Make your home friendly to asthma, allergy sufferers

Asthma and allergies strike nearly one in four Americans, almost 60 million people, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Both conditions cause adults to miss work, children to miss school, and are a leading cause of emergency room visits and hospital stays.

Allergies and asthma don’t only affect those suffering from the illnesses, but family members and loved ones as well.

So whether you have asthma and allergies, live with someone who does or have frequent asthmatic or allergic visitors, how do you make your home a safe environment? Eco-friendly practices and environmentally sensitive products can not only help minimize the symptoms of allergies and asthma, but also make your home healthier in general for you and your family.

The experts at the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program offer some tips on how to keep your home healthy and free of allergens and irritants:

Cleaning

People with asthma and allergies often have “triggers” that can set off a reaction in the lungs, according to the American Lung Association. Often those triggers are particles carried in the air. Other common triggers include smoke, perfume and products with heavy fragrances, dust mites, mold, pollen and more. Look for fragrance-free, natural cleaning products that do not contain toxic chemicals.While more expensive than a traditional vacuum cleaner, a High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum contains a special filter that traps very fine particles and keeps them from getting back into the air.

While HEPA vacuums can help people breathe easier, it is still very difficult to keep pet dander, dust mites and other triggers out of carpeting. So for people with asthma and allergies, carpeted floors are not recommended.

Flooring

Solid surface floors should be at the top of the list for people with asthma and allergies. Hardwood, laminate and tile are all options, but the more natural a flooring product is, the better its health and hygienic qualities tend to be. The anti-static properties of the materials repel dust and dirt making it easy to clean, reducing exposure to allergens and contributing to better indoor air quality. Your home may have cleaner air, but it doesn’t need to look sterile.

Bedding

The average bed is home to millions of dust mites, which feed off dead skin. Breathing in dust mite waste particles can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Dust mite covers for mattresses and pillows provide a barrier to keep out the microscopic critters. Organic cotton or bamboo bedding is not only stylish and earth friendly but is made without chemicals that can irritate airways.

Other Factors

Whether you’re trying to make your home friendly for people with asthma and allergies or just generally trying to improve your indoor air quality, keep in mind that the smallest things can make a difference.

Stuffed children’s toys can hold dust mites and allergens. Bedding, blankets, pillows, furniture coverings and more should be washed weekly in hot water as an allergen control measure. Paints should be nontoxic and zero-VOC to prevent harmful off-gassing.