Breathe Easy: Combat Asthma and Allergies In The Home
by Darren G. Burton
Living with an asthmatic and allergy sufferer you learn that there are
certain do’s and don’ts around that house that can make life significantly
easier for those suffering these unfortunate ailments. The advice and tips
offered in this article will not only help allergy sufferers and
asthmatics, but will help promote a more healthy environment for everyone
in the home.
While we can’t always control what we’re exposed to outside the house, we
do have considerably more control over our own homes. Areas that can be
improved upon range from design features to simply choosing more
appropriate cleaning products. Even the smallest of positive changes
around the home will help to improve the quality of the air we breathe.
Paints
Solvent-based paints are the worst kind for allergy sufferers, and for the
general health of all concerned. These paints emit toxins long after they
are dry and the odour is apparently gone. They contain VOC’s – Volatile
Organic Compounds.
Acrylic (or water-based) paints tend to give off far less fumes and toxic
odours than their oil-based counterparts. Low volatile organic compound
emission paints are also a good choice.
Although the finish isn't quite as pristine, use an acrylic gloss for
doors, windows and trimmings rather than the traditional oil-based ones.
Take advantage of organic oils for finishing wood products instead of
chemical-based stains.
The Resene and Wattyl paint companies have excellent ranges of quality,
environmentally-friendly, hypo-allergenic paint products to choose from.
Floor Coverings
Dust and allergens tend to accumulate best on flat surfaces, and there is
no greater flat surface in the home than the floor.
The best choice of floor coverings for asthma sufferers and general good
health is to tile the floors. The less rugs and carpet around the better,
as these tend to be chronic dust collectors no matter how clean you are or
how often you vacuum.
Parquetry and cork flooring is also another good choice. Wooden floors are
natural and look beautiful. However, they should be coated and sealed with
a product that isn't solvent-based, or any class 2 carcinogenic Toluene
Diisocyanate, TDI products. A good selection of paint to choose from is
the Berger Breathe Easy paint range.
Conversely, having all hard and bare floors can be rather clinical and
anything but cosy, especially in the winter months. If rugs or carpets
must be used, then rugs with a tight weave and short pile are less likely
to trap as much dust and dirt. Wool carpets are definitely a healthier
choice than their synthetic counterparts.
Furniture Materials
When it comes to allergies and healthy choices, we sometimes tend to
forget about furnishings, their coatings and the materials they are made
of.
Naturally occurring materials are often the best choice. Fabrics made of
cotton, wool, hemp and leather. Materials that are non-chemically treated.
Although not a naturally occurring substance, vinyl is a favourable choice
as it doesn’t emit toxins and has no open weave in the material in which
to collect dust and pollutants.
Wooden furniture should be coated in natural oils rather than varnishes
and solvent-based stains. Metal furniture or furniture with metal framing
is also a feasible choice. Metals such as stainless steel and chrome are
the optimum choice. Avoid bare metals and wrought iron, or any metal that
requires rust treating.
Glass surfaces for table tops and coffee tables are free of toxins, don't
trap dust, are non-pollutant and easy to keep clean with natural products
such as water and vinegar.
The bedroom is very important room to take into consideration when
striving for a low allergen home. So much time is spent in this room.
Regularly shake the dust out of blankets and adopt a frequent wash cycle
for bed linen.
Good quality, hypo-allergenic bedding can be somewhat more expensive,
however it’s definitely worth the money in the long run when it comes to
feeling healthy. Latex mattresses and pillows are a far better alternative
to synthetic fibres and padding. Apart from the health benefits, they also
tend to be more comfortable and maintain their shape and composure over a
long period of time. In the long run, quality bedroom furniture will prove
more cost-effective as it will last longer. And who can measure the cost
benefits of ones health?
Air Purifiers
The home is constantly being invaded by pollens, dust mites, mildew and
various other dust-related, airborne pollutants. These pollutants in the
air can prove very detrimental to the health of asthmatics, and can be a
cause of irritation to everyone.
Air purifiers are an excellent way to filter out much of these pollutants
and airborne impurities. There are several quality models on the market
that are also energy-efficient to run.
They operate by not only filtering out the dust and pollen particles from
the air. Integrated into the purifier is also a system of naturally
occurring substances that actually break down the pollutants as they
cleanse the air before returning the purified air to the room.
A decent air purifier is moderately priced considering the health benefits
it provide. Asthma sufferers should definitely have one in their bedroom,
and probably one in the living area as well.
