Over 22 million Americans suffer from asthma and 1 out of 5 Americans are suffering from allergies each year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). World Asthma Day, observed May 5, 2009, promotes awareness and highlights a significant health issue facing many American families.
Most common cause or triggers of allergens are in the home, which includes dust mites, pet danger, mold, pests, and rodents. Outdoor allergens, such as pollen, enter the home through cracks in walls or window screens. Because most people spend over 90% of their time inside, maintaining a healthy home by reducing allergens is the best way to control asthma and reduce the allergen triggers
According to Debra Nolan, owner of Westmoreland Contractor Referral, as homes become more energy efficient and airtight, "humidity levels tend to increase, causing mold and mildew." In conjunction with World Asthma Day, Westmoreland Contractor Referral is offering consumers a free Healthy Home Guide, found at www.westmorelandcrs.com, which provides tips on reducing allergens in the home. These simple inexpensive tips can make a big difference in the home environment.
Homeowners can do a simple home diagnostic evaluation to identify and formulate a home improvement / remodeling plan to reduce the impact of allergens in the home. The home evaluation can be divided into three categories: Air Filtration, Dust Control, and Moisture Prevention.
The best way to improve the Indoor Air Quality in the home is to clean your home's air with a central air filter. The two primary options for effective air filtration is a portable room filter system or a central air filter that works in conjunction with your furnace. If you're planning to build a home or upgrading you're heating and cooling system, that is the perfect time to improve the indoor air quality. A good ventilation system will minimize the outdoor pollens from entering the home, while an upgrade will also improve your heating and cooling energy efficiency. Choose a good central HVAC system with a replaceable HEPA filter and make sure the air ducts throughout the house are unobstructed and large enough to circulate air throughout the house. Keep the HVAC system well maintained and replace the filters frequently will increase the overall efficiency.
A common household allergen associated with allergies and asthma is dust mites. These tiny house invaders are attracted to moisture and warmth and they thrive in mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture. A few simple solutions to reduce exposure to these allergens are to use special mite-proof bedding, including pillows and mattresses. Another solution is to remove all carpeting and install hard surface flooring, such as wood, tile, vinyl or linoleum. In addition keep fresh caulk around windows, doors, chimneys, roofing, and tubs and showers.
Moisture in the home is the major factor in mold growth; other factors are heat and time. Mold is a problem that many people experience and if not taken care of, it can become a real problem, especially for allergy sufferers. Mold loves any place where there is moisture such as the bathroom, basement, around the refrigerator, and so on. To eliminate the problem, the mold has to be removed and then treated so it does not grow back. The key however is finding the cause of the mold and then eliminating the root cause. Prevention is the real key, which can be done by reducing the amount of moisture in your home. Make sure your home also has good ventilation. As an example, your bathroom fans and range hoods should vent to the outside of the home. Other things homeowners can do to eliminate the cause of mold is increase the amount of insulation in the attic and walls.
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