Summer indoors can mean closing out the heat and keeping
unhealthy allergens in the air. Here are 4 irritants to be aware of and
some easy-to-do suggestions for minimizing them in your air.
Mold and Mildew Spores---In many places the humidity increases with the arrival of hot weather. Normal coming and going from your home can't help but introduce some of this humidity indoors. Wet swim suits, towels can also provide moisture for mold and mildew spores. Residual moisture from showers and baths can create a haven for these spores on tile and walls in the bathroom.
One of the best ways to reduce the moisture in your air is to hang up wet clothes and towels immediately, use a fan in the bathroom to dry out walls and tiles. Air conditioning will also dry out the air consistently. If there is still a problem in places like the basement an additional humidifier can be worth the cost to prevent mold and mildew from becoming a problem.
Dust Mites---Moisture is one of the necessary conditions for these microscopic bugs to survive. They need dead flakes of skin, darkness, and moisture to thrive. Typically they are found in the bedroom in your bed under the covers. They also thrive on pet dander. So a dog that swims during the summer and then lies down on a favorite rug or pet bed can also be the perfect place for them to breed.
It is the protein in their feces that can triggers symptoms in those with allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Children and senior citizens are most vulnerable. Since these critters are killed by sunlight, letting your bed and your pet's bedding air out before pulling the covers up again is good idea. And washing bedding at least once a week in water that is 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter makes it impossible for them to survive.
Pollen---Many folks think that once spring is over the pollen is gone. But if you are allergic to grass and weed pollen you know that this is a nice thought but far from true. Grass pollen is a potent allergen that comes along with summer. Pollen is light and attaches to clothes, hair, packages, and pets. So it is virtually impossible to keep this allergen outside.
Assign grass mowing duties to someone else, and let the pollen settle if possible before venturing out in the yard. Vacuum frequently to keep the floors clear of grains that make their way in on the bottom of shoes and that have settled out of the air.
Pet Dander---Another potent allergen, the protein in these dead flakes of skin can cause flare ups and in many a general feeling of discomfort. Pets that come and go from the outside are great carriers of allergens. And shaking, running, and climbing on the sofa or even the bed can mean you are constantly up close and personal with the very irritants you are trying to avoid.
Talk with your vet about whether bathing your pet is a possibility. Washing allergens and dander away can cut down on the number of irritants your pet bring in, but it can also keep skin healthier and reduce the amount that is available to be inhaled.
All of these allergens are particles of varying sizes. And one of the best ways to filter airborne particulates is to use a high efficiency particles arresting (HEPA) filter that can continuously remove particles as small as.3 microns in size, with a micron being defined as one millionth of a meter.
Taking these simple steps towards insuring healthy air quality during the summer months and throughout the rest of the year can lead to happier, healthier, and more restful times spent at home.
Mold and Mildew Spores---In many places the humidity increases with the arrival of hot weather. Normal coming and going from your home can't help but introduce some of this humidity indoors. Wet swim suits, towels can also provide moisture for mold and mildew spores. Residual moisture from showers and baths can create a haven for these spores on tile and walls in the bathroom.
One of the best ways to reduce the moisture in your air is to hang up wet clothes and towels immediately, use a fan in the bathroom to dry out walls and tiles. Air conditioning will also dry out the air consistently. If there is still a problem in places like the basement an additional humidifier can be worth the cost to prevent mold and mildew from becoming a problem.
Dust Mites---Moisture is one of the necessary conditions for these microscopic bugs to survive. They need dead flakes of skin, darkness, and moisture to thrive. Typically they are found in the bedroom in your bed under the covers. They also thrive on pet dander. So a dog that swims during the summer and then lies down on a favorite rug or pet bed can also be the perfect place for them to breed.
It is the protein in their feces that can triggers symptoms in those with allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Children and senior citizens are most vulnerable. Since these critters are killed by sunlight, letting your bed and your pet's bedding air out before pulling the covers up again is good idea. And washing bedding at least once a week in water that is 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter makes it impossible for them to survive.
Pollen---Many folks think that once spring is over the pollen is gone. But if you are allergic to grass and weed pollen you know that this is a nice thought but far from true. Grass pollen is a potent allergen that comes along with summer. Pollen is light and attaches to clothes, hair, packages, and pets. So it is virtually impossible to keep this allergen outside.
Assign grass mowing duties to someone else, and let the pollen settle if possible before venturing out in the yard. Vacuum frequently to keep the floors clear of grains that make their way in on the bottom of shoes and that have settled out of the air.
Pet Dander---Another potent allergen, the protein in these dead flakes of skin can cause flare ups and in many a general feeling of discomfort. Pets that come and go from the outside are great carriers of allergens. And shaking, running, and climbing on the sofa or even the bed can mean you are constantly up close and personal with the very irritants you are trying to avoid.
Talk with your vet about whether bathing your pet is a possibility. Washing allergens and dander away can cut down on the number of irritants your pet bring in, but it can also keep skin healthier and reduce the amount that is available to be inhaled.
All of these allergens are particles of varying sizes. And one of the best ways to filter airborne particulates is to use a high efficiency particles arresting (HEPA) filter that can continuously remove particles as small as.3 microns in size, with a micron being defined as one millionth of a meter.
Taking these simple steps towards insuring healthy air quality during the summer months and throughout the rest of the year can lead to happier, healthier, and more restful times spent at home.
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