Did you know that 63% of Americans own at least one companion animal, and sadly, most are virtually
unprotected from toxic chemicals? In fact, studies have shown that the amount of toxics
in blood and urine are many times higher in pets than humans.
WASHINGTON – In the first study of its kind, Environmental Working
Group (EWG) found that companion cats and dogs are polluted with even
higher levels of many of the same synthetic industrial chemicals that
researchers have recently found in people, including newborns.
In addition to being guardians, playmates and even beloved family
members, dogs and cats may also be serving as sentinels for human
health problems that can arise from exposures to industrial chemicals. In recognition of the unique roles that pets play in our lives, the
Environmental Working Group (EWG) undertook a study to investigate the
extent of exposures dogs and cats face to contaminants in our homes and
outdoor environments. What we found was startling.
Dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals
tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically
found in people, according to our study of blood and urine from 20 dogs
and 40 cats. Average levels of many chemicals were substantially higher
in pets than is typical for people, with 2.4 times higher levels of
stain-and grease-proof coatings (perfluorochemicals) in dogs, 23 times
more fire retardants (PBDEs) in cats, and more than 5 times the amounts
of mercury, compared to average levels in people found in national
studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) and EWG.
“Like humans, pets are also exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily
basis, and as this investigation found, are contaminated at higher
levels,” said Jane Houlihan, VP for Research at EWG. “The presence of
chemicals in dogs and cats sounds a cautionary warning for the present
and future health of children as well. This study demonstrating the
chemical body burden of dogs and cats is a wake-up call for stronger
safety standards from industrial chemical exposures that will protect
all members of our families, including our pets.”
“This study is valuable in that it used pet animals that live in
nearly fifty percent of all US households as environmental sentinels to
measure the level of contamination with a wide variety of industrial
chemicals that have also been shown to be present in human tissue.
Because pet animals tend to have similar or higher concentrations of
these chemicals in their body than humans, epidemiological studies of
pets can be used to identify potential adverse health effects at a
lower cost and in a much shorter period of time than it would take to
perform similar studies in humans,” said Dr. Larry Glickman – a leading
veterinarian and distinguished scientist who for the past three decades
conducted research in veterinary epidemiology.
"This study shows that our pets are susceptible to the absorption of
potentially harmful chemicals from our environment just as we are.
Perhaps even more troubling is that these chemicals have been found in
higher levels in pets than in humans implying potential harmful
consequences for their health and well being and the need for further
study," said Dr. John Billeter, DVM, the veterinarian who conducted the
blood and urine tests.
Just as children ingest pollutants in tap water, play on lawns with
pesticide residues, or breathe in an array of indoor air contaminants,
so do their pets. But with there compressed lifespans, developing and
aging seven or more times faster than children, pets also develop
health problems much more rapidly. Pets, like infants and toddlers,
have limited diets and play close to the floor, often licking the
ground as well as their paws, greatly increasing both their exposures
to chemicals and the resulting health risks. In America there are 8 times more
companion dogs and cats than there are children under five. Seventy percent more
households have dogs or cats than children of any age. These pets are often
beloved family members, and yet they can be subjected to chronic, constant
exposures to chemical contaminants in homes, yards, and parks that pet owners
cannot always prevent.
Scientists Link Chemical Exposure to Increased Rates of Cancer, Other Diseases in Pets:
Under current federal law, chemical companies do not have to prove chemicals are
safe before they are used in products, including pet toys and other products for
our companion animals. For pets as for people, the result is a body burden of
complex mixtures of industrial chemicals never tested for safety. Health
problems in pets span high rates of cancer in dogs and skyrocketing incidence of
hyperthyroidism in cats. Genetic changes can't explain the increases in certain
health problems among pets, leaving scientists to believe that chemical
exposures play a significant role.
Now, here's a product to lower exposure to
toxins for the ENTIRE family ― furry or not.
We
have been searching and searching for years now for the best steam cleaner, one
that will affect health as well as clean. And we are thrilled that we finally
found a product that truly stands above all of the rest.
There is no need to even mention the
many steam cleaners on the
market, or even the steam vapor cleaners. And, there are many. But, the reason
is this: it would
be like comparing apples and oranges.
