E-Z Breathe

NEWSFLASH: Garages are polluting our houses!

2012-01-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

Wow, check out this most recent article on About.com that talks about the relationship between our attached garages & our homes:

Stop Garage Fumes from Polluting Indoor Air

Attached garages are very convenient, but there is mounting evidence that they are responsible for negatively affecting indoor air quality. That’s because much of what we use our garages for (cars, mowers, paints, lubricants) contains or generates substances that are considered toxic. Once the toxic substances become airborne, they can easily migrate indoors.

It’s a bit ironic that we keep a floor mat by the door leading from the garage to the house so that shoe bottoms can be cleaned of largely nontoxic items like dirt, yet we often take no such preventative measures regarding the air.

Car exhaust, toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds are present in almost all garages at least some of the time. And they can find their way into the house very easily through open doors, gaps around closed doors, ducts and other wall and ceiling penetrations.

There is scientific proof to back up this claim. A study involving 100 houses conducted by Health Canada found that those with attached garages had measurable quantities of benzene inside the house, while houses without attached garages had little if any benzene. Benzene is a gasoline-related pollutant. The study found similar results with other pollutants.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), long-term exposure to benzene can affect bone marrow and blood production. Short-term exposure to high levels can cause drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness and death.

A survey of Minnesota houses during the winter of 1996-1997 found that 74 percent of homes with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors that went off were triggered by CO leaking in from the garage. Other studies from Iowa, Colorado and Alaska have found substantial evidence of garage-generated CO leaking into houses.

Nobody wants to breathe toxic pollutants, especially at home. Fortunately, there are a series of steps you can take to keep your indoor air quality something you need not worry about inhaling. Here are some tips:

Keep the garage air clean. Avoid running the car, motorcycle, chain saw or lawn mower any longer than absolutely necessary while in the garage. Avoid placing mechanical systems such as water heaters and furnaces in the garage.
Seal the gaps. Make sure the door leading from the garage into the house closes tightly and has proper weatherstripping applied. Seal all penetrations (ducts, wiring, etc.) leading into the house or the ceiling above the garage. Spray foam and caulk are good products for sealing these types of gaps.
Finish the walls and ceilings. In new houses it is not uncommon for the garage to be left with open walls or with drywall attached but the joints not finished. Either of these conditions allow garage pollutants to easily find their way inside. Garage walls and ceilings that are completely covered with drywall, with joints properly sealed with tape and compound, and with the surface primed and painted are much less likely to leak. They are also much more attractive. (See How To Install Drywall Like a Pro.)
Keep the door shut. Often you find yourself with full arms when entering the house from the garage. The result can be that the door remains open until you set the groceries down somewhere. Or maybe you or the kids simply forget to close the door, or fail to close it all the way. This can allow nasty fumes from the garage to enter the house quickly and easily. You can avoid this problem by installing a self-closing door.
Keep the door open. Never start your car or any other internal combustion engine while the garage door is closed. And when you do start the engine after the door has been opened, move it outside as soon as possible and shut the door to prevent exhaust fumes from floating back into the garage. When you pull your car into the garage, shut it off as soon as possible and leave the door open for a few minutes to clear the air.
Put a lid on it. Make sure all containers of potentially toxic items are sealed. Don’t let cans of paint thinner, solvents and other liquids sit uncovered.
Vent it outdoors. If you spend a lot of time in the garage working with chemicals, paints, wood finishes, combustion engines and other such items, consider installing an exhaust fan that sends the smells and fumes to the outdoors. A decent bathroom or kitchen fan will be sufficient.

If you are planning to build a new house or garage, give some thought to making the garage fully detached from the house. In addition to largely eliminating garage pollutants from migrating inside the house, here are some other benefits of a detached garage.

Finally, make sure your home has at least one CO detector mounted probably. And, if you are curious about the CO levels in your garage, go ahead and mount one out there, at least temporarily, to see if it goes off on a regular basis. Though it might be irritating, it could be educational to learn that the air you are breathing in that space contains a toxic substance.

To view this article in full, go to: http://garages.about.com/od/buildingagarage/a/garages_and_indoor_air_quality.htm

January is National Radon Action Month

2012-01-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

According to the EPA, radon is estimated to contribute to 21,000 lung-cancer deaths per year. They recommend that everyone should get their home tested.

