Archive for the ‘Natural Allergy Relief’ Category
Air Purifiers For A Healthy Lifestyle
Air purifiers can cut down on irritants in the air
It is quite possible invisible irritants inside the home may be causing any number of health problems. Most of us can only relate air pollution with overcrowded highways and factories with smoke pluming from tall towers. But the air you breathe inside your home may be much dirtier than the air found in the so-called great outdoors. According to the EPA, indoor air may be up to five times dirtier than the “fresh” air found outside. Any number of minuscule things may be found in the air of a typical home from dust to cigarette smoke. These irritants can contribute to certain health problems such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, asthma and even stroke and heart disease. An air purifier in the home can help alleviate some of these irritants. .
Air pollutants found in the home
In addition to cigarette smoke and house dust, there are many other irritants to be found in the home and it may seem like an impossible endeavor to remove them all but it can be done. Pet dander, dust mites, pest excrement, such as from cockroaches, all contributes to air pollution in the home. Mold in the bathroom and basement and nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves can also cause air problems. These irritants may cause itchy eyes, throat and nose. They may also be responsible for headaches, dizziness and fatigue. An air purifier is one strategy for getting rid of these toxants while aiding the entire family to be healthier and feel better. When shopping for an air purifier it is a good idea to check the air purifier ratings to make sure you are getting the best buy.
Strategies for getting rid of air pollutants in the home
Smoke – Simply ask people to smoke outside. They are used to it and don‘t mind. Also, use an air purifier for the home.
Roach residue – Call the exterminator.
Dust and dander – Keep pets out of the bedroom and off of the bed. Vacuum and dust once or twice weekly. Use antiallergenic carpet cleaners since they also kill dust mites. Use hypoallergenic pillows and a mattress made with natural fabrics and synthetic fillers. Zip both up in hypoallergenic covers to discourage pests from turning your bedroom into dust mite city. . Also, wash the mattress pads, sheets and comforters weekly in very hot water.
Nitrogen dioxide – To cut down on the irritants that wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and gas appliances emit, crack a window or run the kitchen exhaust fan. Consider using only electric in your home.
Mold and Fungi – Keep mold at bay by washing bathroom surfaces and shower curtains weekly with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Spread shower curtain out to dry and put towels in the washer immediately.
Dangerous levels of pollutants can build up if the house is poorly ventilated. Try cracking a window in the morning or evening and using a well maintained air conditioner. Don’t forget to change the filters on the heating system regularly.
What size of air purifier is best?
You will place the air purifier in the room that you spend the most time in which is usually the bedroom where you sleep. After you measure the room, check the clean air delivery rate seal on the back of the box. This will define the number of cubic feet of air pulled through the device per minute.
HEPA filters as air purifiers
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters pull air through a thick fabric and traps unwanted particles. As air purifiers, Hunter HEPA filters are 99.97 % effective according to the EPA. Whole house HEPA filters are available but the EPA recommends using a stand alone unit. They are certainly less expensive and believed to not be any better than the stand alone units. In addition, you can also purchase a HEPA filter for your vacuum cleaner.
What type of air purifier should you buy?
There are quite a few types of air purifiers on the market to select from and it can be quite confusing. It good to compare the different types of air purifiers after determining your objective and budget.
Electronic air cleaners – The American Lung Association recommends the models that electronically charge particles in the air and draw them to a metal plate or filter within the unit. Choose full-size whole-room air filters. Tabletop models will not have enough power.
Hybrid filters – A combination of the HEPA and electronic air purifier.
Gas phase filters – They remove gases, vapors, and odors from the air but not particle pollutants such as dust. These are often found in certain workplace settings where chemicals are found.
Ozone generator – Their use is greatly discouraged by the EPA and the American Lung Association; ozone is a known lung irritant that can cause permanent damage.
Plants – The EPA doesn’t recommend houseplants as air purifiers. Wet soil can pollute the air by adding mold to the atmosphere,
Air sprays – There’s no evidence that air purifying sprays do anything to reduce common pollutants. They may cause more irritation to your respiratory system. This includes candles, sprays and potpourri for sensitive individuals.
Whether an air purifier is being considered for the sick room or as a holistic preventative approach toward good health, almost all physicians agree that air purifiers do improve the quality of air within the home. The American Heart Association offers a free guide for freshening the air you breathe in your home that may also be helpful.