We learned about Health Intentional
Cleaning, ONLY available through Advanced Vapor's TANCS® systems. Using roughly a
quart of tap water per hour, their quiet, portable multi-purpose appliances
create a high-heat, low-moisture vapor that thoroughly removes contaminants and
leaves any surface free of chemical residue. ONLY Advanced Vapor's TANCS®
system is backed by solid research.
Chuanwu Xi, PhD, Assistant
Professor in the Department of Environmental Health at the University of
Michigan and his research team found that treated steam from a novel steam
disinfection system utilizing TANCS® technology rapidly kills highly resistant
biofilms with greater than 99.95 % killing efficiency in a 3 second treatment,
and to a non-detectable level in a less than 10 second treatment. “Scientific
studies have found that biofilms can be up to 1000 times more resistant to
biocide inactivation than are suspended microbes,” said Dr. Xi. “It is extremely
difficult to get rid of biofilms and kill them."
"The efficacy of the steam vapor
system is important because even strong chemical disinfectants such as bleach
when allowed 20 minutes of dwell time did not achieve the same degree of kill
that the TANCS-equipped unit accomplished in three seconds. This device is one of the very
promising technologies that combine both rapid physical dispersal and
disinfection functions. The dry steam generated can easily break the barrier of biofilm structures and kill cells inside the biofilms.
It also does so without polluting the environment or risk of creating
antibiotic-resistant bacteria."
Background: Environmental surfaces in health care settings are often
contaminated by microorganisms, and biofilms can develop on the surfaces in
these settings. Steam vapor technology is of potential use for disinfection of
biofilms on the environmental surfaces. Methods: We tested the disinfection efficacy of a thermal-accelerated
nanocrystal sanitation (TANCS)-equipped steam vapor technology against biofilms
through disinfecting biofilms developed by 4 bacterial strains—Escherichia
coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus—on an identical test surface (i.e., polycarbonate) and biofilms developed by E coli on 4 different test surfaces: polycarbonate,
rubber, stainless steel, and ceramics.
Results:
Our data show that a 3-second steam treatment rapidly
killed each biofilm tested (>99.95 % killing efficiency). For biofilms developed
on different surfaces, 3-second steam treatment achieved 99.95% killing of E
coli biofilms developed on different surfaces. Compared with chemical
disinfection, steam treatment for <1 second a similar level of biofilm
disinfection as provided by incubation with 10-ppm sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
for 10-20 minutes of contact time.
Conclusions:
Our data suggest that the TANCS-equipped steam vapor
disinfection is an emerging and potentially useful technology for disinfecting
biofilms on environmental surfaces. Published online March 13, 2012.
To truly understand, watch the
video below. It may be a bit long,
but it packs a very powerful message ;-)
You want your home to be clean, but the toxic chemicals in traditional cleansing
agents may actually do more harm than good.
Advanced Vapor's innovative WATER
ONLY cleansing process with TANCS® removes the dirt you can see and kills the germs you
can't ―
in one easy step. It even improves the quality of the air you breathe. What’s
more, because the systems use only small amounts of water, treated surfaces are
dry within minutes. And the whole process is virtually mess-free!
No superficial
chemical or abrasive cleaners, harsh toxic fumes, or dulling chemical residue.
Safe for your family and pets.
Safe for the environment—no
pouring toxic chemicals down the drain.
Effective on
much more than carpets and floors. You can
sanitize and deodorize nearly every surface in
your home.
Ask not
what your house is doing to your health.
Ask what you can do for the health of your home.
This two-page form
will awaken your prospects to the dangers posed by chemicals in
common household cleaners. The first page explains the immediate
harms of each product, including the "signal word" which indicates a
product's level of toxicity. The second page explains the long-term
dangers of exposure to the chemical vapors and residue these
products leave in the air and on surfaces. Although information
about long-term harms is not required to be on a product's warning
label, it does appear on a product's Material Safety Data Sheet.
While researching this publication, the author read hundreds of
these sheets from dozens of manufacturers. All information contained
on the Toxin Checklist came from actual Material Safety Data Sheets
and from Poison Control Centers.