EZBreathe can help to reduce radon levels in the home. Radon comes from the ground, and therefore enters at the lowest levels of the home, just as water vapor does. EZBreathe is placed in that same place, to catch both contaminants as they enter the home, and exhaust them out of the home. Check out our website for pre and post radon test results that EZBreathe has achieved.

In addition, some EZBreathe Distributors, are also certified radon mitigation specialists, and have used EZBreathe in conjunction with sub-slab depressurization systems, when those systems were unable to bring radon levels below the 4 picocuries per liter of air action level. Together the two systems achieved the desired level. EZBreathe has been shown repeatedly to get below the action level, without any supplemental systems.

The new EPA Indoor airPlus program

2011-09-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Environmental Protection Agency has created the “Indoor airPlus” program (www.epa.gov/indoorairplus ) as an addition to the Energy Star homes program. Studies have repeatedly shown that many "green", or Energy Star homes, have subsequent moisture issues and indoor air quality issues, due to the tighter building envelopes. “Indoor airPlus” is designed to address the indoor air quality issues, as well as other requirements for a healthy home.

It is important to note that this is a new program, for new homes that are being built today and homes that will be built in the future. Unfortunately, this program doesn't apply to the over 130 million existing homes in the United States. However, the good news is…the new guidance on how to build a healthy home, can be applied to existing homes as well.

A checklist of 37 requirements is necessary to earn the “Indoor airPlus” designation for a new home. The EZ Breathe Ventilation System fulfills seven of these requirements for new construction and also as applied to an existing home in an effort to have a “healthy home”.

"1.4 Basement/crawlspaces insulated & conditioned"
EZ Breathe fulfills this requirement as it exhausts damp, contaminated air out of the space, and conditions the basement or crawlspace with upstairs conditioned air.

"2.1 Approved radon-resistant features installed"
EZ Breathe is a proven method of reducing radon levels in the home. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer death, according the American Lung Association. Radon-resistant features will keep radon from entering the home. However, in existing homes it difficult to implement these features as they are often implemented during initial construction. Therefore, in existing homes, radon is most likely entering the home. EZ Breathe captures radon at its entry point, the lowest level of the home, and exhausts it to the outside, removing the harmful gas from the home.

"4.5 Whole house ventilation system installed to meet ASHRAE 62.2- Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low Rise Residential Buildings" requirements"
EZ Breathe fulfills this requirement. The national standard for ventilating homes, ASHRAE's table for determining the appropriate air flow rates for homes varies from 30 cubic feet per minute(cfm), and up to to 165 cfm for homes larger than 7500 square feet. The EZ Breathe System can be adjusted with a simple turn of the speed dial to accommodate the entire range!

"4.6 Local exhaust ventilation to outdoors for baths, kitchen, clothes dryers, central vacuum systems, etc."
EZ Breathe fulfills this requirement. Exhausting moisture and contaminants at their source is the best way to ensure removal from the home. The EZ Breathe system is a ventilation appliance that rests on the floor of the lowest level in the home (basement, crawlspace, slab) and removes the water vapor, soil gases and other pollutants that naturally enter a home through this foundation. In addition, EZ Breathe can be used near any contaminant source for example: aquarium, pet area, nail salon, art studio, indoor pool, etc.

"4.8 Additional dehumidification system(s) or central HVAC dehumidification controls installed ( reccommended for warm-humid climates only)"
EZ Breathe fulfills this requirement. The EZ Breathe Ventilation System dehumidifies by exhausting the humid air from the basement or crawlspace and draws the dry, conditioned air from the upper levels down to replace the humid air. The EZ Breathe does so at one-tenth the electric usage of a traditional dehumidifier.

"5.6 Exhaust fan (minimum 70 cfm, rated for continuous use) installed in garage & vented to outdoors (controls optional)"
EZ Breathe fulfills this requirement. EZ Breathe has an adjustable speed fan with a capacity up to 176 cfm. Automotive exhaust, and other fumes off-gassed by a car, lawn mower, weed wacker, etc. in a garage can accumulate to dangerous levels. In addition, if the garage is attached, those fumes will naturally be drawn into the home, unless garage ventilation is provided.

"7.2 Home ventilated before occupancy OR initial ventilation instructions provided for buyer"
EZ Breathe fulfills this requirement. EZ Breathe is one of the most cost effective strategies that provide whole home ventilation. Materials inherent in the building process are extremely harmful and toxic such as formaldehyde, glue, epoxy, resin, carpet fiber, varnish, paint, etc. Exhausting those contaminants prior to occupancy is critically important. That "new home" smell is actually a dangerous "cocktail" of chemicals!

