For many, allergy season is nothing to sneeze at

Allergy season and tax time has to be one of the cruelest times of the year. If it wasn't for Easter, in my view, we could dump the month.

If you are one of the 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. And then there is the tax issue. I think that's best discussed by someone who is far more qualified than I am.

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're allergic to by taking a medical history and doing a series of skin tests. Below are the most common reasons for allergy problems:

? Dust mites.

Nearly 100,000 of these microscopic mites can live on in 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 on the skin cells that we shed every day, and they thrive in the areas where w spend the most time — beds, pillows and our favorite stuffed chair.

Dust mites 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 o 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 cat 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 on 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.

? Pollen.

Pollen allergies are a seasonal problem, normally occurring in the spring and fall when pollen invades the home carried in the air that we breath.

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 Fahrenheit — 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 the carpet, if possible. Allergens are abundant in carpet. Hard wood flooring and vinyl are the best choices.

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, which spew out a fine mist of allergens.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compounds. 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 at NWES (255-2266) or send them to the 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.