The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Rates Poor Indoor Air Quality as an Area of Major Concern.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rates poor indoor air quality as an area of major concern, noting that common contaminants, endlessly redistributed by a central air system, can contribute to allergy symptoms and sickness. Have no fear, there are ways to improve your indoor air quality and prevent home allergens.
What Are Some Common Home Allergens?
To improve your indoor air quality, you need to prevent home allergens. We have reviewed some of the common home allergens below:
Dust Mites: Dust mites occur naturally and can appear in almost all homes. Eight out of 10 people in the United States are exposed to dust mites (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America). Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that generate some of the most common indoor allergens and can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in lots people.
Mold and Mildew: Most people don’t realize they have a mold and mildew issue until they have an indoor air quality test. Mold and mildew are fungi that reproduce and grow “seeds,” called spores that travel through the air. Mold and mildew develop in damp environments with little to no air movement.
Pet Dander: Six out of 10 homes are subject to cat or dog dander. Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. Animal allergens are carried on small particles that remain airborne and easily attach to surfaces and clothing.
Cockroach Allergens: Cockroach allergen particles have properties like those of dust mite allergens. Cockroaches are an issue mostly in cities and the southern United States, and are believed to play a large role in asthma in inner-city populations, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Pollen: Many people don’t think of pollen as a common home allergen, as they don’t think of it as being indoors. Pollen can be brought into your home on clothing, shoes, pets, furniture, etc. Pollen is the male fertilizing agent of flowering plants, trees, grasses and weeds.
How Can You Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?
Regularly Dust and Vacuum Surfaces: You can remove, or minimalize dust, mold, and pollen particles in your Buffalo, New York home by dusting and vacuuming on a regular basis. It is recommended to do both at least once a week and ensure you get the hard to reach and see areas like ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, and under furniture.
Keep Pollen Out: Prevent pollen from entering your home, by keeping your windows and doors shut as much as possible. It is a good idea to take off your shoes outdoors or have a mat by your door that is used for people to wipe their feet as they enter your home.
Avoid Mold: Reduce moisture around your home to prevent mold from developing and putting mold spores in the air. You can use dehumidifiers to dry the air, limit house plants, fix leaks and damp areas in your home, use exhaust vents when showering, etc.
Control Pet Dander: If you have a pet dander allergy, doctors recommend not having a pet that has feathers or fur. You can also prevent the spread of pet dander by closing doors into rooms with a lot of furniture, especially bedrooms, covering vents with cheesecloth, replacing carpet with bare floors, and bathing your pet regularly.
Replace your Air Filters Frequently: When you change your air filter regularly, it helps remove harmful particles from the air such as pollen, dust, dust mites, mold, bacteria, micro allergens and more. By not changing your air filter at least once a month, your indoor air quality can suffer. An unchanged and dirty or soiled air filter means that the blower is spreading unclean, airborne particles throughout your Buffalo, New York home. The most important thing you can do to improve indoor air quality in your home is to change your air filter frequently.
Contact Reimer Home Services for Top-Notch Indoor Air Quality Services in Buffalo, NY
Indoor air quality is a big problem. Poor indoor air quality can aggravate allergies, lead to your family getting sick, or just make it flat-out harder to breathe.
At Reimer Home Services, we will help you improve your indoor air quality using air filters and air scrubbers. To get started, contact us today.