So, if you want your home to be as healthy as the best homes being built today and in the future, EZ Breathe is the best choice to help you have a healthy home!

EZ Breathe Exhibiting at Indoor Air 2011 & The 2011 Healthy Homes Conference

2011-05-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Indoor Air 2011 is being held at the University of Texas in Austin, TX from June 5-11, 2011. The Conference was started in 1978 and is the Triennial signature conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate. Indoor Air moves around the globe, and was most recently held in Copenhagen (2008) & Beijing (2005).

This is an enormous opportunity for EZ Breathe to gain international exposure, as the technical program will involve over 40 hours of special forums & 600 presentations by speakers hailing from 51 different countries.

If you find yourself in the Austin, TX area during this time, stop by & visit us at booth #25.

For additional information on the show visit www.indoorair2011.org.

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The 2011 National Healthy Homes Conference (NHHC) is being held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver CO. It will run from June 20-23, 2011. The NHHC is the housing industry's most comprehensive, progressive & educational forum on the issue of healthy, safe & sustainable homes. The technical programs feature industry leaders & nationally renowned speakers with multiple learning tracks that will offer over 150 diverse educational sessions.

If you want to be the "go-to" person in the field of Healthy Homes, then consider attending the NHHC. While there, come visit us at booth # 601.

For more information, visit www.healthyhomesconference.org.

Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

2011-04-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

E●Z Breathe Offers a Breath of Fresh Air for Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

Home Ventilation System Provides Relief from Environmental Irritants

Asthma and allergies are at epidemic proportions this spring. Asthma, a serious life-threatening respiratory disease, affects over 20 million individuals while allergies affect as many as 40 million Americans.[1] According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the number of Americans with these two chronic conditions has at least doubled in the last twenty years. Currently, there are around 60 million people who suffer from either allergies or asthma and this number is on the rise. May is known as the peak time for seasonal allergies with pollen counts skyrocketing and sufferers seeking relief. Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month was put into effect to create awareness about these conditions and educate the public about ways minimize exposure.[2] Understanding these health risks, the E●Z Home Ventilation System, (www.ezbreathe.com) seeks to help families improve the quality of air in the homes during the month of May.

The development of asthma and allergies can be caused by several factors including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Although there is no cure at this time, asthma and allergies can be controlled through medical treatment as well as management of environmental factors. Awareness and prevention are the best defense against asthma and allergies. It is important for people to become aware of the triggers that can lead to allergy and asthma attacks and to minimize exposure to them. The most common allergy triggers include pollen, dust mites, mildew and mold, pet dander, smoke, cleaning products, and fragrances. E●Z Breathe combats all of these issues by exhausting harmful contaminants in the air and replacing it with fresh ventilated air from outside.

Studies have indicated that home intervention in the form of a ventilation system is an effective, preventative approach to asthma and allergy symptoms.[3] The E●Z Breathe Home Ventilation System improves quality of air within the home significantly, making it a safer, healthier place for the entire family. E●Z Breathe is designed to rid the home of harmful moisture and humidity, not re-circulate polluted air. E●Z Breathe ventilates by drawing moist, stale, contaminated air out of the home, replenishes by replacing moist air with fresh dry air and regulates airflow to reach and maintain a desired level of humidity.

In addition to the unpleasant effects of asthma and allergies, the costs involved are significant. According to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the annual cost for asthma treatment is estimated at nearly $5,000 per person.[4] The E●Z Breathe Home Ventilation System offers families the option of making a onetime investment towards their family’s health.

“It is very important for people to become aware of what pollutants are in the air that they breathe every day since these contaminants can trigger allergic reactions and/or asthma attacks” states Erika Lacroix, President of E●Z Breathe. “EZ Breathe offers a simple solution to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of illness related to indoor air pollution.”

[1] http://www.epa.gov/asthma/awm/index.html

[2] http://www.healthstatus.com/health_blog/2009/05/05/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month/

[3] USA today, April 12, 2010

[4] http://www.webmd.com/asthma/features/lowering-costs-asthma-treatment

Come Visit us At The National Green Building Conference in Salt Lake City May 1-4, 2011

2011-04-13T13:20:00.001-07:00

EZ Breathe will be exhibiting at the National Green Building Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The annual conference is sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders and will attract builders, remodelers,architects, land planners, contractors and marketers from around the country.

