GENETIC ALLIANCE BY HANNAH DIGHTON
Reducing the triggers in the home may be the first step to aid in the fight against allergies – control your living space and control your health!
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, nearly 30% of adults and 40% of children are afflicted with allergies, and these numbers are increasing at an alarming rate. Allergies are one of the leading chronic illnesses in the United States, and the effects on children are substantial. Ironically, the culprits of many of these symptoms are present where you believe you and your family to be safest: within the four walls of your home. The Environmental Protection Agency has shown indoor air to be two to five more times polluted than outdoor air.
Allergens are substances that cause immune system reactions, or allergies. The most common environmental allergens include pollen, dust mites, dander, mold, and smoke or fumes. The bodies of certain people see allergens as dangerous “intruders,” leading to symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, itchy and/or watery eyes, sneezing, and sinus swelling. Allergies can be of especially high concern for those also affected by asthma, as exposure to allergens can cause increased difficulty breathing, tightness of chest, and frequent wheezing. These symptoms can even end in a trip to the emergency room. Luckily, simple adjustments to one’s living space can provide some relief from these symptoms. If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, better health begins with household habits.
YOUR FLOOR MATTERS
Carpets are one of the classic offenders of allergies in the home. Lacking breathability and the capacity to be regularly disinfected and thoroughly cleaned, they tend to absorb and harbor dander, dust, mold, and other common allergens. Swapping carpet for a more allergy-friendly flooring option is one of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions for home improvement. Hard floors – such as wood, cork, laminate, vinyl, stone, porcelain, ceramic tile, and even bamboo – are better options. These materials are easy to wipe down and sanitize; you can do this once or twice each week. Keep in mind that sweeping and dry dusting should be avoided, as these activities allow dust particles to become airborne.
KEEP KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS DRY
Special attention and care should be given to places where water is used. Mold thrives in damp places, so be sure to wipe up spills and leakage on the floors or counters immediately. Opening windows or using exhaust fans to assist in air circulation and faster drying is another easy way to prevent the growth of mold. Still, it is essential to verify that sinks, bathtubs, and showers are properly caulked and sealed to protect from water absorption. Purchasing a dehumidifier may be of value for rooms in the house that typically accumulate moisture, such as the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and attic.
FILTER THE AIR
The outside environment may be full of pollen and ragweed, but it also features unlimited air ventilation. Unfortunately, the air in the home doesn’t benefit from the same type of ventilation. A small, confined space is more easily polluted by allergens.
A high-efficiency particulate air filter, more commonly known as a HEPA filter, is useful to clear the air of pollen, dust mites, and other debris. HEPA filters use fine mesh to trap potentially harmful air particles; they are used in most air purifiers and some vacuum cleaners as well. This mechanism helps to maintain a purified and allergen free environment. If you have the funds to further invest in improving air quality, it would be beneficial to introduce a central vacuuming system. This innovative design uses a powerful tubing system embedded in the walls of the home to continuously remove dirt and debris.
Humidity in the air also plays a role in allergies, as high levels of moisture allow mold to grow and provide habitable conditions where dust mites flourish. A hydrometer may be used to help track humidity levels, which are suggested to be at a level of 40% or less. If this is not the case, the use of a dehumidifier is encouraged.
While new technologies are on the rise to assist in creating a healthier home environment, many are costly and may be out of reach for some families. It is important to remember that other simple cleaning recommendations only take a small amount of effort and attentiveness. A clean and dry home with minimal dust is attainable without spending a fortune!
GO CERTIFIED
In 2006, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) developed a program to analyze the effectiveness of household products for those with asthma and allergies. Meryl Bloomrosen, the Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy and Research at the AAFA elaborates on their initiative: “Individuals and families with asthma and allergies might be interested to know about AAFA’s ‘asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program.’ AAFA manages this program which was created to scientifically test and identify consumer products that are suitable for people with asthma and allergies.” These products include air cleaners, bedding, cleaning products, toys, paint, and washing machines, to name a few. More information is available at:
www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/about-the-certification-program.html
SUPPORT DURING YOUR JOURNEY
“The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the oldest and largest nonprofit patient organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions through education, advocacy and research. In addition to providing resources like educational materials, we have a very active online virtual community of individuals and families who have children with asthma and allergies.
