Reduce Allergens In Your Home

Many people suffer from allergies caused by pollen, ragweed, grass, and other outdoor allergens. Just as many people struggle with indoor allergens, but this problem often is overlooked.

“Indoor allergens are a major cause of allergies, but many people don’t realize that dust, molds, and pets are the culprit,” says Dr. David Khan, an allergist and assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Follow these simple tips for allergy-proofing your home:

Control animal dander

“Household pets are the most common source of allergic reactions to animals, but cat and dog fur is not the culprit,” Khan explains. Animals secrete proteins from oil glands in their skin. These proteins, along with animal dander and proteins found in animal saliva, cause sneezing, itchy eyes, and other symptoms. Proteins also are transferred to a person’s skin when an animal cleans itself and then licks household objects or a human.

In extreme cases a pet may have to be removed from the home, but less drastic options also may work, Khan says:

• Keep pets out of your bedroom, which can help reduce exposure to animal dander and lessen symptoms.
• Ask a non-allergic family member to bathe your pet weekly.
• Encase pillows, mattresses, couch and chair cushions in airtight plastic, because animal dander accumulates on horizontal and vertical surfaces in your home.
• Wash bedding frequently.

Reduce dust and dust mites

Dust is a common household nuisance. It contains animal dander, dust mites, and mold that can cause nasal irritation, sneezing, and itchy eyes, nose, throat, and skin.

“Dust mites are found throughout the house but thrive in high humidity and in carpeting and rugs,” Khan says. To reduce dust mites, control humidity to below 50 percent throughout your home by using a dehumidifier. You also should:

• Wash your bedding weekly in hot water (130 degrees) and dry in a hot dryer.
• Replace comforters and pillows made of natural materials (down feathers or cotton) with synthetic items.
• Maintain uncluttered surfaces, because dust quickly accumulates on knick-knacks, lampshades, and other table decorations.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filter, which is an efficient way to remove small particles of dust and other indoor allergens.

Manage indoor molds

Indoor mold and mildew thrive in damp basements, bathroom windows, and household plants. These molds contain microscopic yeasts and produce small spores that trigger allergies. To eliminate these allergens:

• Use a cleaning solution containing equal parts of household bleach and water on all household surfaces. (The person with the allergies shouldn’t do the cleaning.)
• Clean your shower floor and entire bathroom weekly to ensure that mold does not build up. Use an exhaust fan during your shower.
• Use dehumidifiers in damp basements. Be sure to empty the water in dehumidifiers and clean units regularly to prevent mildew from forming.
• Make sure all rooms, especially basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, are properly ventilated and cleaned weekly to deter mold growth.

Bethanne Black is an Atlanta-based freelance writer.

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