Fighting Allergies and Asthma in Your Home

Respiratory allergies and related breathing difficulties, such as asthma, seem to be on the rise. Although as to why there is no apparent single cause. Nonetheless, experts agree we can effectively reduce the impact on our families and guests by simply increasing our awareness and limiting out contact with many of the known irritants commonly found in the home.

Common Culprits
Perhaps some of the more common causes of respiratory problems are chemicals found in many consumable products we take internally or are exposed to through contact with our skin. The good news is that once we recognize them, these allergens tend to be controllable on an individual basis. However, many airborne allergens are much more difficult to identify and isolate, and consequently much harder to avoid.

Industrial and Household Pollutants
Foreign contaminants invade the home every day, mostly through airborne pollution, but also in the form of fumes from solvents and aerosol propellants we bring into the home, as well as toxins released from gas cooking and other combustion.

Insects, Plants, Pollen, etc.
Unwanted contact with Mother Nature can also result in severe reactions for those of us who are allergic to insect bites, pollen and certain rash-inducing plant resins.

Animal Furs and Dander
Even if you're not allergic to animal fur, your breathing can be seriously compromised by the presence on pets. Animal fur can clog air filters and vacuum cleaners, making house cleaning efforts less effective. Nonetheless, animal dander is the more likely cause of breathing difficulties. Comprised of microscopic skin cell particles, airborne animal dander comes from cats, dogs and other pets - including non-shedding animals.

Simple Solution
Thorough and frequent house cleaning is an obvious "must" if you're serious about controlling allergens and other respiratory inhibitors. This means regularly vacuuming or washing all furniture fabrics.

Ideally, you should reduce or eliminate "soft" dust collectors, such as: Carpeting, Drapery, Stuffed toys and Hanging garments. To make a more lasting and beneficial impact on your interior environment, you need to control the indoor air you breathe through proper screening and air filtering. An air exchange system that removes stale exhaust and provides a clean air supply is advisable. Of course, you will also need to change or clean the filters at regular intervals.

More Complex Conditions

Fibrous Material (natural and synthetic)
Natural materials like wool and down are more likely to trigger allergic reactions, yet many synthetics can also cause problems for those who react to specific man-made fibers. The fact is you can't assume anything. Ask if your house guests are allergic to specific materials, and then check any suspect fabrics in your home, especially bedding.

Mold & Mildew
Damp conditions may cause serious mold and mildew problems that will only get worse over time. In addition to making breathing difficult for just about anyone, mold and mildew can ruin fabrics, furniture, flooring, walls, ceilings and insulation.

Dust and Dust Mites
House dust is something we all know how to deal with, but many people don't know anything about dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic members of the spider family that can cause a great deal of breathing difficulty. They thrive in relatively damp, warm places - like our carpets, furniture and especially bedding - where they actually feed on our dead skin cells! Only by reducing their environmental humidity, and by "cleaning and screening" our contact with them, can we effectively control their presence.

More Things You Can Do
Consider allergy specialty products (anti-allergen bedding casements, micro-filtered air purifiers, ect.)
Control humidity levels with dehumidifiers and/or dedicated exhaust fans (kitchen and bathroom ceilings, ect.). Use high-powered vacuum cleaners (with micro-filtered vacuum bags. Ect) and hypo-allergen cleaning products.

Allergens have been known to actually force families to move to a different home or neighbourhood. Be proactive and prevent unnecessary discomfort for yourself, your family and your guests. If anyone is experiencing breathing difficulties or skin irritations in your home, consult a pharmacist or see your doctor as soon as possible, and provide as much evidence as you can to help determine the cause. You may be surprised to learn that an appropriate solution may not include medication. The bottom line is this: know your household environment and the materials within it, and beware of any exposure concerns in and around your home.

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