Our booth # is 112.

The cost to attend the show is $95. If you would like to attend, contact Tim at EZ Breathe & we would be happy to send you a complementary ticket.

For additional information on the show, visit www.NAHB.org/GreenBuildingConference.

EZBreathe exhibiting at the Journal of Light Construction show in Providence, RI - March 19 - 21

2009-03-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

EZBreathe just returned from the Indoor Air Quality Show in Fort Worth, Texas. Our next show will be the JLCLive show in Providence, RI - March 19 - 21.

"The smell in our home is incredibly different."

2009-03-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Like most consumers I was very skeptical to say the least when I was first heard about the EZ Breathe ventilation system.How could such a small, compact unit perform such lofty claims? "Rid my home of damaging moisture, replace stale air with clean air 6 - 10 times daily, expel pet dander, allergens, and other harmful unwanted pollutants. Plus, reduce mold growth and Radon". Is all this possible?......

Now, four months after the EZ Breathe system was installed in our home we are extremely satisfied with the results we have experienced. After 8 years we no longer run a dehumidifier. NO more dumping stinky, polluted water or changing nasty filers. The smell in our home is incredibly different. NO more damp, musty odors...

I can't visibly see Radon, allergens, pet dander, mold spores, or other unhealthy airborne pollutants, but I have complete faith in the EZ Breathe system. I totally trust these pollutants are being removed from our home also. Why? If the visible moisture is gone and the noticeable rancid smell is gone.... How could these unwanted invisibles just hang around? DAH! They can't..... Thank you EZ Breathe for blessing me, my wife, three children, and grandson with a cleaner and much healthier home. The investment in their health and futures was so worth it.... God Bless.... Ricky Sandridge

I recommend EZBreathe to kennel owners

2009-03-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

January 16, 2009



We researched many different types of air ventilation systems for our kennel
before purchasing an EZ Breathe system. We had it installed in our kennel
early November 2008. This system totally changed the air quality in our
kennel, it works so well we are purchasing a second unit for our other
kennel building. Respiratory problems in puppies and dogs are nonexistent in
our kennel now. The system is built so we can now control the humidity
levels in our kennels. Kennel owners know how important fresh, clean air and
low humidity levels are for dogs and puppies. We would recommend this system
for any size kennel, animal shelter, and veterinary office. The size is a
plus, it takes up very little room and you get professional installation. We
can¹t say enough good things about these EZ Breathe systems. They work great
for us and would recommend them to other kennel owners.



Thank you for this wonderful product,

Tim and Bobbi Jo Powell

EZBreathe ended my fight with condensation on the windows!

2009-03-10T09:43:00.001-07:00

I am not much of a letter writer; however, I must write to tell you that
this unit is the best investment we have made in a long time. You are always
skeptical buying anything sight unseen and online! The start of my wife's
typical day was to wipe all of our windows every morning. We purchased a new
construction home in 2003. We always had moisture and ice on all of our
windows in the winter months. We had fans running just to move the air on
certain windows. We had the EZ Breathe unit installed on Monday December
22nd. It may be hard to believe but in only 2 days there is no longer any
moisture on ANY of our windows. It only took me 5 years to find this unit!!
I would recommend this unit to all!

Slotty Family

"EZ Breathe Saved My Life!"

2009-03-10T09:30:00.001-07:00

In the first part of Nov. 2008 I had one of your units installed in my home. Prior to that, I was using oxygen every night and some during the day. I also was taking 3 to 4 breathing treatments with a nebulizer every day. Well that has all stopped! I have not taken a breathing treatment since. I have also not used oxygen at all during the day . It is so wonderful not to have those hoses up my nose all the time and to be able to breathe easier. That you very much for that.

Now here is the real story!

Yesterday afternoon I was baking a pizza in the oven. After that I shut the oven off. After that I went on with my day and evening and went to bed. That night I woke up to go to the bathroom and I thought I smelled gas in the air. I checked my oven. It was off and no gas smell when I opened the oven door. I went back to bed. Woke up at 6:30AM today. Again I could smell gas. I checked the oven again. Again it was ok. I look at the top burner knobs and one of them was on on low.I guess I had bumped that burner knob and knocked on to low position. Being the stove has electronic pilot lights it did not lite because it had passed the liting position and was just letting gas into the air. I quickly turn the knob off and turned on my range hood fan and my ceiling fans. But I honestly believe that if your ventilation system had not be running full bore, I would have been dead or very ill or have blown the house up. But thanks to your system. I am alive and well today as I sit here and type this message many thanks for your wonderful product. I honestly believe it saved my life!

