AIRBORNE ALLERGIES

Dust and Dust Mites

It’s no secret that dust and dust mites are a common problem for allergy sufferers, causing all sorts of unpleasant respiratory symptoms. But did you know that even the act of cleaning can make things worse? When you vacuum, sweep or dust, you’re actually kicking up even more dust particles into the air, which can exacerbate any existing allergies or sensitivities.

In addition to being found in dust, dust mites also tend to take up residence in a variety of common household items like carpets, pillows, bedding, drapes, and furniture. This means that every time you walk on a carpet or even adjust a blanket, you’re likely sending these tiny critters flying into the air, where they can then land on other surfaces and cause even more irritation. To make matters worse, dust mite reactions are often triggered by proteins found in their excrement, which can make the symptoms even more unpleasant.

Mold

Did you know that mold is one of the most prevalent allergens out there? It’s true! Mold is a type of fungus, and there are actually tens of thousands – if not hundreds of thousands – of different species of fungi out there.

Interestingly, mold thrives in warm and humid environments, whether they be indoors or outdoors. In fact, mold spores are all around us, just waiting for the right conditions to start growing. If there’s enough humidity in the air, you can bet that mold will start to take root.

And it’s not just humidity that mold loves – it also grows in areas with lots of moisture, like around leaky pipes or in places that have experienced flooding. If you’re not careful, even everyday activities like cooking, showering, doing laundry, or even just not properly ventilating your home can all contribute to creating a humid environment where mold can thrive.

Commonly found areas with Mold:

• Paper products
• Cardboard
• Ceiling tiles
• Wood products
• Dust
• Paints
• Wallpaper
• Insulation
• Drywall
• Carpet
• Fabric
• Upholstery
• Leaks (roofs, windows, pipes)

Main symptoms associated with dust, dust mites, and mold

• Chronic nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, asthma, coug
• Red, itchy, watery eyes
• Skin conditions such as eczema or hives
• Headache
• Recurring sinus infections

Dust, dust mites and mold affect people all year round regardless of the season.

Did you know

• Dust mites are an arachnid, meaning their cousins include spiders, crabs and shrimps
• A square meter of non-wool bedding or carpet can harbor up to 100,000 dust mites, not to mention millions of excrement droppings.
• About 50% of homes contain mold problems.
• The weight of the average pillow can increase by a staggering 10% after only 6 months of use because of dust mites and their excrement.
• The average duvet, pillow and mattress topper/protector can be completely colonized with dust mites in just six weeks.
• There are over 10,000 species of mold.
• Mold is more common in households today than it was 50 years ago.
• Christmas tree allergies are caused by mold put into the air by the tree.

Perfume, Fragrance

Fragrances are used in a wide variety of products and are defined as a combination of chemicals that add a scent.  Fragrance ingredients can be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials.  Not only have the number of fragranced products increased, but the fragrances themselves have gone from simple to complex. There are thousands of chemical components found in fragrance, and any of them can cause an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, it is becoming more common for people to develop sensitivities to fragrances, with more and more people reacting to them every year.

Main symptoms for perfumes and fragrances

• Chronic nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, coughing
• Red, itchy, watery eyes
• Skin conditions such as eczema, urticaria, and contact dermatitis
• Headache or dizziness

Products containing perfumes and fragrances

• Perfume
• Cologne
• Synthetic fragrance
• Essential oils
• Body wash
• Candles
• Laundry Detergent
• Sunscreens
• Shampoo
• Body Soap
• Deodorant
• Sanitary products
• Face cream
• Cosmetics
• Lotions
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Air freshener
• Tissue paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Cleaning detergent

Pollen

Visit our Seasonal Allergies Page (click here)