Indoor Air Quality and Seasonal Allergens

By Jim Gates, CAFS

Seasonal allergens cause misery for millions of allergy sufferers each year in the form of sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and scratchy throats. The quality of the air indoors can have a considerable effect on the seasonal allergy symptoms that appear in those that are susceptible and reducing the amount of seasonal allergens in the indoor air is the most effective way to obtain seasonal allergy relief.

Important Indoor Allergen Reduction Tips
While it is impossible to change the amounts of pollen and allergens outdoors, following a few simple tips can improve the indoor air quality of your home and bring relief to the seasonal allergy sufferer.

Keep Pollen Outdoors

During the times of year when seasonal allergens are high, try to keep the pollen outdoors as much as possible. Here are some suggestions:

• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent the wind from blowing the pollen indoors.
• Use the heating and cooling system to regulate the temperature and control the humidity indoors.
• Use air filters that are capable of removing allergens from the air flowing through the system.
• If possible, remove exterior clothing near the door when returning to the home from a long period outdoors to prevent the spread of pollen throughout the home.

Vacuum Frequently

Your vacuum cleaner can be your best friend during seasonal allergy season as you use it to remove allergens from your home.

• Carpets and rugs should be vacuumed at least once per week.
• Small rugs and blankets that can be washed should be washed weekly in hot water.
• Upholstered furniture and large pillows should be vacuumed to remove allergens that could be released back into the air as you and your familyuse your furniture.

Use a Dust-Trapping Duster

When removing dust from hard surfaces, use a duster that traps the dust in the duster instead of brushing it off of the surface and back into the air.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Feather dusters and foam dusters merely push the dust around instead of removing it, but many damp cloths and wipes actually trap the dust particles so that they can be thrown away.
• Sweeping with a broom can also return dust and dirt to the air, so you may want to try using the vacuum for cleaning your hardwood, tile, or laminate floors.

Fewer Indoor Allergens Can Result in Better Health
Having good air quality in the home is important for anyone that suffers from seasonal allergies or asthma and ensuring that the indoor air is free of allergy triggers like dust and pollen is one of the best things you can do to reduce allergy symptoms and improve overall health.