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| Allergies affect millions of people. |
Chances are, a lot of them.
With about 40 million people being affected by indoor or outdoor allergies, the growing phenomenon has become the fifth leading cause of chronic illness and is now big business for the healthcare industry: The estimated annual cost of allergies in the US is $7 billion.
Indoor air quality can play a huge role in people’s exposure to allergens that cause a stuffy nose, nasal discharge, itchy and bloodshot eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat, cough, wheezing and/or tightness in the chest.
Indoor allergens often find their way into airtight homes and get trapped, meaning they can cause irritation to allergy sufferers all winter long.
Here are some tips on how to deal with common household allergens, courtesy of Rapid News Network:
Dust
- Remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters and soft toys (better: blinds, leather or easily cleanable furniture)
- Replace carpets with linoleum or wood or tiles
- Mop the floor and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth
- Vacuum regularly with a cleaner that features a HEPA filter
- Use a room air purifier with a HEPA or electrostatic filter
Dust Mites
- Wash all bedding in hot water every 7 to 10 days
- Do not use mattress pads
- Cover mattresses and pillows with plastic covers
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| Pets can add to the allergen count in the home |
- Use allergen-resistant bedding
- Bathe pets frequently
- Use an air filter
Pollen
- Be aware of how pollen get indoors: Clothes, hair, ventilation, pets, wind
- Shower or bathe before going to bed
- Avoid going outside on dry, windy days
- Keep windows and doors closed on days with high pollen counts
- Use an air conditioner or air filter
Cockroaches
- Don’t leave food or pet food out
- Seal cracks and holes
- Clean behind areas like the stove and fridge
- Bug bomb twice a year or find natural alternatives
Mold
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| Clean mold and fix the humidity issues before it becomes a big IAQ problem. |
- Curb the number of houseplants you have
- Clean all areas of the bathrooms regularly
- Remove mold and mildew when you see it (get professional help for big infestations)
- Use the bathroom fan, open doors and windows to increase airflow
- Never put carpet in bathrooms; use mold-proof bathroom paint when renovating
Endotoxins
- Endotoxins come from bacteria living in household dust and can cause or aggravate asthma symptoms. Keep their count low with the same steps as for dust control.
Portable air filters remove allergens indoors
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| AllerAir's Air Medic Series and AirMedic+ with UV |
AllerAir offers:
- Air purifiers for allergies and asthma
- Air purifiers for mold
- General air purifiers for the home and office
- and much more
