Those of us with pollen allergies have mixed emotions about springtime in eastern North Carolina. On the one hand, we’re thrilled at the return of warm weather. On the other hand, it means the return of the dreaded stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing.
But if you find that even when you shut yourself up in your airtight home, you’re still suffering from allergic symptoms, something else may be causing your issues — including allergic reactions to substances in your home.
The best way to control reactions to allergens is to keep them out. Here are some ways to do that, as well as to deal with the ones that sneak their way into your home.
What Are You Allergic to in Your Home?
It may surprise you, but your airtight home may have worse indoor air quality due to airborne pollutants than the outdoors. Among the substances that we’re commonly allergic to in our homes:
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Mold and mildew
- Fungus
- Cockroaches
- Dust mites and dust mite feces
Tips for Controlling Allergens
Follow these tips to control allergens in your home:
- Vacuum frequently (including furniture and the mattresses) with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.
- Wash linens in hot water to get rid of dust mites.
- Remove shoes at the door.
- Brush pets frequently; bathe them weekly.
- Brush off clothing or change it when you come inside to keep pollen from entering the home.
- Fix plumbing leaks right away.
- Have your home treated for insect infestations
- Cap all toxic chemical substances tightly and store in uninhabited spaces.
- Air out dry-cleaned clothing, textiles, carpets and pressed wood products before bringing them indoors.
- Use a good quality, pleated air filter in your HVAC system. It can remove a good amount of the circulating allergens before they are returned into your air supply.
- If you keep your home tightly shut up, investigate the installation of a ventilation system to provide fresh air.
Jackson and Sons can help you keep your allergies under wraps by advising you on the best means of controlling allergens in your home. We serve eastern North Carolina.
