- Protecting Your Home from Hidden Allergens
Are your allergies out of control?
Have you considered the possibility that allergens may be hiding
in your home? Most people have no idea that some home products
may intensely aggravate skin and respiratory allergies.
If you have pet allergies, you’re
probably already aware of them. Did you know, however, that certain
pet shampoos could decrease or increase these sensitivities?
Likewise, many carpet deodorizers, particularly those that contain
talc, can heighten allergies, as well as allergy-induced asthma.
Many veterinary clinics and animal specialty stores offer pet-related
merchandise specifically for owners who are sensitive to pet
dander or chemicals used in animal care items.
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Many people are also sensitive
to dust or dust mites. While removing this dust is necessary,
many dusting and furniture polishes contain aerosols or other
compounds that increase sensitivities to allergies. Usually,
dusting with a damp cloth once weekly is sufficient to remove
dust without harming your furniture. If your allergies are very
severe, you may want to consider delegating this job to another
member of the family.
Recently, office supply companies
and home department stores have been selling aerosolized products
designed to purge dust from computer towers and other locations
that are hard to reach. If you have respiratory allergies, do
not use these products; they have caused numerous severe allergy-induced
asthma attacks. If these products must be used in your home,
let someone else do this job, and leave your home while they
are being used. In addition, be sure the room is well ventilated,
and allow the product to dissipate completely before returning
home or re-entering the room. |
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Be aware, as well, that aerosolized
dust removers can be lethal to children and adolescents. These
items are becoming popularly used as inhalants, for ‘getting
high’, by schoolchildren. Furthermore, these aerosols remain
in the air sacs of the lungs much longer than other commonly
used inhalants or ‘huffing’ drugs. As the number of
fatalities continues to rise steadily, manufacturers may be required
to significantly restrict the sale or distribution of these products.
If you have children in your home, consider whether having these
chemicals around is really worth the risk.
Another home allergen is hiding
in your laundry room. Many people know of their sensitivities
to laundry detergents. Are you aware, though, that fabric softeners
cause nearly as many allergic reactions as laundry soap? The
synthetic chemicals from these items attach to clothing and are
worn throughout the day, creating constant exposure for people
with respiratory allergies.
Did you know you can purchase
reusable fabric softening balls that do not contain chemicals?
These balls are placed in the dryer with each load of laundry.
They reduce static cling and soften clothing fabric without causing
allergic reactions. They are an inexpensive, effective way to
quickly reduce your exposure to domestic allergens.
Explore possible causes of allergies
in your home. Eliminate or reduce them. If you and your family
do not have allergies, know that people can develop sensitivities
with repeated exposure to allergens. Protect your family from
future allergies by decreasing their exposure! |