Thanks again,

Rod Marshall

DIYNetwork "Sweat Equity" Show

2008-08-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

EZBreathe was recently featured on the DIYNetwork show "Sweat Equity"! Here is the background information. The shows producers approached EZBreathe last fall after researching state of the art technologies to use in a planned basement finishing job in Minnesota. They wanted to know more about EZBreathe, and after a brief time, knew they wanted to feature EZBreathe on the show.

The episode was shot over the winter, and was shown from August 6 to August 18.

The shows producers did an excellent job of communicating the importance, both regarding health and increased value, to ensuring good ventilation in the basement. And they knew EZBreathe was the answer. We couldn't agree more!

EZBreathe and the finished basement!

2008-08-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

We here at EZBreathe have lately been receiving calls from homeowners from several different states (Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts). What we are being told is that the code enforcement, or city inspectors, are telling them if they want to finish the basement and use it as a living space, that they have to provide mechanical ventilation. In one case, the inspector actually recommended calling us! These were new (and very welcome) types of calls. Some further investigation found that there are requirements in the International Building Code to provide for either natural or mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate fresh air for finished basements. Most states and cities have adopted the code, but not all are enforcing it. There is a somewhat cryptic allowance for ventilation with an appropriate number and size of basement windows. But lets face it, opening basement windows allows the dampest air outside to enter the basement. And, what about during the winter? So is a theoretical ventilation strategy really answering the need?

It is our position that the best strategy is to provide a mechanical means to ensure air exchange not just in the basement, but throughout the home, and the most economical and proven method for doing that is our EZBreathe Ventilation System!

Asthma and Allergy Guidelines Presentation

2008-08-15T09:30:00.001-07:00

At the June IAQA 11th Annual Meeting and Exposition, there were a number of excellent sessions. I found the one on "Home Environmental Assessments for the National Asthma and Allergy Guidelines" to be one of the best educational sessions I've attended in years.

The Indoor Air Quality Association is taking a leadership role in partnering with physicians to provide home assessments for patients suffering from allergies or asthma. Physicians don't have the time or resources to evaluate homes, and provide realistic advice and solutions to their patients. They need professionals with construction knowledge, and knowledge of allergy and asthma trigggers, to do home assessments. The cost effectiveness of in home air quality assessments versus medical interventions (prescriptions, emergency room visits, etc.) has been shown by various medical studies. When the actual air quality issues were directly addressed, such as with better ventilation, the patients experienced relief with less need for inhalers, and fewer visits to the emergency rooms.

IAQA has sent a poster to physicians, and allergy/asthma clinics to get the word out that member organizations, like EZBreathe Ventilation, can help in this important effort!

Indoor Air Quality Association Annual Meeting

2008-05-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

EZBreathe associates will be attending the IAQA Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida. The show runs from June 11 - 14. It is the leading show for Indoor Air Quality professionals. EZBreathe encourages all distributors to attend the show. There are excellent education sessions, and all can be counted towards certification or recertification.

Throw away your ionizer.

2008-04-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

According to the American Lung Association's Breathe EASY Fall 2006/Winter 2007 publication, "These ozone-generating products are falsely marketed as "air purifiers" that produce "safe" levels of ozone...The truth is ozone-generating devices are neither safe nor extremely effective...(and they) produce significant increases in other polutants, such as formaldehyde and fine particles, which are also harmful to the health.''

In related news, Sharper Image Corp. filed for bankruptcy on Feb. 20, 2008, citing "negative publicity", and litigation over Ionic Breeze Air Purifiers.

Happy Holidays

2007-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone is having a great holiday season.

One of our valued customers wrote:

"I ordered your system several months ago because I have had a continuing moisture problem in the winter months for 15 years. Your system has eliminated that problem.
Thanks so much."
-P. Whiteside Jr.

Please let us know how your customers are doing.

Welcome to EZ-Breathe Blog

2007-10-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new EZ-Breathe blog. In the next few months we will be posting articles and stories about things that are happening in are business.
We also want you our distributors and customers to feel free to email us your questions and ideas to be placed on the blog.
Hopefully together this blog will help us all communicate about new ideas that will help make EZ-Breathe a household name.