NEW AIR PURIFIERS HELP HOMEOWNERS BREATHE EASIER DURING ALLERGY SEASON

With allergy season upon us, ServiceOne employs a team of professionals whose job it is to provide homeowners with the latest products and services designed to optimize indoor air quality. 

ServiceOne founder and president Bill Gouty believes indoor air quality should not be taken for granted; with a world full of pollutants and allergens, clean air takes more than just a well-maintained air conditioning system.  

For residential and commercial areas ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, Service One recommends the new Air Oasis Nano 9" as the ideal in-duct UV air purifier. It is easily mounted inside a standard HVAC system and can improve the indoor air quality for the entire home, effectively purifying the air wherever the HVAC system reaches. The Nano 9" Induct can be installed in less than 15 minutes and requires minimal maintenance. Once installed, the Nano 9" will immediately set to work reducing carbon-based contaminants in the air like mold, bacteria, viruses, and volatile organic compounds that can cause unpleasant odors. 

"The Nano 9" will continuously clean the air in the home until a replacement cell is needed, at which time a blue LED light will advise the owner to make the change," said Gouty. "Cells only need to be replaced about once every two years, making the Nano 9" Induct the best whole-house air cleaner for those who do not wish to spend a lot of time on upkeep."

Central Florida homeowners can enjoy better air quality by turning to Service One for items such as: air purifier systems that trap and kill bacteria, viruses, mold spores, allergens and other pollutants in the conditioned air, and keep them out of the air; humidifiers which are very popular in the winter by helping reduce sore throats, chapped lips, itchy skin and sinus problems; and ventilators which are designed to remove stale air from the home, while keeping valuable energy from escaping.

"Although we may not always think about it, indoor air quality may bring more pollution and irritants than outdoor air. It can present itself in the form of headaches or chronic allergies, impacting your quality of life," said Gouty. "ServiceOne will test for harmful chemicals and install air filters to ensure you’re breathing clean air in your home. We also offer UV lighting to help rid your home of harmful bacteria."

ABOUT SERVICE ONE: Founded in 2003 in Longwood, Florida, Service One is a locally owned and operated air conditioning, heating, and plumbing company. Service one repairs, services and maintains all makes and models of air conditioning, heating, and plumbing equipment and fixtures. The company serves residential and business customers in Orange, Seminole, Southwest Volusia, North Osceola and portions of Lake Counties. The company recently opened a new location in Orlando at 4556 36th Street, just south of downtown. This new office will service customers from downtown Orlando, south to Kissimmee.

Allergy Survival Guide: 10 Tips From A Top Doctor

CBSNEWS - There have been plenty of alarming reports this spring about the "pollen tsunami" sweeping America, and millions of people are suffering through one of the worst allergy seasons in memory.

"It's really bad," Dr. Neeta Ogden, an allergy specialist and spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, told CBS News. "There are people with new symptoms for the first time."

Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications can help with the symptoms, but for many people they're just not enough. "I think that because it's such a bad pollen season, I'm seeing a lot of people who are maxed out on the meds," Ogden said.

She offered some practical advice to reduce the sniffling, sneezing and wheezing that can make springtime so miserable.

Get out of those clothes

The first thing to do when you get home? Take off the clothes you've worn outside all day. Otherwise, Ogden warns, you'll be tracking pollen around the house and prolonging your exposure.

Shower

Ogden recommends taking a shower and washing your hair as soon as you get home. You definitely don't want to go to bed covered in pollen. "If you put your head on your pillow and sleep all night, that's what's going to trigger a reaction," she said.

Wipes or saline wash

A shower alone may not be enough. Ogden also recommends using a saline wash to rinse the eyes and nose before bed. "Some of my patients use eyelid wipes, like baby wipes," she says. "The whole idea is to reduce pollen exposure."

HEPA Air Purifier

An air purifier can help reduce allergens in your home. "I tell people to invest in an air purifier. A small one can be good, but they have to be HEPA," Ogden said. HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance filters, remove 99 percent of airborne particles such as pollen and other irritants. "Maybe even get one for your desk at work," Ogden suggests.

Stay hydrated

Be sure you're drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated during allergy season. "Studies have shown that when you're dehydrated your body produces higher histamine levels and that drives allergies," Ogden said. "When you get dehydrated you could run risk of making your symptoms worse." And it can be a vicious cycle, because the decongestants many people take for allergies can dry you out.

Drinking plenty of water is essential, but Ogden says you need to replenish electrolytes, too. She suggests keeping packets of a hydration powder like DripDrop handy to add to your water for an extra boost of electrolytes.

Vitamins & supplements

There's growing evidence that vitamins and minerals can have an impact on allergies. Ogden says vitamin D and Omega 3, found in fish oil, may help.

"A number of studies have shown that when they're incorporated into the diet, there's a decrease in allergy and asthma symptoms," she said. "I have had patients say, 'Oh, I went back on my vitamin D and my allergies improved.'"

Hose down the dog

Man's best friend can be your worst enemy when it comes to allergies. Dogs can track pollen all over the house.