If anyone is interested in interacting with others in similar circumstances, we would welcome them checking out our online community. The AAFA also has a national network of chapters and educational support groups,” states Ms. Bloomrosen. One of their resources is an easy-to-read and comprehensive guide that offers more tips and tricks to keep your home allergen-free: www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/images/pdf/reduced_allergen_guide.pdf
In addition, consider the numerous other organizations that are spearheading the fight against allergies, including the American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Do not become debilitated from the effects of indoor allergens. Reducing the triggers in the home may be the first step to aid in the fight against allergies – control your living space and control your health! •
NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT : OTHER ALLERGY HAZARDS
AIR CONDITIONERS
Since air conditioners may only be used for a few months out of the year, they are the perfect spot for dust to collect. Wipe down their surfaces often, and confirm that mold and mildew are not growing. It is also suggested that air conditioning units be professionally cleaned right before they start being used every year. Their filters should also be changed each month when in use to maintain efficiency. Despite these shortcomings, air conditioners are a useful and efficient way to keep the home cool with minimal exposure to allergens – leaving windows open during the warmer seasons provides a direct pathway for the entrance of pollen and other outside debris.
BEDDING
When shopping for bedding, cotton or air pillows are a better alternative to those with feathers. Plastic covers to enclose pillows and mattresses are also recommended as they act as barriers against the allergens in the air. Regardless of the type of bedding or protective coverings used, it is encouraged that sheets and pillowcases be washed in hot water (at least 130 degrees F/54 degrees C) once per week to keep your bed free of dust mites. Stuffed animals and plush toys should be also washed frequently as their fabric can absorb allergens.
FIREPLACES
Smoke from fireplaces and woodburning stoves can be a harmful irritant for those who suffer allergies and asthma. Fireplaces produce nitrogen dioxide gas, which may bother the lungs and lead to respiratory discomfort. If these items are installed in the home, they should be both professionally inspected and cleaned every year.
PETS
Another common culprit of allergies is a furry friend. Cats and dogs produce dander, which often causes problems for people with hypersensitivities. Yet, this is not the sole reason they provide difficulties. When these pets go outside their fur or hair becomes infused with mold, pollen, and other potentially harmful particles that are in the air and the grass where they lay. The best option for allergy relief is to keep animals out of the house completely. If this is not possible, it is crucial to keep pets away from the bedroom and bathroom of the family member affected by allergies. Likewise, pets should never be allowed on furniture.
It is advised that individuals with a heightened sensitivity to allergens take special notice to which rooms in the home create more symptoms or make the current ones worse. This will help to decipher if there is something in particular triggering discomfort.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hannah Dighton is currently a Genes in Life intern at Genetic Alliance, assisting with their new Disease InfoSearch platform and contributing to research on patient advocacy for people with complex care needs. She is a rising junior at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN where she is studying Human and Organizational Development with a minor in Psychology.
GENETIC ALLIANCE
The world’s leading nonprofit health advocacy organization committed to transforming health through genetics
and promoting an environment of openness centered on the health of individuals, families, and communities.
References
“Allergy Facts.” American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (2016, February 18). Retrieved
from http://acaai.org/news/facts-statistics/allergies
“Allergic Rhinitis.” National Library of Medicine. (2014, May 10) Retrieved from
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000813.htm
“A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.” (2010, September). Environmental Protection Agency.
Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/mold/printable-version-brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
Griffin, R. Morgan. “Spotting Hidden Allergy Triggers.” WebMD. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/allergy-triggers
“HEPA Filters for Allergies.” (2014, December 1). WebMD. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/hepa-filters-for-allergies
“Indoor Allergens.” American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Retrieved from
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/indoor-allergens
“Information for Parents about Air Quality.” Environmental Protection Agency. (2016, March 1).
Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/childcare/information-parents-about-indoor-air-quality
Mitman, G. (2007). Breathing space: How allergies shape our lives and landscapes. New Haven : Yale
University Press. 2007.
