Allergy Facts:

• 50 million people in the US have allergies or asthma.
• 55% of people test positive to one or more allergens: more than 2X thirty years ago.
• Indoor air in U.S. homes is 2 to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Allergy Triggers In Your Home And What You Can Do

Oransi air purifiers (help me choose) will help with each of these triggers however here are some extra steps you can take that should help.

Mold

Mold needs moisture (ie water) to grow and a food source (wallpaper, shower curtains, etc). Mold spores travel through the air and flourish in damp or humid environments.

Tips:

• If you see a small section of mold, wipe it away with a cleaner such as soap and water or bleach.
• Source control - fix any sources of water.
• Ventilation - use your bathroom exhaust fan when showering and open windows to your basement if it is dry outside.
• Keep humidity levels at 35%- 50%. A dehumidifier may be needed if your room cannot get below 50% relative humidity.

Pollen

Allergies to pollen are common and now effect over 50 million Americans. The most effective way to deal with pollen allergies is to avoid contact (source control).

Tips:

• Try to keep your windows closed and ensure that you are using pleated filters with your HVAC system and replace them per the manufacturers instructions - typically every 2-3 months.
• Limit your time outside, especially any activity that will cause the pollen particles to be breathed deep into your lungs.
• Take your shoes off when you come home, change your clothes, wash your face, eyes and hair (or brush your hair). If you are suffering with allergies, take a shower and change your clothes if outside for an extended period of time.
• Use a high efficiency filter to remove the airborne allergens from rooms where you spend most of your time - typically a bedroom.
• Recirculate the air within your car and keep the car windows closed.

Dust Mites

Dust mites live in bedding, mattresses, pillow, curtains (fabric), carpets, and stuffed animals.

Tips:

• Use allergen covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Keep your room clean - focus on dust removal preferably with a HEPA vacuum.
• Remove fabric materials that can act as dust collectors - curtains, stuffed animals, etc.
• Replace carpeting with hard floors - wood flooring or tile.
• Wash all bedding at least once a week and dry completely. Water must be hotter than 130F to kill the dust mites although bleach has some effectiveness even at colder temperatures.

Insects And Small Pests

Tiny critters are common asthma and allergy triggers. As described above, the cleaner you can keep your home the better.

Tips:

• Never leave food out and keep the kitchen, bedroom and living areas clean.
• Be a neat freak - clean dishes, crumbs, and spills.

Pets - Cats And Dogs

Sadly our family member pets can trigger allergic reactions as well as asthma attacks. Some people are allergic to the flakes of skin or dried saliva from animals with fur or feathers. See our most popular air purifiers for pets.

Tips:

• Keep pets outside if possible.
• If you have a pet inside, keep them out of the bedroom and off the furniture.
• Remove carpets and furniture covered with cloth from your home. If that is not possible, keep the pet away from fabric-covered furniture and carpets.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture often with a HEPA vacuum.