Allergy Free is the Way To Be

Asthma accounts for 5,000 emergency room visits a day, allergies cause millions of missed work days and many of the most common causes and culprits come from the home and work environments you spend the most time in. Mold, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen from outdoors are some of the triggers for symptoms like itchy watery eyes, stuffed nose, sneezing and wheezing experienced by 1 in 4 people.

Mold consists of millions of tiny spores that cause an allergic reaction when inhaled. Prolonged exposure to mould has been known to cause fungal and immune disease along with severe allergies.

Dust consists of skin cells and dead dust mites. It can cause many respiratory issues like asthma if left uncontrolled.  Dust mites are actually insects of which there are 15 different varieties; they can survive in any climate even at high altitudes.

Animal allergies are most often caused by dogs, cats or rodents. Allergens are found in their dander, hair, saliva and urine.

Pollen allergies are seasonal, caused by many different types of flowers, weeds trees and grasses. The lightweight pollen which is released into the air by these plants is often spread around randomly by the wind and may enter your home from outdoors.

 In order to infiltrate on the allergens that have found their way into your environment, you must find your way into theirs.  Every different type of allergen prefers a different type of environment, and if you provide one that serves their needs, they will thrive. Cool dark places are perfect breeding grounds for mold. Simple tips like monitoring your basement and other prone areas, allowing damp shoes and sports equipment to fully dry and storing your firewood outside will help. Remember to scrub an affected area with a chlorine bleach mixture and that sealing up cracks, installing proper ventilation and tending to flood issues is the responsible way to prevent a moldy mess.

Wipe up surfaces and clear away your clutter to allow less space for dust to collect. Mites like to hide places that are soft like in furniture and carpets, so make sure to have them cleaned often. You may also consider souping up your vacuuming regimen as well by using a vacuume cleaner with a HEPA or Micro filter.

To limit the effects of pet allergies in your home it is suggested that you bathe and brush your pet weekly (including cats.) Get the animals accustomed to time outdoors and have your carpets and other plush areas cleaned often.  You may also find use for an air filtration system.

Plan around pollen by making sure your garden is populated by large colourful flowers; the kind that bees pollinate, this way the allergens will not get spread around so much. Consider using air conditioning and keeping the windows closed.  Remember that pollen counts are more intense in the morning and late afternoon and never hang your clothes out to dry.