When it’s blazing hot during summer months, does it seem to you like the quality of air you’re breathing is not very good? Well, that’s because it’s true. During extreme summer heat, the sun simmers the air and all of the chemical compounds it contains. This helps create a smog effect making the air uncomfortable for healthy persons and difficult and dangerous for those already experiencing breathing  difficulties. Regions with high smog levels show increased hospital and emergency room visitsor  respiratory problems.

The non-profit organization Clean Air Watch recently reported that a record heat wave in July 2006 caused a blanket of smog reaching from coast to coast. More than 30 states reported more unhealthy air quality days in July2006 than in July 2005. 2005 is the hottest year on record. Public health ozone standards were exceeded more than 1,000 times in July 2006.

Often during a heat wave, electricity is either scarce or unavailable.This causes many people to use generators to create electricity, which further exacerbates the problem. Diesel generators produce more pollution per watt of power output than power plants do. They produce upto 20 times as much particulate pollution as modern, natural gas fired power plants.

One of the biggest concerns involving heat and air pollution is ozone. Ozone is associated with increased asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing, and complications of other respiratory illnesses. Ozone is a colorless to pale blue gas and one of the most toxic inorganic compounds known.

Higher air temperatures increase the concentration of ozone at ground level.The natural layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth’s surface. Ozone in the lower atmosphere however, is a very harmful pollutant. Ozone damages lung tissue and causes problems for those suffering from asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Even modest exposure to ozone can cause healthy individuals to experience breathing problems such as chest pains and pulmonary congestion.

The federal government uses a measurement called the Air Quality Index to determine pollution levels. Index numbers around the country were at unhealthy levels in July of this year throughout much of the country. The stagnant atmospheric conditions of a heat wave trap pollutants in urban area’s, increasing the already dangerous stress of extremely hot weather by creating respiratory issues for the sick and healthy alike.

Unfortunately, the problem of heat waves and their effecton air quality may get worse before it gets better. There are several warning signs that this issue of extreme heat will not go away soon:

• No state in the lower 48 experienced below average temperatures in 2002.
• Since 1980, the earth has experienced 19 of its 20 hottest years on record.
• Eight of the 10 warmest years since 1860 have occurred in the last decade.
• 2005 was the hottest year ever recorded while the summer of 2006 set high temperature records in a great number of cities and towns across America.

These are numbers to be seriously concerned about when you consider that reliable weather record keeping began in the 1860’s. Even without heatwaves, air pollution remains a serious issue in this country and the world. Although the US Clean Air Act is among the most powerful air quality laws in the world, it is estimated that as many as 50,000 Americans die prematurely each year as a result of air pollution.

Air quality experts have been issuing warnings that the advancements we have made in controlling air pollution may be negated by global warming.

The advent of portable oxygen concentrators has greatly increased the mobility of those who require oxygen therapy. DeVilbiss has now made it even more comfortable and easier for patients to travel on short notice with their line of Walkabout oxygen concentrators that you can wear on your back.

One of the most difficult and depressing things oxygen therapy patients suffer is a feeling of being tied to their house. Many users feel trapped because they do not want to haul around burdensome oxygen equipment. DeVilbiss eliminates this frustrating problem with

their Walkabout line of portable oxygen concentrators that you can wear on your back on your back! The Walkabout 1 and Walkabout 2 offer DeVilbiss reliability, plus added comfort and convenience.

Walkabout 1 offers 4:1 conversion allowing you to get over 7 hours of oxygen from a single “C” tank. Best of all, the unit weighs less than 5 pounds! Walkabout 2 utilizes a slightly larger tank that provides over 12 hours of oxygen while weighing a comfortable 6 pounds. Both units include an attractive shoulder bag and nasal cannula. The bag conceals the oxygen cylinder and lets the user carry it in comfort.

