Frequently Asked Questions about a Healthy Home
Below you will find some little-known facts about healthy and
unhealthy homes.
What makes a home unhealthy?
There are a variety of factors that can make the home unhealthy
for you: allergens, medicines, poisons, gases, insects and many
other substances can cause harm to you and your family. On this
website, our focus is primarily on allergens that can be airborne
or can settle on your floors and surfaces. These are some of the
most common irritants in the home, and some of the easiest to remedy.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is a specific reaction of the body’s immune system
to what should be a harmless substance, one that does not bother most
people. Normally, the immune system functions as a defense against
invading germs and bacteria, but in the case of an allergy the immune
system is responding to a false alarm. The immune system actually
believes the allergen is an invader, and gets ready to attack.
The signs and symptoms of an airborne allergy are familiar to many:
sneezing (often with a runny, clogged nose), coughing and postnasal
drip, itchy eyes, nose and throat, watery eyes, and conjunctivitis.
Some people with allergies can eventually develop asthma, which
can be a very serious condition. If wheezing and shortness of breathe
accompany allergy symptoms, it is a signal that the airways also
have become involved and a doctor should be seen immediately. For
that matter, anyone that has any respiratory condition that lasts
longer than a week or two should consult a health care provider.
What are some of the main allergens?
Dust Mite Waste Allergen is the most common cause
of perennial allergic rhinitis. This can produce symptoms similar
to a pollen allergy, and can cause symptoms of asthma as well. House
dust mites live in bedding, upholstery and carpets. They thrive in
a warm, humid house, and if left alone will form a colony of millions
within a matter of months. Dust mites feed mainly on skin scales,
and almost every home that has carpeting also contains dust mites,
and thus dust mite waste allergen. The particles seen floating in
a shaft of sunlight include dead dust mites and their waste products.
Cockroach waste can also cause allergies, but these creatures are
not as prevalent as dust mites.
Pet Dander is the most common allergic reaction
to animals. Many people think the fur of cats and dogs is the
issue, but it is actually the protein in a pet’s saliva
that causes the allergy. The proteins can stick to the fur when
the animal licks itself, and then are spread through the house
through shedding of the hair.
Mold spores are the reproductive seeds of fungi.
When inhaled, these tiny fungal spores may cause allergic rhinitis.
Because they are so small, mold spores also can reach the lungs.
Molds flourish in moist, dark areas that contain oxygen. The hot
spots in the home for mold growth are in damp basements, closets
and bathrooms.
Pollen plays an integral part in the reproduction
of plants. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most common causes
of allergies. Each spring, summer and fall, tiny pollen grains are
released from trees, weeds and grasses. These grains will quite
often enter the human body through the nose, and if an allergy exists
this can trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis. Because pollen is so
easily distributed through the air there is no easy way to avoid
airborne pollen, unless a person is willing to stay indoors when
the pollen count is high, and even that may not help.
How do I make my home a healthier home?
Making your home a healthier home is not really all that difficult.
First you will need to “inventory” each room of your
house to locate potential problem areas. We have created an area
with Room by Room Tips to get you started!