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Tips to keep your home allergy free
The most common allergens found in the home are pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander. Airborne pollen from trees, weeds and grass enter our homes from outside, and are most abundant when the seasons change. Dust mites are microscopic, eight legged insects that feed on dead skin cells shed by people and animals. They like dusty, moist, warm surroundings and beds are a favorite habitat. Molds are tiny fungi that thrive in moist, shady areas in the home such as basements, bathrooms and kitchens. Animal dander refers to tiny dead skin scales that are constantly shed by pets. Even though there are many types of natural allergy relief, keeping the home free from allergens is very effective and one of the best allergy remedies.
* To reduce pollen in the home, keep doors and windows closed as much as possible during pollen season. Do not dry laundry outside as polle often clings to fabric. Wash pets often as pollen also clings to animal fur. When you come after being outdoors, take a shower to remove pollen from clothes and hair.
* To get rid of dust mites, remove carpets from your home or at least use special carpet treatments to neutralize allergens in your carpet. Wash all bedding with hot water every two weeks and encase pillows and mattresses in zippered allergy-proof covers. Vacuum and steam-clean your home frequently.
* To prevent mold, control the humidity levels in your home. Fix leaks and seal cracks to prevent moisture seepage. Ensure that bathrooms remain dry by using an exhaust fan or keeping a windo open. Clean shower walls, shower curtains, bathroom tiles, kitchen countertops and sinks frequently. Store all food items n airtight containers and keep your refrigerator interior clean.
* To deal with pet allergens which include dander as well as protein particles from saliva and urine, pets should be frequently and thoroughly brushed outside. Furniture and bedrooms should be kept off limits. Make sure your home is well ventilated and has a source of fresh air so that dander particles don’t remain inside.
There are a number of appliances you can use to maintain natural allergy relief in your home:
1. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) air purifiers filter out dust, pollen, dander and other airborne allergens.
2. HEPA vacuum cleaners suck up the tiniest of allergen particles and fully contain them.
3. Dehumidifiers control the humidity level in your home. Keeping humidity levels below 50 will prevent the growth of mold and dust mites.
4. Air conditioners with HEPA filters keep your home cool and prevent circulation of allergens inside your home.
5. Steam cleaners can be used to sanitize all surfaces including fabric and carpets, without the use of chemicals.
5 DIY Tips for an Allergy-Free Home
You may be surprised to know that air pollution levels indoors are frequently higher than outdoors. Homes are commonly contaminated allergens such as pollen, dust-mites, mold and animal dander. Allergens in the home cause a variety of allergic reactions. Runny nose and sneezing are common to most allergens. There is prescribed medication for curing this problem, but it dries your throat and can have other side effects. Thus, natural allergy relief is best.
Also, how about making your home allergy free? Adopt these five DIY strategies of natural remedies so you can breathe easy:
1. Make smart decorating choices: Reduce allergen absorbing surfaces by avoiding carpets, curtains, tablecloths and fabric-upholstered furniture. On windows, use wooden or metal blinds. Opt for hard surface flooring such as hardwood, stone or tile. Use leather and vinyl for covering soft furnishings. Keep your home free of clutter. Books, papers, stuffed toys and knick-knacks are dust traps.
2. Keep your house spotlessly clean: Mop floors every day. Vacuum your house twice a week. Use HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners with allergy proof bags that will safely contain all the allergens that are sucked in. Wipe down surfaces with a mild bleach solution to prevent mold. Wash bedding in hot water every two weeks to get rid of dust mites. Use a steam cleaner to disinfect surfaces in your home without the use of toxic chemicals.
3. Control the quality of indoor air: Use a HEPA air purifier to filter out dust, pollen, dander and other airborne particles. Use a dehumidifier to control the humidity levels in your home and prevent the growth of dust mites and mold. During pollen season, keep doors and windows closed and avoid the use of fans which circulate dust and pollen. Instead, use an air-conditioner with a HEPA filter for cooling the house.
4. Reduce vegetation in and around your house: Yet other natural remedies include avoiding placement of flowers and potted plants inside your home. Flowers are a source of pollen while mold often grows in the soil of potted plants. If you have a yard or a garden, mow grass before it produces seed heads and pollen and remove weeds before they have a chance to pollinate.
5. Think carefully before keeping a pet: Pet dander is pervasive so do not keep pets if you’re allergic to dander. If you already have a pet, make sure that it is frequently brushed outside the home. You can also consider going for hypo-allergenic breeds that are considered safer for people with allergies.
The bottom line is natural allergy relief begins at home, by taking certain precautions.
