Allergy proof your home

Poor air quality causes more than sneezing. To maintain or regain optimal health, it is important for individuals with allergies or asthma as well as people with respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia, to control the air quality in their homes. In fact, the air quality of a home is an extremely important component in the maintenance of anyone’s health.

Of course, to enjoy clean air in your home, it is important to first understand where harmful bacteria and allergens may be hiding. 

Laundry room

Because bacteria love moist spaces, they end up in your washing machine, an environment in which germs can grow rather quickly. As such, it is important to put your clothes in the dryer as soon as the washing cycle is complete. In fact, if your clothes remain in the washer for more than 30 minutes, you should wash them a second time.

Bathroom

It is commonly known that damp towels and hot showers are big contributors to the moisture levels in a bathroom. However, there are a variety of places within the bathroom unwanted germs and allergens can flourish.

• faucets
• drains
• toothbrushes
• towels
• floor around the toilet

Kitchen

The kitchen is another area known for fungus, mildew, and a variety of bacteria to grow. For instance, the NSF found that over 75 percent of rags and dish sponges contain fecal matter, E. coli, and Salmonella.

Other items in your kitchen that might be harboring common germs and allergens include the following:

• coffee maker
• refrigerator
• cutting boards
• sink

The reason it is so important to clean these types of appliances is that germs can cause someone to get a bacteria infection, something that can make an asthmatic sick.

Surfaces

Unfortunately, one of the most common causes of people getting a bacteria infection is that pretty much any surface within your home serves to deliver germs. Some obvious places that germs call home include light switches and doorknobs. However, what is not so obvious is that some surfaces carry a lot more germs than previously thought. For instance, the NSF ranked the following surfaces as problem areas.

• microwave handles
• stove knobs
• refrigerator handles
• bathroom light switches

Your stuff 

You might be surprised to learn that you carry a lot of germs with you on a daily basis. For example, from just the simple act of coming home, you can bring germs inside via your gym bag or shoes. In fact, you can even carry germs into your home on your headphones. Furthermore, the NSF found the most common germs and allergens found on personal items included yeast, fungus, and fecal matter. 

Other items that can harbor unwanted germs and allergens include the following:

• keys
• wallets
• money
• cell phones
• bottom of purses
• lunch boxes

 

 

Your pet

It comes as no surprise that your pet might harbor allergens. In fact, pets are one primary cause behind why people suffer from allergies. For an asthmatic, a pet can be devastating. Furthermore, in addition to bringing germs in from the outside, your pet’s toys and food bowl are breeding grounds for such things as staph, yeast, and mold.

These mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in humid environments. They are among the most common triggers of asthma attacks and allergic reactions. According to the American Lung Association, mites are detectable in at least one bed in approximately 80 percent of homes. In addition to finding them on your pillow or mattress, they can also be found on stuffed animals, curtains, and carpeting.

Interestingly, they do not just exist in your bedroom. You can also find these annoying pests in your living room. Some places they love to reside include your upholstered furniture. Finally, they can even be found in such places as your bathroom.

Allergies symptoms:

• runny nose
• itchy or watery eyes
• postnasal drip
• facial pressure and pain
• itchy nose
• cough

Legionella

Legionella is a bacterium that is responsible for causing Legionella disease. Legionella disease is a type of pneumonia. It can be spread through the air via mists that emanate from such things as air conditioners.

However, the most common way that Legionella can enter your lungs is through aspiration. Aspiration occurs when the secretions in your mouth end up in your lungs as a result of choking.

Individuals with asthma are at an increased risk when this bacterium is present. Additionally, many people continue to suffer from neuromuscular symptoms, fatigue, and neurological symptoms for months following exposure.

Symptoms include the following:

• fever
• chills
• headaches
• diarrhea
• shortness of breath
• cough
• muscle aches

Pet dander

Dander is comprised of dead skin that your pet sheds. It is typically microscopic, making it very difficult to remove from your home. Common places your pet’s dander can be found are on your bed, furniture, and carpets. A common trigger for allergic reactions, such as sneezing and itchy eyes, pet dander can be a serious issue for many people. Additionally, pet dander can provide an excellent environment for dust mites to grow in.

Once you have removed any visible triggers, you should address your home’s daily air quality. To do this, many people purchase an air purifier. However, what many people do not know is that most air purifiers only trap germs and allergens. Additionally, they produce ozone that can be harmful to the environment. Fortunately, an advanced technology now exists that does not produce harmful ozone. Unlike previous technology, this technology does not simply trap germs and allergens. Instead, it actually vaporizes them.

The air purifier by Brid, for instance, utilizes this technology, and it is the first to be ozone free. Additionally, the Brid air filters break down the pollutants into particles, essentially vaporizing them to the point that they are harmless.

The exclusive L.E.A.P. technology successfully rids the air of a variety of indoor pollutants.

• carbon monoxide
• VOCs
• allergens
• germs
• odors
• germ spores

In fact, this advanced technology can help people to avoid developing a mold allergy.

These purifiers are available only from reputable retailers. When it comes to pure air, they offer the best protection available. Finally, you will never need to change the filters because they are designed to last a lifetime. If you are interested in clean air, you should buy one to achieve optimal respiratory health.