Keeping an Eye on Indoor Allergens
Spring Pollen may be Outside, but Consider What’s Indoors
Feb 18, 2009
Almost no one ever discusses what some of the things that can be inside a home creating problems allergic reactions. But it's amazing the little things that can cause trouble--even for the most wonderful housekeepers.
The Dreaded Dust Mite
When was the last time you saw anyone really spring clean, as in taking out curtains or throw rugs and really pounding them? Anyone over 60 probably remembers their mothers or grandmothers engaged in such activities, but since vacuum cleaners became a standard household item, such vigorous housecleaning seems to have become obsolete. In fact, many people don’t even truly spring clean anymore.
Yet this kind of vigorous cleaning is what’s needed to avoid what is undoubtedly the leading cause of indoor allergy problems: dust mites. These little creatures actually feed off of humans. People shed about five grams of epithelial (skin) cells each week and that’s what these critters eat. It’s not a pretty picture, but the fact is they live in carpets, pillows, mattresses…in fact they’re almost impossible to avoid.
However, it's possible to give them less to feast off. If hanging and banging the curtains and throw rugs isn't feasible, then make sure to vacuum them religiously. In fact, vacuum everything—not just the rugs, but also chair cushions, couches, mattresses, and light shades.
The Carpeting Question
Years ago people didn’t have wall-to-wall carpeting, which unfortunately is a great place for dust mites to hide. Older adults might think the answer is to simply pull off the carpeting and enjoy hardwood floors, but that isn’t necessarily a good idea.
That's because older adults are also more prone to falling. It could be from their medicines, inner ear problems, poor vision…there are lots of reason. Unfortunately, once they fall, they are also more prone to fractures. While carpeting can’t totally prevent fractures, it can provide some protection. So older adults should probably keep their carpeting and just be extra vigorous in vacuuming.
Fighting Allergens
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has a pamphlet, “Indoor Allergens” that includes advice for fighting this problem. Here are just a few of their tips:
- Encase mattresses, pillows, and blankets in allergen-proof fabric covers (found in many national stores).
- Wash the bedding in hot water once a week.
- Make sure to wash curtains regularly. Vacuum drapes weekly. Have at least two sets, so as to change off in spring and fall. Before storing last season’s drapes, have them dry cleaned.
- Keep humidity down with central air conditioning and/or dehumidifiers. When using the latter, change the water and clean regularly to prevent mold (another common allergen) from forming.
- Make sure any throw rugs are washed regularly.
- Buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter (which avoids stirring up dust particles) and wear a dust mask while cleaning.
- Avoid “airing out” the house by opening windows; that just allows outdoor allergens in.
- Keep the curtains open as much as possible. Dust mites hate sunlight, so the more light that's let in, the better chance there is of killing them or at least controlling them.
- If there's a pet that can shed fur (as opposed to turtle or fish) and everyone in the family isn't willing to get rid of it, at least make sure it’s not allowed in any of the bedrooms.
For more ideas, check with the Academy at www.aaai.org.
