Cleaning routines can help send allergies packing
If you are one of 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, not only do you have to put up with the sneezing and itching, but you also have to go the extra mile with cleaning routines.
The most common allergy triggers are found in the home in dust, which is made up of human skin particles, animal dander and molds. Dust mites and cockroaches also produce allergic reactions. Symptoms, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, may include a blocked or runny nose with sneezing, watery eyes, itching rashes, coughing and wheezing.
Your family doctor can determine what you are allergic to by taking a medical history and doing a series of skin tests. Below are the most common reasons for allergy problems:
? Dust miles. Nearly 100,000 of these microscopic mites can live on a square yard of carpet. It's not the mite that causes the allergic reaction, it is their waste that causes the problem. Dust mites dine of the skin cells that we shed every day, they thrive in the areas where we spend the most time — beds, pillows and our favorite stuffed chair. They produce about 20 tiny pellets of waste a day that contain a protein which we are allergic to. Mites love humid conditions, especially carpets placed on concrete floors.
? Animal dander. It's a misconception that people are allergic to the fur of an animal. The real cause of the problem is the protein in the tiny flakes of pet skin and saliva that float through the air in the home, irritating your eyes, nose and respiratory tract. Allergies to cats are the most common, but other animals can cause allergies as well.
Animal dander is light and remains airborne for long periods of time before falling to the floor. Vacuuming aggravates the condition by swirling allergens around the room. It can take several hours for the dander to settle back down to the floor.
? Mold. Mold thrives in moist areas of the home, such as bathrooms and basements. It's not the black grimy stuff growing on the tile grout that causes allergic irritation but the reproductive spores it produces that are carried through the air.
? Cockroaches. Most cockroaches are found in the kitchen because that is where their food source is. More than half of people afflicted with allergies are allergic to cockroach droppings.
? Pollen. Pollen allergies are a seasonal problem, normally occurring in the spring and fall when pollen invades the home carried in by the air we breathe.
Taking care of the problem
Ridding the home of billions of microscopic particles may seem like a daunting task but some simple steps will greatly reduce the exposure you face.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends the following:
A. Keep the bedroom uncluttered and easy to clean. Avoid dust collectors such as knickknacks, stuffed animals and televisions.
B. Encase mattress, box springs and pillows in airtight, zippered plastic covers.
C. Wash all bedding regularly in hot water — at least 130 degrees — to kill mites. Comforters and pillows should be made of synthetic material such as Dacron or Orlon so that they can be washed. Pillows should be replaced every two or three years.
D. Remove carpet, if possible. Allergens are abundant in carpet. Hard wood flooring and vinyl are the best choice.
E. Keep the humidity low. Mold loves humidity above 60 percent. Central air conditioning is the most effective way of controlling humidity. It cools and cleans indoor air and keeps outdoor air out. Dehumidifiers are very useful in the basement.
F. Keep pets off the bedding and furniture.
G. Vacuum often with a vacuum that has a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) system. They are expensive; however, they work great in removing airborne particulate matter when vacuuming. Avoid water vacuums as they spew a fine mist of allergens.
If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabric and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.
If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?
Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the chief executive officer of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.