Advanced Vapor Technologies
Offers Proven, Effective Method for Protecting Pets from Canine
Parvovirus Disease
By Randy Zielsdorf, Advanced Vapor Technologies
Canine parvovirus, an extremely contagious disease, is currently the
most common infectious disease affecting dogs in the US. Advanced Vapor
Technologies, LLC of Everett, Washington offers a proven, effective
method for killing C. parvo without toxic chemistries.
While dogs older than one year typically do not contract C. parvo,
puppies are especially vulnerable, as are unvaccinated dogs. Infected
dogs shed large amounts of the virus in the first two weeks after
exposure, so protective measures and thorough surface disinfection are
needed to protect uninfected animals.
C. parvo is widespread, hard to destroy and persists in an environment
that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected. Indoors, the virus
can be viable for up to one month. Outdoors, it can last in shaded areas
for seven months and sunny areas for five months. It is also resistant
to many household disinfectants. (Note: Though the use of bleach is
common in kennel environments, it can be toxic, corrosive and has been
linked to asthma in humans and reproductive problems in dogs.)
A safe and yet effective approach for dealing with this problem is the
TANCS® equipped steam vapor sanitation system. Steam vapor cleaning
employs low-pressure (15-20 PSI) steam ranging from 215-230 degrees to
clean, sanitize and deodorize a variety of surfaces more thoroughly than
traditional cleaning methods. New technology in steam vapor systems,
Thermal Accelerated Nano Chrystal Sanitation (TANCS ®) converts ionic
minerals in tap water into millions of energized nano-crystals that
enable steam vapor to quickly destroy the C. parvo virus.
TANCS® is an ideal solution because it adheres to Green Cleaning
principles, can sanitize carpets and non-colorfast items in addition to
hard surfaces, and offers labor and cost savings. It also protects
residents, workers, pets, and indoor environments from chemical
exposure, and uses only a little water, reducing dry time. Steam vapor
also penetrates areas that traditional cleaning methods cannot reach.
Most importantly, studies and tests have shown that steam vapor cleaning
using TANCS® sanitizes surfaces at a higher effective level than
traditional cleaning and is a proven method for killing microbes. In
tests
done by Microbiotest and Nelson Laboratories for Advanced Vapor
Technologies, a 7-second reduction of a number of organisms, including,
Canine parvovirus and the Avian Flu virus.
With the highly infectious and hardy C. parvovirus ever present, pet
owners and those in the pet industry must be careful in ensuring pet
environments are clean and sanitary. TANCS® steam vapor is an easy,
safe, efficient and cost-effective way to protect residents, workers,
pets, and the indoor environment.
Chemical-free
vapor steam cleaning with TANCS®
. . . . Cleaner + Safer + Greener According
to Advanced Vapor Technologies, with Thermo Accelerated
Nano Crystal Sanitation (TANCS®),
their proprietary technology uses the naturally occurring minerals in tap water to
form crystals. As these crystals pass through the boiler they gain energy from
the heat. Then, when the water transforms into super-heated low-moisture steam,
these energized crystals are accelerated along with the steam. This
process helps disrupt the cell membrane, allowing lethal temperatures to quickly
destroy the germs. This activity is confined to the surface being treated
or cleaned and is lethal for germs and yet safe for you! With the TANCS® option, the
system qualifies as a disinfection device for the US EPA, in
addition to extending the life of the entire system.
This is not your grandmother’s clean—The case against bleach.
Carcinogenic
Oxidizes metals and destroys stainless steel,
degrades grout & concrete
Ineffective if used on dirty surfaces
Rapidly degrades in sunlight and hot water,
losing effectiveness
Most bleach products are not EPA-registered
disinfectants
Is suspected to cause problems with fertility
for chemically-sensitive humans and pets
Dangerous to human contact: eyes, skin,
respiratory consequences
For years, bleach (sodium hypochlorite) has been
mistakenly associated with an absolutely clean and disinfected surface. Today,
scientists are becoming more aware of the limitations of chemical disinfectants
and sanitizers. Recent studies investigating biofilms (microbe colonies present
on many pieces of food processing equipment, for example) reveal that 60 minutes
of exposure to bleach leaves as many live cells as dead cells in the biofilm
matrix. This leads to rapid recolonization of the surface.
