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Common Indoor Air Allergens in Your House

 

If you’re like many people, you believe that it’s a foregone conclusion that as an allergy sufferer you’ll experience the most severe symptoms while outdoors. That’s a mistaken conclusion, however. Experts say that the allergens that can sicken you are very often more commonly found in your house. There are several types of allergens that you may be harboring without realizing it.

Dust mites

These insects that so small they can only be seen through a microscope are the cause of most allergy and asthma problems. They prefer warm temperatures and higher humidity, which is often found in the typical home. The dust mites feed off the flakes of skin that you shed naturally 24 hours a day. These mites thrive in beds and linens where you spend about a third of your time. To rid your home of these pests, launder and vacuum bedding regularly.

Mold

Mold is unsightly and also causes allergic reactions among certain people. This indoor allergen proliferates in dark, damp places such as basements, bathtubs and showers. It’s recommended that you avoid basement living areas if you have a mold allergy. A leak that is causing the perfect conditions for the growth of mold can be assessed and repaired by a qualified plumbing professional.

Pets

You likely consider your pet a valued member of your family. You therefore may be dismayed to learn that he’s contributing to your breathing difficulties. Pet dander is a well-known indoor allergen. Some breeds of dogs as well as many short-haired domestic cats don’t seem to cause serious allergic reactions in many people.

Pets not only produce dander that affects their human owners. They may also bring in outdoor pollen on their fur, leading you to believe that your discomfort is caused by a pet allergy. If you wipe down your pet’s coat whenever he comes indoors and take other steps to prevent outdoor pollen from entering your home, you may happily discover that your pet isn’t causing you to feel sick.

Other allergens

Some other indoor allergens include the cockroach, another unwelcome household guest. These insects leave asthma-causing residues behind. Because cockroaches are drawn to sources of food and water, keeping your home clean and calling a plumber to fix leaky faucets is essential.

Cigarette smoke isn’t an allergen itself, but its presence can aggravate the bronchial airways of people who already have trouble with allergies or asthma. Breathing second-hand smoke is particularly harmful to children who are asthmatic, according to experts.

You may think your home doesn’t show signs of some of these allergens, but it’s likely that at least one or two of them are present and affecting the indoor air quality of your home. When you take the time to clean your home and furnishings of the pests and irritants that can lead to illnesses, you and your family will breathe much easier.

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