Being able to receive oxygen therapy in your home helps improve your independence and quality of life. Although oxygen is a very safe gas (it will NOT explode, but it does aid combustion) certain safety precautions should be followed to be sure you are following good oxygen safety rules:

• Keep your oxygen system clean and dust free
• Make sure the oxygen cylinder is secured at all times
• Keep your system away from aerosol cans
• Store you oxygen equipment in a well-ventilated area
• Do not allow smoking in the same room with an oxygen concentrator
• Keep your system at least 6 feet away from any open flames
• Never use extension cords with medical equipment
• Do not change the flow rate yourself – call your physician if you feel an adjustment is needed. Changing the flow rate without supervision may lead to serious side effects

Another hassle oxygen user’s face is ordering oxygen and scheduling deliveries. Don’t inconvenience yourself waiting for home oxygen deliveries when you can fill your own cylinders at home with the iFill Home Oxygen Cylinder Filling Station from DeVilbiss. This unit works perfectly with any brand of oxygen concentrator. Using the iFill is as about as simple as it gets. Just take your empty cylinder, click it into the iFill, lights show you it’s filling and the iFill even turns off automatically when the cylinder is full. iFill comes with smooth rolling casters for easy storage.

If you are receiving oxygen therapy, don’t be inconvenienced any more than necessary. Don’t allow yourself to be tied to oxygen tanks that restrict your mobility and make you feel housebound. Enjoy the freedom of the lightweight and comfortable DeVilbiss Walkabout 1 and Walkabout2.

DeVilbiss 303

One of the most popular models in BPA’s new line of oxygen concentrators is the Devilbiss 303 Home Oxygen concentrator. This model features DeVilbiss reliability with an innovative design allowing the user freedom of easy mobility.

Many patients receiving oxygen therapy frequently complain of bulky, heavy and difficult to move units. The DeVilbiss 303 solves this problem by being exceptionally compact and light, weighing only 37 pounds. This dependable home oxygen concentrator stands less than 2 feet tall on four sturdy, smooth rolling casters. These casters are very rugged, allowing the unit to roll over sidewalks and other rough surfaces. This allows the user to leave the house with the oxygen concentrator confident of performance and without the hassle and embarrassment of hauling around a bulky, heavy machine.

Features of the DeVilbiss 303 include:

• Compact & lightweight, visually appealing
• Fixed, recessed humidifier port
• Unique pressure/vacuum system provides high performance and long life
• 225 watt power consumption offers excellent energy efficiency
• Pressure compensated flow meter allows use of a long tube while maintaining an accurate flow setting
• Lifetime valve warranty plus 3 years on parts and labor

Oxygen is one of those things that we never think about until we do not have enough. Did you know that oxygen is the most abundant element on the surface of the earth? That is little comfort to those individuals who suffer from breathing difficulties. Being confident that your oxygen concentrator is going to perform when you need it is a very important consideration when thinking of purchasing one. That’s why, after many months of research, we proudly carry DeVilbiss products. DeVilbiss produces oxygen concentrators that are among the most trusted and reliable brands available today.

Enjoy the freedom of easy mobility and the confidence of quality performance with the DeVilbiss 303 oxygen concentrator.

For those requiring a larger capacity unit, the DeVilbiss 515 is an impressive model. The 515 is a great buy for those searching for quality home oxygen therapy equipment.

We are proud to announce a new product line. After spending much of the past year researching oxygen concentrators, we have selected oxygen concentrators that are reliable and offer great value. As always, we stand behind these products and are ready to offer any assistance you may need in selecting the right oxygen concentrator.

What is an oxygen concentrator?  This is a device that separates oxygen from room air.  These units are compact, reliable and inexpensive.  Oxygen concentrators have been in use for over 30 years.  The typical air we breathe contains approximately 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% other gases.  The science of oxygen concentration begins when room air is pulled into the machine by means of a compressor, forced through cylinders that contain zeolite and forces the oxygen into a tank that is then fed to the outlet nozzle.  This process results in a constant supply of oxygen.  This method is called Pressure Swing Arm Absorption.

BPA’s oxygen concentrator section also features portable & travel concentrators , refurbished oxygen concentrators and oxygen concentrator assessories.   This wide assortment of quality oxygen concentration products are commonly used in home health care and occasionally in general anesthesia.  Don’t suffer breathing problems any longer when you can have relief with these reliable and inexpensive oxygen concentrators.
Feel like you still would like to have more information on this important subject?  Visit our Oxygen Therapy Resourse Guide for more valuable resourses on oxygen therapy.  As always, you may also call us on our toll free number to speak with our knowlegdeable staff for any additional comments or questions you may have.