Studies show that sufficient heat as is present
in the TANCS® steam vapor system will travel through the
biofilm and kill the cells that are unreachable by the surface application of a
germicide. All without degrading the surface you’re cleaning or impairing the
air you’re breathing while you’re doing it!
Benefits of TANCS® technology:
Results are dramatic and virtually immediate.
Because the process is so effective, results last
longer between cleanings.
Steam vapor reaches into microscopic pores where
topical chemical applications and scrubbing would never reach.
Savings in time and effort.
Simplification of cleaning protocols— no
disinfectant mixing, storage, disposal concerns, lengthy dwell time
requirements, or confusing label directions.
Elimination and control of the biofilms that resist
typical disinfectants.
Reduced chemical exposure risks.
Destruction of embedded bacteria and germs that
cause lingering odor with traditional cleaning methods.
Minerals are utilized by TANCS®
instead of building up on internal components. The resulting elimination
of scale allows for an extended warranty on the steam boiler.
Disinfecting powers reach far beyond what you can
see.
Continuous, no-wait water refill means you’re never out of steam. Your
system is always ready to work when you are! In Advanced Vapor Technologies' continuous-fill steam vapor system, a non-pressurized,
non-heated water reservoir allows water to be added at any time. That means
no downtime when the system needs water. No safety caps to worry about, no
concern for adding water to a hot tank, no potential for overfilling the
boiler. Plus, you get faster startup times. And, because water is injected
into the boiler automatically as it is consumed, the independent boiler
maintains steam even as water is added to the reservoir. As a result, this
unique system has steam available, whenever you need it.
Advanced Vapor Technologies' products use heat—rather than chemicals or
poisons—to do the work. The result? Not only will the surfaces you target
get really clean, but your indoor air quality will improve too. But safety
is only part of the story, because our appliances are highly versatile,
effective, easy to use, and mess-free, too! Our satisfied customers will
tell you…their homes look cleaner, they smell cleaner, they feel cleaner.
VERSATILE The versatility of the
steam vapor system is unmatched by any other cleaning method. Its
potential goes way beyond carpets and rugs to every area of your
home, even places where traditional cleaning methods can’t reach!
EFFECTIVE Thanks to the finer mist and
hotter temperature, dry steam offers greater penetration into
surface area pores, blasting dirt and grime. Results are dramatic
and immediate. Regular use over time with a TANCS® system results in
a disinfection baseline that approaches sterilization! Because the
TANCS® process is so effective, results last longer between
cleanings.
EASY TO USE There’s no disinfectant
mixing, storage, disposal concerns, lengthy dwell time requirements,
or confusing label directions. With our continuous-fill units, water
is added to a non-heated reservoir instead of the boiler. Unlike
other systems, you can safely add water at any time while you work.
MESS-FREE Because our products produce
high temperature “dry” steam vapor that carries only about 6% water,
very little water is left behind. Surfaces are cool to the touch
almost immediately and dry within minutes. The proprietary Ladybug®
system is specially engineered for sustainable temperature and
pressure, trapping the hot steam at the surface to remove the dirt.
Relying on heat instead of high pressure means a more thorough clean
with less mess.
The power of Advanced Vapor Technologies steam vapor technology cleans with
20-140 psi pressure and is one of the most effective ways to maintain
certification standards. Only high temperature saturated steam can clean and
sanitize the full surface, including the lowest points.
Heat melts the bond between the dirt and the surface
The moisture holds the dirt in suspension until it can be
wiped away or vacuumed with the optional vacuum cleaner
Treated surfaces dry almost instantly
Is scientifically proven to be faster and more effective
than chemical disinfectants to eradicate MRSA, VRE, C. difficile
endospores and many more pathogens
Simplifies cleaning protocols with a non-consumptive high
heat technology that uses only tap water
Improves the indoor environmental quality and reduces
potential indoor hazards due to reduced chemical use
According to Advanced Vapor Technologies, unlike high powered vacuums or
traditional steam cleaners, the Ladybug's
steam vapor system can help you deep clean almost any surface in your
home—even the cracks and crevices that are inaccessible to all, but steam
vapor—without toxic chemicals. What's more, the system actually removes dirt,
rather than spreading it all over a surface. It even removes residue left
behind from old cleaning chemicals. And, unlike chemical methods,
superheated vapor doesn't cover up odors; it removes them at their source,
penetrating deep into all surfaces, including fabrics and carpets. This
proven technology can also be safely used to remove mold, mildew, and other
potential allergens in your home.
