If your family suffers from animal, dust mite or mold allergies, a household allergen assessment plan could provide a valuable tool to better health. Many simple and inexpensive steps can be taken to lessen the effects of allergens in your home. Air samples and carpet tests can help determine if elevated allergen levels are affecting your air quality.

Indoor Allergies
Household air quality can have a substantial affect on the health of your family. Pollen, mold spores and dust mites are several of the most common irritants found within our living spaces. While these are found throughout our natural environment, problems can become exacerbated by the artificial conditions found indoors.

Why are some allergens more prevalent indoors?
Numerous allergens are commonly found inside our homes. Mold accumulates as a result of increased moisture and humidity, minimal airflow and large differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures. Dust mites also require a specific range of temperature and humidity for survival. Unfortunately, household conditions quite often fall within these limits. Animal allergies result from our bodies response to proteins found in the dander, saliva or urine of our pets. People are rarely allergic to the actual fur of the animal. In the outside environment wind naturally disperses these allergens to safe levels. However, indoors these contaminants can reach unhealthy levels. If your family suffers from animal, dust mite or mold allergies, a household assessment plan could provide a valuable tool to better health. Many simple and inexpensive steps can be taken to lessen the effects of allergens in your home.

What can I do to reduce allergens in my house?
Mold — Moisture is the primary contributing factor in mold growth within our homes. Without it mold cannot remain active. Maintaining a relative humidity of less than 50% will drastically reduce the amount of growth. Increase airflow through proper ventilation, utilize ceiling fans, periodically open windows, doors, etc. Control moisture intrusion by using bathroom and kitchen fans regularly. Replace old single pane windows, especially metal clad type. Dehumidifiers are also highly effective at removing moisture, but should be used after the source of moisture intrusion has been treated. Purchase a humidity / temperature gauge and monitor it regularly.

Dust Mites
Fortunately many of the steps in mold reduction overlap those of dust mite control. Dust mites also thrive among moist conditions, with bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting providing the most preferred housing for colonies. The following steps can help reduce your exposure to dust mites. Reduce humidity, following the suggestions outlined previously.
Encase mattresses and pillows with dust mite proof covers and regularly wash all bedding in hot (130°) water. Vacuum regularly using a HEPA type filter. Hardwood floors with washable area rugs are preferable over wall to wall carpeting. Install a high efficiency air filter on your furnace.

Pets
Keep pets away from sleeping areas, furniture, carpeting and stuffed toys. If allergic response is severe, consider finding a new home for your pet.

Is air duct cleaning effective at reducing allergens?
No conclusive studies have shown a strong correlation between duct cleaning and a reduction of airborne allergens.

Mold and Sinusitis
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the membrane lining the sinuses affects millions of Americans each year. Recent studies have suggested that 90% of patients with chronic sinus problems actually had allergic fungal sinusitis. This condition is aggravated by elevated levels of mold spores in your environment. This condition can persist despite usage of antibiotics or allergy medications. Unless patients are treated with anti-fungals, sinus symptoms may persist. Refer to your physician for more information.

Air Filters
High quality air filters can effectively reduce dust, smoke particles, pollen, pet dander and mold spores.Two filtration options are available, whole house models and portable room cleaners. Families with forced air heating/cooling systems can choose between a professionally installed electronic precipitator or a do-it-yourself style filter. The former are highly effective costing between $500 or more plus installation fees. Traditional filters typically cost $30-60 per year and still provide a significant improvement in air quality.Portable air filters provide an option to homes without forced air heating/cooling systems. Performance among models varies widely, refer to a product review magazine for ratings.