Identify and Reduce Allergens and Pollutants in Your Home

In a study in the late 1980s, the EPA found that in a typical American home the concentrations of some pollutants can be two to five times higher than on the other side of the exterior walls. This is partly the fault of an increase in allergy triggers and other pollutants within homes (such as VOCs – volatile organic compounds, which are found in paints and other household maintenance supplies), but also the fact that modern home construction does a much better job of trapping those allergens indoors than in older homes – so much better that any pollutants that get into our homes are more likely to stay there than in past decades. Also, modern homes are more likely to be built and furnished with synthetic materials than they used to be.

In the time since that 1987 EPA report, the factors it cited have only become more pronounced. So, what are the main allergy triggers and other pollutants in modern homes, and what can be done to reduce them?

Common Household Allergy Triggers and Pollutants

• Dust Mites: In many homes, these tiny insects are the most common trigger for allergies and asthma. Yes, they gobble up the flakes of skin that fall off your body and thrive in the same climate conditions preferred by humans – above 70 degrees and around 40 percent humidity. They prefer bedding and cloth-covered furniture, though they often go farther afield. Make sure you purchase allergy-proof casings for box springs, pillows and mattresses, and wash blankets and sheets regularly in 130-degree water.
• Pets: Unfortunately, your cats and dogs, specifically the dander they shed, are among the main indoor allergy triggers. As much as possible, minimize contact with pets you’re allergic to, keep them out of rooms frequented by family members who suffer from allergies, and keep them off of furniture or bedding (in particular, make sure pets don’t sleep on pillows that people will use). Regularly brush and clean pets outside, and consider professional grooming to reduce the spread of dander within the home.
• Mold: Mold spores floating in the air can be a particularly insidious indoor allergy trigger. They can lead to other adverse health effects, too. Mold thrives in damp, dark areas, such as basements. Clean and dry damp areas in your home, and remove mold with a solution of detergent, water and 5% bleach. Regularly give your house a close inspection to identify where mold may be obtaining a foothold and use dehumidifiers to minimize the humidity that allows mold to flourish.
• Pollen: This common allergy trigger isn’t just an outdoor threat. People and pets can easily transport pollen into the house on their bodies, shoes and clothes. Consider removing jackets and shoes at the door, and during pollen season, don’t leave windows and doors open.

And Don’t Forget VOCs …

Volatile Organic Compounds: While not considered allergy triggers as much as the preceding items, VOCs that off-gas into indoor air can threaten the health of vulnerable home occupants. These can come from a variety of objects in your home, including cleaning supplies, paints, insecticides/pesticides, building materials and furniture.

To protect allergy sufferers and other vulnerable home occupants, it’s important to minimize the aforementioned triggers and pollutants in your home but also to ensure the home has adequate ventilation, where stale indoor air is frequently exchanged with fresh outdoor air. Make sure the filter in your forced-air cooling and heating system is replaced regularly, and consider installing a whole-house air cleaning system. Keeping your home HVAC system well-maintained and working efficiently is a great way to keep the air in your home as clean as possible. Give us a call here at Jansen Heating & Cooling to learn more about how we can optimize your system to keep the indoor air clean and healthy for your whole family.