PETS
―
While most only think of ingestion when it comes to pet
poisoning, the inhalation of toxic fumes allows poisons to go
directly into the bloodstream and quickly travel to the brain
and major organs. Everyday house cleaners give off fumes that
are quite dangerous, even more so for cats due to their constant
licking and grooming of themselves. In addition, they are
particularly sensitive to Pine-Sol and Lysol cleaners due to
their containing phenols, a poison that cats cannot detoxify. In
fact, inhaling these fumes can cause severe debilitating illness
to your cat. Vapor cleaners do not create such fumes and are a
perfect way to deal with pet hair, dander, and more. In fact, fleas,
eggs and larvae are also killed by short-term exposure to high
temperature (unlike chemicals, which have no effect on the
eggs). Plus there are
no poisons left behind to harm children, pets, or contaminate
your indoor environment.
BREEDERS, KENNELS & VET OFFICES ―
Dealing with Canine Parvovirus and MRSA is a major concern as
removal of an infection can be quite difficult in these settings. Although
past recommendations involved the use of a chlorine dilution, this chemical
can be very harmful to companion animals, especially with respect to their
reproductive systems. Instead, with a Ladybug steam cleaner equipped with
TANCS, you now have the ONLY non-chemical
disinfection system certified effective by the EPA. These systems have been
repeatedly tested by independent labs, clearly certified to eradicate both
Canine Parvovirus and MRSA. Check out the test results here:
Parovirus, MRSA 1 and
MRSA 2.
FLOORS ― Clean
baseboards and ceramic tile, hardwood and vinyl floors without getting on
your hands and knees. No chemical residue is left behind and no caustic
chlorine compounds coat the surface where kids and pets spend much of their
time.
WALLS & CEILINGS ―
Clean and freshen wainscot, walls and ceilings with out resorting to stools
and ladders, or having to stoop and bend to clean lower areas. No need for
drop clothes to cover surrounding furniture or equipment, or messy, heavy
water buckets . The process is mess free, quiet and fast. Very quick to dry
as well. Great for pre-paint cleaning, dust and mold removal.
CARPETS AND RUGS
― Freshen and deodorize carpets, rugs
and mats and leave no chemical residue behind. Remove spots from spills, pet
urine, chewing gum, even the existing toxic residue from traditional
cleaning. Plus, heat sanitizes without over-wetting, so carpets dry in less
than 15 minutes.
CAR―
Detail car interiors: upholstery, carpet, headliners, door
panels, windows, infant seats, and vents—even chrome wheels. The steam vapor
system removes tough odors and, because it uses so little water, there’s no
lengthy drying time or musty smell from moisture being trapped inside the
car.
KITCHEN ― With plenty
of moisture and organic material lying about, your kitchen is a notorious
playground for germs. The vapor system kills mold and mildew on contact.
Thoroughly clean ovens, ranges, microwaves, and refrigerators, inside and
out—without heavy scrubbing. Sanitize hard surfaces while removing dust,
grease, grime and carbon. Remove residue from corners and crevices and
target the source of contamination.
BATHROOM―
Keep your bathroom better than hospital-clean without harsh
chlorine or ammonia! Sanitize and deodorize toilets, tile, grout, baseboards
and vinyl floors. Get mirrors and glass to sparkle! Thoroughly clean vents,
bathtubs, slow moving drains, fiberglass shower stalls, aluminum and chrome.
UPHOLSTERY AND MATTRESSES
― Freshen, deodorize, and brighten
upholstered surfaces, remove spots, kill germs and dust mites in mattresses,
remove pet hair and kill fleas and their eggs. Sanitize everything in a
baby's nursery without harmful chemicals and detergents. Kill germs on toy
surfaces, even stuffed animals!
OUTDOORS―
Remove fresh oil spots and spills on your driveway. Kill weeds &
moss in pavement cracks without chemicals or pollutants. Clean tools, small
equipment, sporting equipment, and outdoor decks, too. Remove algae and
fungus from wood or metal and oxidation from aluminum. It’s also great for
pre-paint prep work. Great on boats and RVs, too.
