Ask an Allergist – Dr. Mardiney – Spring 2015

Though we’ve taken a bit of a hiatus, our favorite allergist, Dr. Mardiney, is back to answer some of your allergy and asthma related questions. Up today for Ask an Allergist are some questions regarding hidden allergens and triggers in the home as well as some of the pitfalls of cleaning. Remember, if you have an allergy, asthma, chemical sensitivity, environmental control, or related question, drop us a line via our [email protected] email address or send us a comment below, call, or chat.

Ask an Allergist - What Are Hidden Allergens In The Home?What are some hidden sources of allergens that I may be overlooking in my home?     – submitted by Stephanie C.

Potted Plants can be a nice touch to the home. Unfortunately, they have the potential to become a breeding ground for mold. Standing water and decaying leaves are the primary sources. Frequent pruning as well as plastic pot liners (kept dry and clean) will help decrease the likelihood of mold growth. Finally, an artificial plant may be a wise alternative.

Cleaning and Hidden Allergens in Your HomeRugs and Drapes can be a haven for animal dander and dust mites. The dust mite thrives in dark, warm and humid areas and feast on the shed scales of human skin. The optimum solution is for the removal of the carpet and replacing drapes with mini-blinds. This allows for fewer hidden allergens and an easier surfaces to clean. In situations where this is not feasible, frequent vacuuming (2-3x/wk) with a HEPA filtered vacuum and controlling humidity (35-40%) will decrease both dust mite and indoor mold.

Bedding and stuffed animals are also significant reservoirs for dust mites and animal dander. Encasing the mattress and pillow has proven to be one of the most important maneuvers in reducing indoor allergen exposure.

Washing your bedding in hot water and minimizing the number of stuffed animals is also a must. Washing stuffed animals in hot water or freezing them has proven effective as well.

Air conditioner/central air ducts are also a source of hidden allergens. Having your ducts cleaned every 3-4 years is the current recommendation. Placing air vent filters has shown to be very effective in minimizing the circulation of indoor allergens throughout the home.

Ask an Allergist - How to Clean Without Allergies?What are some tips about how to clean properly/more thoroughly?     – submitted by Charly.

Feather Dusters - Colorful But Not Effective for Dust RemovalCleaning without providing proper allergen barriers for yourself is a common mistake. Often allergy symptoms can be delayed to the cleaner and you do not realize the impact until its too late.

Wearing a dust mask, gloves, and goggles particularly with the heavier cleaning, is a good idea. Showering immediately after cleaning is also helpful.

The old-time feather duster should not be used in cleaning as this simply relocates and stirs up dust. Obviously this can be provoking to the allergy sufferer.

Cleaning/dusting should be done with a damp cloth or rag or electrostatic/microfiber cleaning cloth to better capture allergens.

Use of an older “low efficiency” vacuum can be a provoker of indoor allergies and asthma attacks. While these vacuums are adequate in picking up dust bunnies and visible debris, it does little to remove the common allergenic particles which are too small for this vacuum to capture. What happens? The vacuum essentially shoots allergens into the air.

Fortunately, most newer vacuums have HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters which capture allergens such as dust mite, mold, and pet dander.

At this point, I think it’s important to bring up a broader issue when it comes to cleaning inside your home. Most of us have traditionally taken the approach that if it looks clean then it is clean. For many people that approach is fine, but anyone dealing with allergies, asthma, COPD, or a compromised immune system, appearances can be deceiving. Instead, it is far better to clean for your health not for appearances. This means keeping in mind some of the tips Dr. Mardiney outlined above as well as taking note of what you are actually use to clean (types of cleaners, cleaning devices, etc.). It also means adjusting your mindset to consider that even though a floor or kitchen countertop may look clean, it could be chalked full of microscopic allergens or bacteria/viruses.

To see all of Dr. Mardiney’s Ask an Allergist Questions and Answers.

Or to see all Ask an Allergist Questions and Answers by Dr. Frank.

Author: K. Gilmore

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