Allergens: Tips for a healthy home

Do you or someone else in your home have an allergy?

Allergic conditions like asthma, eczema, hay fever and food allergies are on the rise in Australia and a growing concern that affects a very large number of people.

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA – https://www.allergy.org.au/) is the peak professional body for allergy and clinical immunology in Australia and New Zealand. According to ASCIA, 20% or one in five Australians are affected by allergies and anaphylaxis.

Understanding and addressing allergens in the home is important for managing and preventing these types of conditions.

Common allergens in the home

  • Dust Mites
  • Pets (hair, skin cells/dander, saliva and urine)
  • Pollen (from flowers, trees, grasses and weeds)
  • Cockroaches and rodents (droppings and saliva)
  • Mould (damp and humid environments encourage mould growth)
  • Chemicals (including household cleaning products, paints and some building materials)
  • Fragranced products (like candles, incense and air fresheners)
  • Cooking emissions (especially frying or using certain cooking oils)

Tips to reduce allergens in the home

  1. Regular Vacuuming and Cleaning: Vacuum and dust frequently to remove dust mites and pet dander. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Extra vacuuming of carpet, upholstery and soft furnishing is recommended.
  2. Bedding Hygiene: Wash bedding, pillowcases and curtains regularly and preferably in hot water. Consider using allergen-proof covers. Reduce clutter and improve air flow in bedrooms.
  3. Old Mattresses and Pillows: Throw them out and replace with new ones.
  4. Review Household Products: Cleaning supplies, air fresheners and personal care products may be causing you problems. Even the “natural, no-nasties” ones. Choose products with no fragrance, no colour dyes and no hazardous ingredients. Ask yourself, “is this product non-hazardous at the ingredient level?”
  5. Pet Care: Wash your pets regularly and groom them outdoors. Keep pets out of bedrooms to reduce your exposure to allergens.
  6. Pollen Control: Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons. Using air purifiers can also be helpful. Stay indoors during peak pollen times.
  7. Pest Management: Seal cracks and gaps. Store food in airtight containers. Don’t leave your pet’s food bowl out for extended periods of time. Use pest control measures to reduce cockroach and rodent populations.
  8. Air conditioning and ventilation systems: Ensure these a properly maintained. Regular cleaning and changing of filters is essential.
  9. Improve Ventilation: Poor ventilation can lead to the buildup of indoor pollutants. Open windows (except when the outdoor environment is heavily polluted) and use exhaust fans.
  10. Humidity Control: Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% to inhibit mould growth. Using a dehumidifier in the wet season can also be helpful. And ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens should be a high priority.
  11. Allergen-Reducing Furnishings: Choose hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses, and opt for easy-to-clean, non-fabric furnishings.
  12. Chemical Awareness: Use low-VOC cleaning products and paints with no or low hazardous ingredients. Ensure good ventilation when using chemicals.
  13. Air Purification: Invest in air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture airborne particles and improve indoor air quality.
  14. Candles & Incense: Reduce or eliminate the use of fragranced candles and incense in the home.
  15. Wood-Burning Stoves or Fireplaces: Smoke from wood-burning appliances can introduce unhealthy particulate matter into the air.
  16. Plush Toys: Stuffed animals and plush toys should be regularly washed and completely dried.
  17. Kitchen Exhaust Fans: Use when cooking, especially when frying with oils
  18. Indoor plants: Remove or ensure these do not have or encourage mould growth.
  19. Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect and address areas prone to mould, such bathrooms, and promptly fix leaks.

By implementing these tips, you can create a healthier home environment and reduce the impact of allergens, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with allergic diseases.

Do you have anymore tips that might help others? Let us know.

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