Allergens in your home

Part 2

What are the different allergens in your home? The following article looks at specific causes of indoor allergies and how to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Pet dander
From cats, to dogs, to hamsters, to lizards and even fish – allergens are caused by dander and other fine particles of animal waste (urine and saliva).

Dust
Dust is found in every home, no matter how much you clean! However you can take practical measures to reduce the levels of dust.

♦ Ideally remove all carpet covering and replace with solid or smooth surface flooring
♦ Alternatively wash and hoover your carpet regularly
♦ Wash and hoover all soft furnishings and window dressings regularly
♦ Wash bedding regularly
♦ Wash towels and clothes regularly
♦ Ideally remove furniture that is upholstered
♦ Alternatively wash and hoover upholstered pieces of furniture regularly
♦ Wash or dust all solid surfaces regularly (floors, walls, table tops, worktops, cabinetry, furniture, window sills, mantel pieces etc)
♦ Remember to wash any textiles, fabrics and soft furnishings that are stored away
♦ Any stored mattresses, pillows, cushions should be kept in sealed plastic coverings to avoid dust mites
♦ Reduce the levels of humidity to deter dust mites breeding.

Moisture, mould, bacteria and fungus
Wherever there are levels of moisture, micro organisms will breed. Typically in your kitchen and bathroom, yet anywhere building materials become damp or wet. The presence of airborne mould spores can provoke symptoms of hay fever and asthma.

♦ Keep your home well ventilated in all seasons
♦ Regulate humidity levels with humidifiers and dehumidifiers
♦ Regulate heat levels
♦ Ensure any heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) are working correctly, regularly maintained and drip trays emptied
♦ Replace any water damaged building materials; especially soft materials like carpet and upholstery which are ideal breeding grounds for mould, bacteria and fungus
♦ Prevent and repair plumbing leaks

Insects
Depending on your location in the world, different species of insects will be present in your home. When they die their bodies break down into particles and become airborne. Types of insects include: cockroaches, flies, moths, crickets, fleas, mosquitoes, gnats, beetles, woodlice, ladybirds, ants etc.

♦ Some insects are attracted by food, so keep all sources of food tightly sealed and stored properly
♦ Regular cleaning of your home will remove any insect particles
♦ In severe cases, consult with a professional insect exterminator

Mites
Microscopic arthropods are mites such as dust mites, spider mites, pet mites and storage mites which cannot be seen by the human eye. These micro organisms are found in abundance in your home and come from a variety of sources.

♦ The same action can be taken as found under dust and pet dander

Indoor plants
Although not as much concern as garden plants, indoor plants can cause allergic reactions to pollen and mould. Indoor plants are generally more leafy with lower levels of pollen. Leafy plants may be kept in damp soil conditions, which encourage mould to grow, releasing spores into the air. Dried plant/flower arrangements harbour high levels of dust and are not that easy to clean, they can also be breeding grounds for mould and mildew if they become moist.

Symptoms can range from mild like sneezing to severe asthma attacks depending on the concentration levels and your own sensitivity to the allergen. That said some types of plants will decrease the levels of microbes, naturally regulate humidity and clean the air.

♦ Select plants such as palm, fern, ivy, rubber plant
♦ Avoid plant teraniums with high levels of humidity
♦ Avoid tropical plants which require higher levels of humidity, watering & spraying

It would be impossible to remove all allergens in your home, however you can limit the levels of concentration which will help reduce the risk of developing allergic symptoms. As with all symptoms, please consult with your doctor for professional medical advice.

View part 3 of indoor allergens.......


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