So many people suffer from allergies these days and, while it’s hard to reduce the number of allergens outside of the home, can we do anything to reduce them inside? Let’s look at some of the main causes of allergies in the home as well as some simple ways to reduce them.
Some allergens we are probably already familiar with such as dust, pet dander, cleaning products and mold to name just a few but, what about those less well known? There are many allergens and pollutants found in the home that you may not think about as much. For example, solvents like formaldehyde are often used in treating soft furnishings. Gas stoves and furnaces can play a part in reducing the quality of indoor air, then there are other contaminants that may be present in your home if it is older such as lead paint dust and asbestos.
There are a number of easy ways you can improve your home’s indoor air quality. Of course, cleaning the home thoroughly will help in reducing pet dander and dust, etc. It’s also a good idea to try using non-chemical cleaning products and switch to non-aerosol cleaners. Keeping the house well ventilated and airing out cushions and curtains or other soft furnishings is another way to improve the home’s air quality. Make sure you regularly change the homes air conditioning filters and have appliances such as the boiler inspected annually to ensure they are working correctly and not emitting any dangerous toxins.
Following some of these simple steps will help in reducing the number of allergens found in a home.