Fighting Off Allergies in a Clean House

Fighting Off Allergies in a Clean House

The following contribution is from another author.

The world is becoming more allergic to a variety of factors and particles. Allergies altogether are on the rise and everyone is at risk of developing allergic reactions. Indeed, the impact human civilization has had on the world is beginning to affect people’s health.

The climate change discussion has kept scientists worried for decades. But it’s not only the distant polar bear on a melting iceberg that’s affected. The typical seasonal vegetation and wildlife are shifting to spread its presence over a more extended period. People who used to struggle with seasonal allergies are likely to experience hay fever, grass and pollen sensitivity for most of the year. Combined with increased pollution levels, it’s easy to see how the population is becoming more sensitive to seasonal discomfort.

Unhealthy eating habits and chemical ingredients are not only a concern for nutritionists. They encourage the apparition of food allergies and intolerance disorders, affecting 30% of all adults in the US.

Additionally, our dependence on medication to cure the most common complaints also make us more likely to develop allergies to life-saving medicine.

In short, we are creating our own allergies by building a potentially toxic environment. Making your home the center of your anti-allergy response can dramatically improve your lifestyle.

Checking for the hidden enemy

Keeping your house clean and tidy is a no-brainer. Most households operate a cleaning schedule, sharing chores between family members and housemates to create a healthy and spotless interior. Cleaning regularly is, of course, a necessity. But you need to think beyond vacuuming and sweeping the floor. The most common cause for allergies at home is invisible at first; mold spores appear in an environment with poor air flow. By the moment you notice mold patches, it’s too late! Therefore you need to introduce healthy habits to your cleaning routine, from ventilating to checking for excess moisture around the house.

The invisible toxins in the air

While most houses rely on an air conditioning system, not everyone remembers to get their A/C units checked and serviced regularly. Indeed, as a rule of the thumb, your A/C unit will need a new filter every 90 days – it can be shorter if you have pets. The filter acts as a collector of invisible dirt particles and toxins. Replacing it ensure your air remains clean. However, a faulty unit could fail to catch or keep toxins, which could lead to respiratory distress and increased allergic reactions.  

Your accent wall is the problem

Could your decor be the cause of your allergic reaction? While this might sound to an absurd idea, you have to think that most home-based allergies are the result of your immune system reacting to the presence of particles in the air. Decorating, and especially painting walls, can dramatically affect your health if you inhale strong vapor or accidentally drop paint on your skin. From a runny nose to rashes, you may notice a variety of different reaction. Your best bet is to protect your skin with adequate clothing and gloves and even wear a breathing mask. To avoid all issues, you should ventilate the room while and after painting.

While the typical cleaning routines can eliminate dust mite and chemical products allergies, you need to make sure to stay alert to avoid risks at home. From preventing mold formation to keeping your decorating projects allergy-free, you can never be too prudent to keep your home healthy.

Author

Eric is the creator of At Home in the Future and has been a passionate fan of the future since he was seven. He's a web developer by trade, and serves as the Director of Communication and Technology for a large church in Nashville, TN (where he and his family are building a high tech home in the woods).