Fall is Beautiful

Fall is Beautiful...Fall Allergies are Painful

One in five people in the US has asthma or allergy symptoms which accounts for about 55% of the US population including both children and adults. Allergies rank 5th among chronic diseases in the US and are responsible for multiple ER visits and missed work or school. An allergy occurs when the body’s natural defense system overreacts to allergens like pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, latex and certain foods. Allergies and asthma symptoms may also be triggered by changes in the seasons and some sufferers may find that their symptoms are worse during one particular season. Pollen counts tend to be high during the fall in certain geographical locations and mold can develop in windy weather or in the fall. Some people may be susceptible to year-round allergies because of exposure to indoor molds. When you react to these allergens, you may experience a runny nose, coughing, itching, hives, headaches, red, itching, painful, burning or watery eyes or other symptoms. Most of these reactions are mild and tolerable but there are others that can make your life miserable and then a few others can be sudden and life-threatening. Some allergens may trigger asthma, a chronic respiratory problem that can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. There is no cure for asthma and its symptoms can get worse at any time. There are also irritants like pollution, chemicals including fragrance, and smoke that can negatively affect your airways and cause these symptoms which can last for weeks or even months.   


There is no cure for allergies or asthma but you can devise a plan that can help avoid triggers and manage, control or reduce your symptoms so you can live a productive, active and healthy life. Triggers are the irritants and allergens that make your symptoms feel worse and intolerable. Below is a list of things you can do to avoid triggers and to manage symptoms:

1. Avoid stressful situations as much as possible. Try some relaxation techniques and other stress busting activities. 
2. Exercise indoors in cold weather and when pollution is high. Consider changing your exercise routine when your symptoms are not well-controlled.
3. Maintain a clean and dry home environment. Clean air filters or replace them at least once a year and clean heating vents before turning the heat on for the first time. If you have carpeting, have it professionally cleaned at least every 12 months. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a high quality filter. Wear a mask when cleaning, dusting or using cleaning agents with strong scents. Use a damp mop for dusting. Make sure you don’t have any water leaks. Have someone else clean areas of your house where mold growth may be a problem.  
4. Avoid cleaning products with irritating ingredients or chemicals like deodorizers or perfumes. 
5. Avoid using humidifiers to prevent growth of mold. Use a dehumidifier during humid weather. 
6. Use feather-free bedding or mite-proof covers. Wash them frequently using hot water.     
7. If you have a pet, keep it out of your bedroom or out of your house or your car. Bathe your pet at least every two weeks and wash your hands frequently. Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your bedroom. 
8. Wash your hands often. Wash off and change your clothes after being outdoors. 
9. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, quit. Don’t allow others to smoke in your home or car.
10. Consider using air purifying and deodorizing products with natural ingredients. 
11. Remove clothes from the washer and dry them immediately.

Rethinking Marine Vessel

Rethinking Marine Vessel Air Quality

David Levesque

It is often accepted among yacht owners that the air inside cabin interiors always has a certain aroma, a by-product of being out on the water. There is also the accepted existence of mold and mildew, and the inevitable labor that comes with removing it from the yachts after storage and in-between use. Seafarers believe this is the way it has always been, and so it will always be. Today there are many technologies and systems available to help optimize and maintain yacht air quality (YAQ). A variety of effective techniques and methods for improving cabin air and interiors not only enhance the well-being of passengers, but also improves the maintenance of the craft itself. There is no need to re-invent the wheel for YAQ. Many air quality solutions have been successfully utilized on US Navy ships and other large vessels on the water today as well as commercial buildings and hospitals. These solutions are easily adaptable to any size marine vessel. The Kanberra Group, combining more than two decades in air quality research and improvement, had begun to work closely with various areas of the marine industry several years ago to better understand the needs of boat owners, yacht captains and crews and provide detailed programmatic solutions to enhance marine experience and vessel maintenance. 

Already a staple in the Mega-Yacht industry, Kanberra Gel has been making waves in many marine-related areas, as well as RV and automotive storage. A semi-solid, biodegradable gel composition made with pharmaceutical-grade Australian Tea Tree Oil, Kanberra Gel dissipates into the air to break down mildew, molds, and viruses at the molecular level. Tea Tree Oil is known around the globe as a natural antiseptic most commonly used topically. Thanks to the formula in Kanberra Gel, those same antiseptic and antifungal properties can now be realized though an airborne release. This completely natural gel disperses droplets of oil which are then circulated around the vessel. There are no synthetic perfumes or chlorine bleach, just a natural eucalyptus and lemon scent. Touted as being able to clean the air while saving money on costly upkeep, Kanberra Gel effectively eliminates mechanical and upholstery damaging mold and odors while blanketing the cabin with a protective vapor enhancing overall cabin air quality and comfort. Kanberra Gel is currently in use worldwide and is receiving rave reviews from captains, crews and vessel owners who attest it to be a superior alternative to chemical-based products on the market due to its long-lasting performance, ease of use and all-natural properties. Kanberra Gel is packaged in sealed, drip-free plastic containers that are placed either within a yacht’s air handling units, or simply out in the open. In air handling systems, Kanberra Gel continually works as an anti-microbial and anti-fungal agent, killing infecting organisms within the air stream, thus protecting HVAC components such as fan coil units and filters from mildew and mold growth. In testing, Kanberra Gel was shown to remain effective for up to 45 days or more making it ideal for monthly maintenance programs. Because Kanberra Gel offers superior protection against mold, its health benefits are obvious. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) all molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, sinus ailments, and other respiratory problems. Kanberra Gel comes in 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32-oz packages.

Small Boat Storage

Storage of any vessel poses a laundry list of issues. Dampness and temperature fluctuations inside a boat provide a permanent breeding ground for mold and fungus. The airborne spores attack and feed on cellulose and other organic material in the boat, which also causes bad odors. For storage, simply remove the lid and place the Kanberra Gel container on the cabin floor. All interior hatches, cabinets, doors and stowage spaces in the cabin should be left open to ensure the active vapor from Kanberra Gel can reach all areas. Leave Kanberra Gel to work for at least three weeks during storage. The effects should last around 2-3 months. Vaporization will cease if the contents freeze. The process will begin again as soon as the temperature allows Kanberra Gel to thaw. One 4 ounce container of Kanberra Gel is enough for a boat up to 12 feet. One 8 ounce container is enough for a boat up to 40 feet. It is a good idea to place a 2 ounce container of Kanberra Gel in the toilet and cockpit stowage areas. 

Kanberra Gel is currently available at select retailers and distributors and the list is growing to include chandleries all around the Great Lakes. You can also visit www.kanberragel.com for more details.