Many of us take indoor environments for granted. There are things all around us that if we are not mindful can cause harm in the short and long term. This is not a scare tactic, but a way to inform people about potential issues they may be experiencing in their indoor environments. With knowledge, there is a way to combat it.

Mold

Mold is everywhere in the natural environment, both indoors and out, and it is not practical to avoid exposure. However, extensive attention is being given to the issue of mold in indoor environments. Local, State, and Federal legislative efforts, as well as private sector initiatives, are underway or are being implemented as a means to respond to increasing public concern for the health and safety of our indoor environments. Molds are ever-present in our indoor environments. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold will often come out to play, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control the moisture and utilize an ozone/negative ion generator to cleanse the environment.

Serious health effects from inhalation exposure to mold in the indoor environment (e.g. toxic reactions, infectious diseases, and chronic irritation) have not been well characterized. Toxic effects of mold have only been demonstrated following experimental exposures in animal studies and involving ingestion of contaminated foods. These studies have revealed potential simple irritations (itchy eyes, runny nose, headaches), to allergies in susceptible individuals, exacerbation of asthma, and infections in people with suppressed immune systems.

Additional health research is needed to better characterize the nature and scope of the health effects caused by indoor exposure to certain, specific molds. Particular attention should be given to the possible role of mold in producing serious, short-term or long-term effects on respiratory, immune, and nervous systems. Since the research to characterize the effect of mold on human health is not fully developed, it is prudent to take precautionary measures, where practical, to prevent the growth of mold in the indoor environment. And just hope they don't find this under your house. SAD

Some people suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months. This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light.

SAD was first noted in the mid-1800's, but was not officially named until the early 1980's. As sunlight has affected the seasonal activities of animals (i.e., reproductive cycles and hibernation), SAD may be an effect of this seasonal light variation in humans. As seasons change, there is a shift in our "biological internal clocks" or circadian rhythm, due partly to these changes in sunlight patterns. This can cause our biological clocks to be out of "step" with our daily schedules. The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February, and younger persons and women are at higher risk.
Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases. Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain's secretion of melatonin.

The Ozone Lite is a clever way of combating SAD and producing odor and microbial control at the same time in indoor environments. It creates hydroxyl radicals (nothing more than one atom of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen) that act as 'bullets' to break down harmful airborne microorganisms (bacteria, mold, viruses, and fungi) into nothing more than carbon dioxide and water. It also helps to eliminate smoke and household odors and is completely safe for humans and animals.

Ozone Lite's full-spectrum has accomplished this by creating a light source that, at further distances than your standard light box, will produce the critical LUX value of 10,000. With a light output equivalent to that of a standard 100-watt light bulb, the 23-watt Ozone Lite full-spectrum has a LUX value of 10,000 at a distance of 16 inches making it perfect for use in table lamps, desk lamps and floor reading lamps. Not to mention it pays for itself over time!

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