How to Escape Allergies Indoors?
Created By RISC | 1 year ago
Last modified date : 1 year ago
Allergies are on the rise amid a host of factors such as PM2.5. Indoor factors include fur, dust mites, cockroaches. Outdoors you’re at risk from pollen, mold spores, particles, car exhaust fumes.
How we live has also changed, weakening our immunity through restless lifestyles, high stress, and urban habitats with less nature and green space.
So how can we relieve allergies?
Simple safeguards include adjusting our homes to reduce allergens as much as feasible, including lifestyle changes.
We spend over 90% of each day indoors. So we must reduce the the risk of allergies from pollutants such as PM2.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in perfume sprays, air fresheners, and deodorants. Indoor air pollution is 100 times worse than outside air pollution, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We can lessen many types of pollution in our homes by doing the followings:
• After checking outdoor air quality, open windows for airflow.
• Use air conditioning for a low temperature and relative humidity at or below 50% to reduce dust mites.
• Install an aerator to bring in fresh air and enhance indoor air quality, having chosen an appropriate site and ventilation rate.
• Install an air purifier that suits the size of the room. Check the clean air delivery rate (CADR) and select an air purifier with HEPA H13 efficiency or better as well as an activated carbon filter that can assist filter odors and volatile organic compounds.
• Clean your home often to reduce particulates, bacteria, fungi, and germs with irritant-free cleaning supplies. The vacuum cleaner should include a HEPA filter to eliminate minute particles and dust mites. Wash blankets, sheets, and pillowcases once a week in hot water to decrease allergens from various fibers from normal use.
For further details on modifying homes to lessen allergy hazards visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s home checklist at https://aafa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/asthma-care-for-adults-lesson-2-asthma-triggers-home-checklist.pdf
Story by: Phetcharin Phongphetkul, Sustainable Designer/ LEED®AP BD+C, WELLTM AP,Fitwel Ambassador, TREES-A NC, RISC