Allergy Control: Reducing Airborne Allergens in Your Home

Those who are plagued by allergies are always struggling to diminish those irritants that cause watery eyes, runny noses and rashes that sometimes translate into full-blown hives. These and other symptoms can be brought about by a number of contaminants that infiltrate the very air that people breathe within their own homes. If you're among those who are constantly being attacked by airborne allergens, there are some positive steps that you can take in order to reduce or eliminate the elements that are the catalysts to allergy attacks.

Dust mites are the cause of many allergic reactions, and must be eliminated from their most common breeding areas in order to find relief. Since they tend to live in warm and humid places, items such as beds, carpets and upholstered furniture are prime breeding grounds for those miniscule insects. Living on the skin cells that people and their pets shed, they deposit their waste in all of the areas that they gather, wreaking havoc with allergies.

In order to control dust mites and eliminate the allergies that they trigger, wash bedclothes each week and dry on high heat; use anti-allergen casings for mattresses and bedclothes; clean furniture and carpets with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner; dehumidify the air; filter the air with a HEPA air purifier; perform regular housecleaning at least once a week, using equipment that traps dust; and keep only hypo-allergenic toys in the house that can be washed in hot water, rather than the more commonly used stuffed animals.

With over 35 million people who suffer from pollen-induced allergies, it's critical that steps are taken to remove the allergens that can trigger adverse reactions, such as sneezing, wheezing, rashes and watery eyes or nose. Large quantities of pollen can enter your home by traveling in through open doors or windows, on clothing and hair ? and on the family pet.

As much as we seem to love dry, breezy days, those are the weather conditions that are just right for pollen to circulate. Avoid being outdoors when possible or, at least, be sure to exercise indoors, if you would normally do so outside. When driving, be sure to keep the windows raised and employ the air conditioning. In addition, you should also keep your windows at home closed and use air conditioning or window screens with filters; remember to remove shoes before entering the house; wash your hair each night; avoid hanging laundry outdoors; engage someone else to mow the lawn; and use HEPA filters on heating and air conditioning units.

Those who own pets often have allergic reactions to their dander and need to take precautions in order to eliminate airborne allergens. Keep the pet outdoors as often as is reasonable and wipe down the surfaces of the home's interior; vacuum frequently using a HEPA vacuum; wash your pet weekly with dander-reducing shampoo and use anti-dander spray; wash your hands after handling your pet; wear a dust mask while cleaning; and use vent filters on air conditioners and heaters.

While it may seem like a great deal of work in order to eliminate these airborne allergens from your home, the amount of work will be significantly reduced if you perform these cleaning rituals regularly.

Jonathan Chase (a lifelone allergy sufferer) is the creator of http://www.home-air-filter-edu.com, which provides free information to individuals interested in air purification and reducing their allergy symptoms.

Business Wire EON (press release)
Colorado Goldfields Assesses Alternative Water Treatment ...
MarketWatch - 8 hours ago
initiated two projects to assess alternative water treatment technologies in the Cement Creek watershed of San Juan County, Colorado, one of which is in ...
Colorado Goldfields Assesses Alternative Water Treatment ... Business Wire (press release)
all 15 news articles

Nader Still Follows Cameras, Proudly Offers Alternative
Hartford Courant, United States - 12 hours ago
By JESSE A. HAMILTON | Washington Bureau Chief DENVER — - Ralph Nader is absolutely unapologetic. He sees nothing to regret about the super-close 2000 ...
Video: The Muslim Republican backing Obama 26-Aug-08 AlJazeeraEnglish
Sanders attends convention, passes on joining Dems The Hill
all 421 news articles

Granholm leads town hall meeting on alternative energy
Detroit Free Press, United States - Aug 26, 2008
... sun of the 2008 Democratic National Convention tonight, hosting a town hall meeting on the main stage in Denver on America’s alternative energy future. ...
Granholm pitches alternative energy at Dem convention DetNews.com
Granholm moderates energy town hall meeting MLive.com
Granholm to moderate energy town hall meeting Chicago Tribune
WXYZ - Detroit Free Pressall 38 news articles

Kansas Governor Focuses on Alternative Energy
FOXNews - Aug 27, 2008
by FOX News Political Team By Eli Tate, Kansas delegate One of the big themes on Tuesday, and the whole convention, is developing alternative (green) energy ...

AJC says black gays 'flaunt' their 'alternative lifestyle'
Southern Voice, GA - 4 hours ago
“Atlantans embrace alternative lifestyle” proclaims the headline to the short Aug. 21 story in the AJC’s “Access Atlanta,” previewing the annual event that ...

Boston Globe
Biden Says Obama Will Make Alternative Energy a National Priority
Red, Green, and Blue, CA - 4 hours ago
... Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden has confirmed that, if elected, Barack Obama will give priority to bold policies on alternative energy. ...
Video: Obama: Biden Will Be 'great' Vice-president AssociatedPress
Presidential politics Kansas City Star
Biden goes on attack in acceptance speech CNN
all 1,169 news articles

Alternative thyroid drug sells out
Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand - 3 hours ago
Patients using the Government-funded thyroid drug, GlaxoSmithKline's Eltroxin, have complained of side-effects, prompting hundreds to seek alternatives. ...

Anwar returns – as the alternative
Malaysia Star, Malaysia - 19 hours ago
But, said Penang state exco member Phee Boon Poh, the most important message that Permatang Pauh voters sent out is that they see Anwar as an alternative.

Alternative energy hot topic at forum
Shreveport Times, LA - 12 hours ago
By Bobbie J. Clark • bobbieclark@gannett.com • August 28, 2008 Sharon Collins believes the United States needs to focus more on alternative energy sources, ...
Vitter Meets With Residents To Discuss Energy And Louisiana KTAL
Vitter: America’s wealth slides toward our enemies Monroe News Star
all 3 news articles

E Canada Now
Researchers Make More Stunning Advances With Embryonic Stem Cell ...
LifeNews.com, MT - 4 hours ago
... make more stunning advances with direct reprogramming -- an embryonic stem cell research alternative that pro-life advocates hail as moral and ethical. ...
Technique could offer alternative to drugs and stem cell therapies Therapeutics Daily (subscription) (press release)
Despite Breakthroughs, Embryonic Stem Cells Still Needed Wired News
all 408 news articles

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Do-Sa-Do: Square Dancing and Mindfulness