Health

The True Importance of Air Quality Revealed by Steve Fontaine

Published

3 months ago

August 30, 2024

Photo Credit by Damian Geras

Environmental concerns are ever the subject of public discourse. In recent times, air quality has emerged as a major contributing factor influencing public health. While outdoor air pollution often captures headlines, the quality of indoor air is equally, if not more, significant to our daily lives.

Health Impacts of Poor Air Quality

The air we breathe indoors can have profound effects on our health – both in the short and long term. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where air pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. This startling statistic shows how badly addressing the indoor air quality (IAQ) crisis can be, especially as a public health priority.

Poor IAQ has been linked to a range of health issues, from minor irritations to severe respiratory diseases and even cardiovascular problems. Steve Fontaine, founder of IAQ Solutions & Consulting Inc and widely recognized as “America’s Indoor Air Quality Expert,” has championed the fight against subpar indoor air.

He states, “Extended exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to heightened absenteeism among students and teachers, disrupting the learning process and potentially causing academic setbacks.” This observation highlights the need for effective strategies to improve IAQ, particularly in educational settings where the impact on young minds can be significant.

Vulnerable Populations at Risk

While poor air quality affects everyone, certain groups are particularly susceptible to its adverse effects. Children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting health conditions face heightened risks from exposure to indoor air pollutants. Studies have consistently shown that children exposed to high levels of indoor contaminants are at an increased risk for developing asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Mr. Fontaine further illustrates the importance of addressing IAQ for these vulnerable populations. He notes, “Clean indoor air is a must – especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. We need to implement effective air purification solutions that enhance their quality of life.”

The Role of Air Purifiers

As awareness of indoor air quality issues grows, so does the demand for effective solutions. Air purifiers have emerged as a key tool in the fight against indoor air pollution, offering a practical method of improving the air within our homes, offices, and schools.

Air purifiers function as silent guardians of indoor air quality, continuously working to remove harmful particles and pollutants from the air we breathe. These devices operate on a simple yet effective principle: they draw in air, pass it through a series of filters designed to capture various types of pollutants, and then release clean air back into the room.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are Mr. Fontaine’s own personal favorite augment to this technology. These filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some bacteria. Many modern air purifiers also incorporate activated carbon filters, which are adept at absorbing odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Steve Fontaine, drawing from his extensive experience in the field, advocates for the use of advanced air purification systems. He explains, “One effective remedy is the utilization of HEPA-13 & 14 standalone air purifiers. These devices are engineered to effectively eliminate pollutants, allergens, and particulate matter from indoor air, thereby significantly enhancing IAQ.”

Benefits of Air Purifiers

The advantages of using air purifiers reaches far beyond simply removing visible dust from the air. These tools consistently filter out pollutants, allergens, and harmful particles. In turn, cleaner air can contribute to significant improvements in respiratory health, reduced allergy and asthma symptoms, and even enhanced cognitive function.

Research has demonstrated that office workers in environments with lower levels of indoor pollutants show improved performance on cognitive tasks and higher productivity levels. Similarly, students in classrooms equipped with effective air purification systems have exhibited better academic performance and reduced absenteeism.

Mr. Fontaine elaborates on the comprehensive impact of air purifiers, stating, “Air purifiers are a requirement, if you care about your respiratory health at all. Pollutants are everywhere these days. How are you sure you aren’t breathing in smog, spores or worse?”

The importance of air quality in our daily lives cannot be overstated. Because many spend the majority of their time indoors, addressing indoor air pollution is a vital imperative. Air purifiers may be exactly what’s needed to meet the ever-worsening state of the environment surrounding us.

Health

What Sets Why Not Natural Supplements Above Other Supplements Companies in the U.S.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 21, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Why Not Natural

By: Georgette Virgo

In an industry plagued by minimal regulation and questionable practices, Why Not Natural Supplements sets a new standard in transparency and scientific excellence. Founded by chemical engineer Kelin Marquet, this female-owned supplement company challenges the status quo with clean and effective formulations backed by rigorous research.

Why Not Natural Supplements’ outlook on supplement creation contrasts starkly with many competitors in the $50 billion U.S. dietary supplement market. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require pre-market approval for supplements, which leaves consumers vulnerable to potentially ineffective or harmful products. Why Not Natural Supplements has implemented stringent self-imposed standards that go far beyond regulatory requirements.

“We’re on a mission to educate consumers about what a supplement should look like,” says Kelin Marquet. “As a mother of three, I’m motivated by creating supplements that I feel comfortable giving to my own family.”

A Science-First Approach to Supplement Formulation

Why Not Natural Supplements’ commitment to scientific integrity begins with its founder. Marquet’s background in chemical engineering informs every aspect of the company’s product development process.

“I use my background and strong understanding of science to pore through research articles and choose active ingredients that work – not cheap substitutes you usually find in supplements,” Kelin Marquet explains.

This science-first perspective extends to the company’s use of bioavailable forms of nutrients and its emphasis on third-party testing. Why Not Natural Supplements rigorously tests every product—including their best-selling Organic Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops with K2, 4-in-1 Magnesium Complex, Liquid Vitamin A (10,000 IU) with Coconut MCT Oil, and many others—for purity and potency. This practice sets the company apart in an industry where such thorough quality control is far from standard.

Transparency and Clean Formulations

Why Not Natural Supplements’ transparency is evident in its viewpoint on ingredient selection and labeling. The company maintains a list of ingredients that will never appear in its products, including artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and common allergens.

“It’s not just about what’s in a supplement – it’s essential what’s not in it, too,” Marquet emphasizes. This philosophy extends to the company’s use of clean, minimalist formulations that avoid unnecessary fillers and additives.

The company provides consumers with clear, accurate information about each product’s contents. This level of transparency is rare in an industry where, according to the National Institutes of Health, supplement labels may not always accurately reflect the product’s contents.

Kelin Marquet emphasizes that each product formulation undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny, with every ingredient serving a specific, research-backed purpose. “We don’t just throw ingredients together because they’re trendy,” Marquet explains. “Every component in our formulas is there for a reason, in its most bioavailable form, and at the optimal dosage.”

Education and Consumer Empowerment

Why Not Natural Supplements’ mission extends beyond creating high-quality supplements to educating consumers about supplement quality and safety. The company uses its social media platforms and website to provide in-depth information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and the science behind its formulations.

This educational outlook is particularly crucial in light of the rapid growth of e-commerce in the supplement industry. As online sales platforms capture an increasing market share, the traditional role of natural and specialty retailers as information gatekeepers is diminishing. Why Not Natural Supplements is stepping into this gap, providing consumers with the knowledge they need to understand dietary supplements and find one that best fits their needs.

“We’re not just selling supplements,” Marquet states. “We’re empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health by showing them exactly what goes into each formula and why.”

In an industry where regulation is minimal and quality can be inconsistent, Why Not Natural Supplements stands out as a company committed to raising the bar through its science-based method, commitment to transparency, and focus on consumer education.

“Our goal is to change how individuals see natural supplements,” Marquet concludes. “We believe that by prioritizing quality, efficacy, and transparency, we can help consumers reclaim their health and trust in their supplements.”