What’s in Your Air?
You can’t see them, but indoor allergens are everywhere. Your furniture, floors, and air ducts are all home to unwanted residents that make us cough and sneeze, or worse. Millions of Canadians suffer from allergy and asthma symptoms caused by dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or mold.
While no home can be allergen-free, there are steps you can take to reduce common allergens and improve indoor air quality.
1.Dust Mites
These tiny insects live on fibers in carpets, furniture, curtains and bedding. Dust mites don’t bite or carry disease, but they do produce allergens that trigger asthma and sinus problems.
To evict dust mites from your home, switch to non-fibrous furniture like wood or leather, and replace carpets with hard flooring. If that’s not possible, you can lessen the problem by cleaning floors and furniture more often. It also helps to keep humidity low and use air conditioning in the summer.
2.Pollen
One in six Canadians suffer from seasonal allergies to grass, tree, or ragweed pollen. Pollen invites itself in through open windows and doors. It also sticks to shoes, clothing, and pets.
To keep pollen out, close your windows during pollen season. Give your pets a thorough clean if they’ve spent time outside.
3.Pet Dander
People are quick to blame allergens on pet hair. In truth, most people are allergic to pet dander, not hair.
Since all breeds of dogs and cats shed dander, there’s no such thing as a truly ‘hypoallergenic’ breed. But your family can work together can alleviate the effects of these allergens. Designate an “allergy free” zone in your home, like the allergic person’s bedroom, where the pet isn’t allowed to go. The pet’s bedding should be cleaned often (by someone who isn’t allergic), and your pet should get a weekly bath.
4.Mold
Mold and mildew grow in dark, damp places. Unlike the other common allergens, you can see mold without a microscope – but by the time you can spot it, the mold spores are already airborne.
Clear away mold using water, detergent, and bleach. To prevent mold from re-growing, repair leaks and dry areas completely. If moldy items cannot be cleaned, throw them away.
Now, Take a Deep Breath.
The four most common allergens – dust, dander, pollen and mold – can be managed simply by improving the air quality in your home.
Allergens circulate through your air. Adding a filter to your furnace and air conditioning units will decrease allergens in your home. HEPA filters can filter out 99% of allergens and particles that pass through them. Filters also increase the life of your heating and cooling systems, and reduce energy bills by making them more efficient.
Applewood has the knowledge and expert service to help you breathe better in your home. Get in touch with our air quality experts today. You can take a deep breath knowing your home has the best indoor air quality possible.