MISCELLANEOUS
― Our revolutionary steam vapor system
also has many non-cleaning applications. You can defrost freezers, thaw
frozen pipes, dust and mist live plants, and polish jewelry, to name just a
few.
The Dust Mite R.I.P.
― The
microscopic dust mite lives in our clothes, mattresses, carpets
and upholstery and is responsible for a host of common allergic
reactions. The traditional treatment—laundering the suspect item
at a temperature of at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, or treating
it with a tannic acid solution—is difficult at best with
carpets, couches, mattresses, or your best suit coat (which
probably is the most highly contaminated).
Ladybug's dry steam vapor system spells doom for the poor mite,
penetrating these surfaces with temperatures in excess of 220
degrees Fahrenheit —without over-wetting (important because
these critters thrive in a humid environment). After treatment,
vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA equipped vacuum to remove any
particulate matter for a resounding death knell for your dust
mite problems. An added bonus? Bedbugs are also
killed by short-term exposure to high temperature (unlike
chemicals, which have no effect on the eggs). Plus there are
no poisons left behind to harm children, pets, or contaminate
your indoor environment.
Ladybug Vapor Systems . . . taking care of the ones we love
Ladybug® 2300 — Has a
larger & hotter temperature
boiler
to sustain higher
pressure and temperature
over longer periods
of use.
Excellent for large homes
over 2500 square
feet. Available with TANCS option. (We have this unit!)
Ladybug® 2200S — Has
compact footprint making
unit easy to carry up and
down the stairs and also
convenient to store. The
steam pressure gauge
helps you get the most out
of
your system. Available
with TANCS option.
Ladybug® Tekno 2350 —
For
all types of
spaces, including
business applications. Larger
cold water reservoir and the
availability of the trolley make
this system perfect for a variety
of jobs. TANCS is standard.
While the folks
at Advanced Vapor Technologies
granted us the opportunity to carry these units, we knew we could not easily
provide servicing. However, the company
wanted to be able to give back to our foundation given our love for their
product line, and the philosophy behind their work.
Here is how to support our foundation's mission. Google the Ladybug Steam Cleaners online and
check out the dozens of fine dealers carrying these units. You will see that
the Ladybug Cleaners are fair traded. They typically can be purchased with free
shipping and complimentary free kits. And, depending on the state in which
you are ordering from, you can find dealers where your purchase will be
tax-free.
Now call our man Randy.
Randy Zielsdorf is one of the wonderful folks at Advanced Vapor
Technologies. He can be reached at their toll free number:
1-800-997-6584.
Only speak to Randy and tell him that Rochelle
Lesser, from the Land of PureGold Foundation, sent you.
Randy will help you to understand exactly what
you require for your setting. He will not try to get you to buy something you do not need. While
the two models we were considering were close in price, he had us buy the
lesser expensive one as he believed we would better appreciate its built on
tool caddy and incredible array of accessories.
Randy will do right by those who come to him
from our Land of PureGold Foundation site.
Randy Zielsdorf, understanding that many of our supporters have
immune-compromised or suppressed dogs, knows just how important their care
is. He will make sure if you are serious about having this unit in your home
that you will receive the best price out there. And, he will be providing a
'finders fee' to our foundation for each sale that takes place as a
result of our recommendation.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
We simply adore this site. Check out their articles
below. You may ask what is
health
intentional cleaning? Is it cleaning for health or cleaning for
appearance. Well, that's your choice. Here is the difference.
Cleaning
performed for health purposes rather then only
appearance A cleaning
regiment that can be performed in a reasonable, timely
manner so as to encourage cleaning in the first place Cleaning
that disinfects or at least reduces the largest amount
of the targeted bacteria in the area Cleaning
achieved without the additional spread of harmful
bacteria Cleaning
performed with the fewest health risks for the cleaning
personnel Cleaning
performed with respect to preserving the health of the
occupants Cleaning
performed with a minimal amount of harmful residues left
behind Cleaning
that helps improve indoor air quality or at the very
least does not add to the deterioration of the indoor
air quality Cleaning
performed with the least negative affect on the
environment in general while also preserving natural
resources Cleaning
with results that can be scientifically measured