Controlling indoor allergens
How can I control allergens in my home?
To reduce allergens inside your home, you can:
- Remove items where allergens build up, such as stuffed animals or rugs.
- Use regular cleaning and housekeeping to prevent allergens from building up.
Measures to control allergens throughout your home include:
- Controlling dust and dust mites, such as dusting regularly and washing bed linens in hot water. Dust contains most of the allergens in your home.
- Controlling animal dander and other pet allergens, which includes keeping pets only in certain areas of your home.
- Controlling moulds, which includes cleaning bathtubs and showers monthly.
Because adults spend one-third of their time and children spend half of their time in their bedrooms, it is important that you take steps to prevent allergens in this room.
Other things you can do
Polluted air does not cause allergies, but it can irritate the nose and lungs. This may make it more likely that you will have symptoms.
- Avoid tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning stoves, and fumes from kerosene heaters.
- If you have a wood-burning stove, try to use one that is airtight and does not leak smoke into your home.
Test Your Knowledge
Most of the allergens in your home are found in dust.
You should pay special attention to controlling allergens in:
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH Ralph Poore | Last Updated: September 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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