ALLERGY-PROOF YOUR HOME
It's impossible to completely allergy-proof any home. But with the following tips you can definitely live in a less allergen infested home.
Allergens are substances that cause your immune system to behave as if it's been attacked. There are plenty of food allergies but were talking here of dust mites, pollen, grass, trees, weeds, mold, formaldehyde, pet dander etc. The symptoms from exposure to dust mites include sneezing, post nasal drip, constant runny nose and stuffy nose or ears. Pollen exposure can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat and nose and great fatigue. Formaldehyde has been known to cause skin rashes, fatigue, brain fog, headache, burning eyes, nose and throat. Formaldehyde, can be found in building material, furniture and even mattresses.
The first thing to remember about allergies is that outdoor air is by far less polluted than indoor air. So keep your windows open. Too many office buildings are hermetically sealed causing “sick building syndrome”. Keeping the windows of your home completely shut will create a "sick building syndrome" in your home.
- Using a HEPA air filter will greatly improve the quality of your air. It's most important to have a filter in your bedroom.
- Remove weeds from your yard before they have a chance to pollinate
- Exercise indoors in the spring when trees are pollinating, in the early summer when grass and weeds are pollinating, and in autumn when weed allergens and mold are potent.
- Avoid outdoor exposure when pollen counts are highest: between 5am and 10am. Keep your windows closed during these hours also.
- In spring and summer remain in an air conditioned home or workplace or car to reduce pollen exposure. There are small air filters for your car.
- Rinse your nose with saline spray after being outdoors.
- Never dry your sheets outdoors because pollen adheres to fabric.
- Mow your lawn before it grows tall. This will prevent growth of seedheads and pollen.
- Don't keep large amounts of vegetation around your yard.
- Bathe pets regularly so they don’t carry pollen into your home.
HOME PROOFING FOR MOLD
You've seen what mold looks like when you leave fruits or vegetables or bread too long in the fridge. You've also seen mildew (mold) that appears on shower tiles. Mold – living, dead or in spore form – are allergens that make you sick.
Mold is everywhere: in the air, in soil on corn and wheat and some grasses and weeds. Anyplace where there is oxygen, moisture and organic matter. In particular it loves the moist shady areas in your home. Mold can travel up to twenty miles in the wind.
Although mold prefers temperature between 70 and 90 degrees it’s hardy and can survive low temperatures. And some can grow at below zero.
Here are some ways to combat this dangerous pest.
- Use an exhaust fan or at least open a window after a shower or bath
- Wash shower curtains, tiles and grout regularly.
- Use a humidifier in your basement.
- Maintain and clean humidifiers and air conditioners regularly.
- Use paint with a mold inhibitor.
- Use allergy reduction products in your home.
HOME PROOFING FOR DUST MITES
Dust mites (bed mites) are insects that can't be seen with the naked eyes but they cause itchy eyes, runny nose, rhinitis which gets worse during the night in bed. If you're allergic to these creatures you'll get immediate relief if you discard any carpet and replace it with hardwood or ceramic tile. Wash all blankets, sheets, pillowcases and mattress pads in 130 degree water every two weeks. There are zippered allergen impermeable covers available for pillows and comforters. Vacuum often. But many vacuums leak and therefore spread allergens into the air. Replace your vacuum bag with a high filtration multi-layer bag. Then add a vacuum exhaust filter. When you're in the market for a new vacuum, consider a hypo-allergenic one. It'll retain particles at 99.97% efficiency down to 0.3 microns.
HOME PROOFING FOR FORMALDEHYDE
Unfortunately formaldehyde is commonly used in many building materials and household products. It is highly dangerous to your health and to the eco system. Formaldehyde can be found in the following:
- cigarette smoke
- carpet backing
- adhesives
- glue
- paint
- toilet cleaners
- vinyl floors
- markers
- dyes
- floor polish
- drapes
- air fresheners
- cosmetics
- liquid cleaners
- wall coverings
- some paper products
- furniture made from press board.
HOME PROOFING FOR DOG ALLERGIES
Allergic reactions to dog can range from annoying watery eyes and itching to hazardous asthma attacks that affect breathing. There are breeds that are considered hypoallergenic. This does not mean these breeds are allergy-free but cause reduced allergy reactions. Have someone else brush or groom your dog.
HOME PROOFING FOR CAT ALLERGIES
Up to ten million Americans suffer from cat allergies. A protein with a carbohydrate called " Fel d 1" allergen found in the cat's saliva and sweat is much smaller than pollen or mold spores. As a result this cat allergen easily bypasses nasal passages and attaches itself deeply in the lungs where it causes allergic reactions and even asthma .
This microspore " Fel d 1" allergen floats in the air. After a cat licks itself the allergen remains on its fur. Then dried specks of saliva float off and travel throughout your home, on walls, windows, furniture. This allergen is so powerful it can remain in your home for years after a cat is gone. Here are some ways to fight back:
- Keep your cat out of the bedroom. Or at least cover your mattress and blankets with anti-mite covers.
- Consider neutering your male cat which will reduce the amount of allergen.
- Hepa air filters work especially well for particles of cat allergen.
- Weigh removing carpet from your home because it's where cat allergens mostly reside. Consider either leather or vinyl covered chairs and couches – they clean easily.
- Open windows so that the allergens can float away.
- Make an enticing comfy spot outside where your cat can sleep or nap. Include a dish with food and water and don't forget the catnip.