Ventilation
A good, constant supply of fresh air is imperative. Kitchens and bathrooms
should be equipped with air vents in the ceiling to expel the build up of
cooking odours and steam.
Open plan homes tend to offer the best ventilation. If your home isn’t
very open, then try to have the doors and windows open as much as
possible. However, having the doors and windows screened is important.
Screens don’t just keep out annoying flies and pests, they also tend to
work as dust filters. It’s important to keep the screens clean. Vacuum
them regularly. A small portable car vacuum is often handy for this
purpose.
Ceiling fans are good for stirring up the air and keeping us cool, but
they are also chronic dust havens. The fan blades must be cleaned
frequently, probably once a week in summer. This will go a long way in
preventing fans from spreading dust around the house. The same rule also
applies to pedestal and desk fans.
Filters an air conditioners should also be cleaned on a regular basis.
An added point: Under no circumstances should anyone smoke inside.
Curtains and Blinds
Window dressing is another good source of dust and pollutant accumulation.
If you suffer from allergies, avoid horizontal blinds at all costs,
especially the wooden variety. All those flat surfaces to collect dust.
Not to mention the headache to keep them clean. Vertical blinds are a far
better option.
In the case of conventional curtains, select cotton or hemp materials and
wash them regularly to remove pollutant build-up. Roman blinds not only
look stylish in modern homes, but many of them are made from allergen-free
materials these days.
Plants
House plants are the most natural way to purify the air we breathe in the
home. Plants convert carbon dioxide back into oxygen. Like a natural air
purifier, they trap and absorb many pollutants. Not only do they promote
good health, they look great as well.
It’s probably a good idea to avoid freshly cut flowers. The pollens they
release are a nightmare for hay fever and allergy sufferers and
asthmatics. Obviously there will be occasions when flowers are an expected
gift. In this case, be sure to dispose of them before they start to decay
and drop buds and pollen everywhere.
Pets
Unfortunately pets can often be a great cause of allergies in us humans.
If you are an asthmatic or allergy sufferer and you have a pet that you
are allergic to, then you have a problem.
Generally though, sufferers won’t own a pet that they are obviously
allergic to. Pet hair from cats and dogs can be an irritation though.
Therefore pets must be groomed with regular washes, and even more regular
brushing to eradicate some of that moulting problem.
Cleaning Products
The products used to clean the furniture, glass and floors in our homes is
a very important point to consider when striving to obtain and maintain a
healthy internal living environment.
A good rule of thumb is to select products made from naturally occurring,
organic ingredients. Solvents, acids and bleach should be avoided as much
as possible.
Using vinegar mixed with water to clean glass surfaces is a great way to
keep the air pure. Steam cleaning carpets and floors is another healthy
alternative to vacuuming and detergent-based carpet cleaning. A good
quality vacuum cleaner with excellent filtration is very important, as
some vacuum cleaners tend to blow some of the dust sucked up back into the
air, creating an even worse situation.
The simplest method of all for dusting is to use a damp cloth so the dust
is collected (without the aid of chemicals), rather that stirred up into
the air.
A very useful website for cleaning products for asthma sufferers is: www.allerguard.com
Other Useful Tips
Regularly clean the lint filters in washing machines and clothes dryers.
When using a clothes dryer, keep the doors to the room it is situated in
closed while the dryer is operating to minimise the spread of dust and
lint.
Always use non-allergen air fresheners. There is a good range of these on
the market today as manufacturers’ awareness of allergies and the
environment is at an all-time high.
Scent-free, hypo-allergenic tissues is also a healthy and smart choice.
With regards to wardrobes and walk-in robes, always keep the doors shut
when not in use. This will help to avoid a build up of pollutants on
clothing, not to mention keeping them cleaner and smelling fresher.
One final tip. Try to avoid cluttering surfaces with too many ornaments
and knick knacks. These not only aid dust built up, they also make it more
difficult to keep these flat surfaces clean. The ‘less is more’ principal
is a good one to keep in mind when it comes to asthmatics and allergy
sufferers.
We can’t avoid every pollutant and speck of dust in the world, but
applying just a few of the principals in this article will go a long way
to helping everyone breathe easier in the home.
About The Author:
Born in Sydney, Australia, Darren G. Burton has been writing for more than
20 years. He has written numerous full length works of fiction and
non-fiction. In addition to his books, he has had many articles and short
stories published in major Australian and international publications.
