. I continue to use masks when needed to reduce exposure to irritants. I currently take no medications. If I do not wear an appropriate mask I may start coughing, or mucus begins to form, or my energy level is depleted. I sleep in a silk mask and eye shade. If the wind brings in noxious fumes, I change to the honeycomb mask with carbon filter and go back to sleep.

Nutrient supplements that have made a difference for me:

LiverGuard** by Source Naturals: high doses B, C, + Co-enzyme Q10 12.5 mg, Silymarin 200mg: 2 tablets at breakfast.

Vit. E, Nature Made 400** UI natural mixed tocopherols at breakfast during stress. I started with 800 UI, then reduced once my energy level was high. With current news about adverse effects of too much E I will cut down to 200 UI.

Multiple: One a day without iron (for seniors).

Calcium: Soy milk**: Silk Wave (in refrigerator case), at least 3 cups a day or add supplement with magnesium for 1500 mg calcium per day.

Co-enzyme Q10 75 mg, supposed to improve memory.

Glucosamine for arthritis.

For Vit. C fresh fruits and green organic vegetables.

Omega 3 from salmon, flaxseed oil or supplement.

Extra Zinc 50mg for better absorbtion of A, E, and C, prescribed for eye condition.

Foods:

Organic Red Chard**, about 1.5 cups, every day. (I love this: an organic whole wheat tortilla, 2 large leaves chard torn in pieces, 2 slices of Boar's Head Lacy Swiss cheese over the chard. Microwave 1 minute until chard softens and cheese is slightly melted. Add a tbsp. salsa, then walnuts, almonds or pecans. Roll up and eat.)

Blueberries, 1/2 cup in oatmeal, about 5 times a week

Rehydrated organic dried apricots or figs, 3 a day

Generally low fat, low salt diet, high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, salmon, some turkey and red meat maybe once a week.

At least 8 glasses of filtered water a day. (We use Pur filter, which comes in different forms.)

Organic coffee, medium roast, 1 cup in morning.

Avocado on whole wheat bread, pita or toasted corn tortilla, sprinkled with dehydrated garlic and onion, every evening (another reason to wear a mask!)

Exercise: **15 to 20 minutes on an exercycle, 3-4 times a week. Stretches: minimum--knee to chest and torso twist. Strength training exercises taken from Strong Women Stay Young and Strong Women Stay Slim, M. Nelson. June 2003, I was able to tolerate pool chlorine with a carbon mask so was exercising with head above water 3 times a week. After developing dermatitis I had to stop going to the pool.

Environmental changes (take time and energy!):

We disposed of all scented products. My husband shaves with unscented soap (Kirk's Hardwater Castile) because shaving gels and foams affect my breathing.

For laundry, we use scent free Seventh Generation or Arm & Hammer for Sensitive Skin detergent, or All Free and Clear (I like the new small bottle that is concentrated), OxiClean non-chlorine bleach, and no fabric softener. Other detergent brands now have "free and clear" versions. OxiClean is also great as a cleanser. I put it in shaker jars for kitchen and bathrooms.

We got rid of the gas stove and installed an electric stove.

We use a Nilfisk HEPA vacuum cleaner.

We have not disposed of any books -- I would rather wear a mask!

Our son and daughter-in-law ripped out the carpeting in my work room and front room so we can dust and mop the hardwood floors.

Adrien J. Bledstein, questions or comments: E-mail or in USA call 1-888-313-0123, M-F 9a-5p CST. If you have a getting well story to tell, please share.

This page was last updated on 03/03/08.