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Indoor Allergy Week
Avoid the winter misery of perennial rhinitis – Allergy UK gives the hints to do so.
During November and with winter fast approaching most people are thinking about stepping up the central heating and making sure that the double glazing is operating effectively.
In the summer we are very aware of the quality of the air we breathe. We think of pollution and the potential affects on our health yet with winter, when we effectively seal our homes we give little thought to allergens in our homes and the need to clean the air we breathe indoors. Unfortunately the humidity in our homes caused by increased heating and lack of ventilation creates the ideal environment for mould and allows the house dust mite to live and thrive.
DID YOU KNOW?
- House dust mite and mould cause itchy, runny noses, congested chests, wheezing, coughing, tight chests, shortness of breath, watery, inflamed itchy eyes. Disturbed sleep, poor concentration and headaches.
- House dust mite cause allergic reactions in 80% of children with asthma.
- We sweat one third of a litre of water in bed every night producing the warm and humid environment in our beds which is perfect for the house dust mite.
- In your double bed you will probably be sleeping with 2 million house dust mites.
- Your ordinary pillow will double in weight over six months due to house dust mite droppings
- Housedust mites live on the skins cells that we shed.
- The housedust mite allergen comes mainly from their droppings and is so fine that it is easily airborne settling quickly into our pillows, mattresses, chairs, curtains and carpets.
Perennial rhinitis, allergic asthma and eczema can start at any age but with the Blossom Campaign (www.blossomcampaign.org) warning that 40% (in excess of 4 million) children are now suffering from allergy we need to be very aware of steps that we can take on a daily basis to reduce as much as possible the allergens within our home and our contact with them.
Allergen avoidance is a major factor in reducing the impact of allergic disease. Dealing with indoor allergens we have the ability to make a significant difference ourselves and we can do this by carrying out as many as possible of the 20 simple actions listed.
An allergen avoidance plan is a major tool in reducing the risk and symptoms of perennial rhinitis, allergic asthma and eczema.
For further information contact:-
Muriel Simmons - 01322 619898. Mobile 07949 534643
Email Muriel@allergyuk.org
Lindsey McManus – 01322 619898
Email Lindsey@allergyuk.org
Room Air Purifiers supporting Indoor Allergy Week
INDOOR ALLERGEN AVOIDANCE
- Allergic reaction to house dust mite causes sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, tight chest and skin rashes Avoidance measures are key as part of a management programme.
- It is estimated that 2 million house dust mites live in a double bed. Anti-allergy bedding covers which have been scientifically tested can significantly reduce contact with allergen.
- Using duvets which contain material in which house dust mites cannot live can play a major part in avoidance.
- Use an electric over blanket containing anti-allergy material. This will keep your bed dry and make it less attractive for house dust mite and mould.
- Avoid padded headboards as they attract and hold dust.
- Cover all pillows with anti-allergy bedding or ensure that pillows contain material which repels house dust mite.
- Air quality indoors is often as much as 20 times more polluted than outside air so it is important to clean the air you breathe indoors. Use an air purifier which has been tested to prove that it removes common indoor allergens such as house dust mite.
- Ventilation by opening windows and slightly lowering the temperature of the central heating greatly improves air quality and reduces allergens. Air conditioning is becoming increasingly popular but it is important to remember that these systems must be properly maintained otherwise mould can become established in the system and will be spread around the building by the very action of the air conditioning system itself.
- House dust mites need a temperature of 25C/77F so a temperature below this will reduce the number of house dust mites living in a house.
- To further reduce house dust mites and their allergen, vacuum carpets everyday, vacuum curtains and fabric three piece suites three times a week.
- When replacing the three piece suite try and replace it with a leather or vinyl covered suite.
- Fabric suites can be covered in cotton throws which can be washed at least monthly at over 56 degrees to kill any allergens gathered. Equally anti-allergy bedding can be adapted to make covers encasing the suite.
- Soft toys are a favourite place for house dust mites to live. Remove soft toys from the bedroom at night apart from a toy that is a particular favourite. All soft toys should regularly be placed in the freezer for at least four hours and then washed to remove the dead mites and their droppings.
- Pollen can live in the carpet for three months, vacuum regularly with a cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
- Cat allergy is very common. Cat allergen is sticky and stays around for months after the cat is no longer around. Cat allergen sticks to carpeting, furnishings and walls.
- Steam cleaning can make a great impact using a product which has been scientifically tested to ascertain its efficiency in removing allergens. Vacuum the carpet after steam cleaning to totally remove dead mites and allergen.
- Regularly check and clean bathrooms, kitchens, window sills and any other areas where mould might grow. Use white vinegar for cleaning as this will not increase the chemical pollution within the home.
- Regularly wash and check fruit in the fruit basket removing any aging fruit as this will be a target for mould.
- Place pea-shingle around indoor house plants as this will stop
mould spores from settling.
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Always damp dust as this will stop dust particles becoming air-borne. Dust particles can remain airborne for several hours irritating the nose, eyes and chest.
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