"Dogs, especially with lots of fur, long hair, are going to need to be hosed off or bathed" whenever they've been playing outside, Ogden said. Wear a mask and gloves while bathing the dog, or better yet, "if there's someone at home who doesn't have allergies -- make them do it."

Dress for protection

You can help shield yourself from pollen exposure by wearing a hat and sunglasses outdoors. Ogden recommends "big sunglasses -- it's just about protecting your face -- and a hat to keep pollen out of your hair and off your face."

Use Vaseline to “trap” pollen

Ogden suggests applying a thin coat of Aquaphor or Vaseline around the rim of your nostrils as a way to "trap" pollen and keep it from entering the mucous membranes of the nose, where it can cause irritation.

Plan your activities 

Dawn and dusk tend to be the worst times of day for allergies, so try to plan your outdoor activities around them. Check pollen counts online before you go out, and take extra precautions or minimize your time outside when conditions are especially bad.

How To Protect Kids From Pet Allergies

Written by: Archana Mukherji 

Pets are always fun to be with. They make great companions. Once they get accustomed to your family members, they become a huge part of the family themselves. They love and care for you equally, like a family member would do. But one thing that is concerning for most parents who have little kids is that they might be prone to some kind of pet allergies. But what is the reason for such allergies? It is all our carelessness and lack of attention towards our pets and kids. 

Ways To Prevent Pet Allergies At Home 
If you know the ways to protect kids from allergies, you will never have to forsake your pets. There are many people who take a drastic decision to immediately get rid of their pets when they find that their child is allergic to pets. This is a very sad happening because it is just like abandoning a family member because you think he/she is not fit enough to be with you. When you plan to have a pet, you should also know how to protect kids from allergies. 

Simple Pet Care Tips For An Injured Dog 
Unless you find that your kid is suffering from asthma or severe respiratory problems, throwing away your pet for simple allergies makes no sense. There are many effective solutions and ways to protect kids from allergies. One important point to be noted is that pet allergies are not caused due to the shedding of their hair, whereas, it is the dander or the dead cells that shed from the pet’s body. Keeping an eye on this and following the tips below on how to protect kids from allergies will definitely help keep your family and your pet healthy and happy. 

Air Purifiers 
Air Purifiers are found to be highly effective ways to protect kids from allergies. Choose an air purifier that can remove airborne pet dander. This will help you keep your kids’ allergen free. Depending on the size of your house, you might need an additional air purifier.

Regular Brushing 
Make sure you keep your pet very clean by bathing and brushing them as often as you can. Bathing your pet atleast weekly once is necessary. Regular grooming will help to minimize or even diminish the amount of dander your pet carries and your kids will be safe from pet allergies.

Keep Pets Outside Your Bedroom 
Make sure you keep your pets away from your nursing and bed rooms. This will keep your beds, carpets, curtains and clothing free from pet dander and help you have an allergen free sleeping environment.

Daily Damp Dusting & Vacuuming 
Another easy and effective way to prevent pet allergies is to vacuum clean and damp dust your home every-day. Pets have the tendency to shed dander on the carpets and furniture or wherever they wander. If this keeps accumulating, then your child may be prone to some kind of per allergy. Vacuum cleaning and damp dusting on a daily basis helps to remove the loose dander and also prevents it from accumulating. 

Regular Hand Washing 
One of the best ways to protect kids from allergies is regular washing of their hands. Every time you touch or play with your pet, wash your hands immediately when done, this will keep you away from any pet allergies. 

Apart from these tips, make sure your house has proper ventilation system.

How to Choose an Air Purifier for Allergies

But I am happy to report that most of the time the air purifier can’t be heard.The only time I have noticed a sound is periodically when the fan speed kicks up automatically, but it is not loud enough to disturb. Kids need them too. Some are ideal for nurseries.

Who should consider the Allergy Machine? The happiest air on Earth! For outside allergens prescription medication may be needed. Drive an economical and or hybrid vehicle. For allergic and asthmatic people, who are grateful for every single moment of normal breathing, the condition of the air is critical. There are over the counter drugs and prescription drugs that help with the symptoms associated with these types of allergens. Some of these are found in perfumes, soap, shampoos, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, among others. Some will kill mold and other “living” allergens. Throw away all used cartridges, cassettes or filters. A HEPA purifier such as the IQAir HealthPro 250, however, will help you rid the air in your home of pollen allergens of any size.

For asthma sufferers it really is the second best valued device you can get to prevent symptoms and attacks.

Animal allergens (also known as pet dander). Outside flares might include gardening, grass, insects, pollen, ragweed, and stinging insects. There are dozens of different air purifiers on the market claiming to be best for allergy and asthma control. These products include laundry detergents and usually contain no dyes, or fragrances. You can also wash such beddings regularly in very hot water (130 ºF up) once a week, and dry them in a hot dryer. What everyone agrees about is that oxygen as a by-product is the safest way to go.In fact, HEPA technology is the type used by hospitals to insure clean air.

She told me that she has been using her air purifier 7 days a week whenever she is home and it has so far still not showing any sign of exhaustion. A healthy humidity level is between 35 and 45 percent. For that you will want to add UV and Tio2. Asthma is the disease caused by airway obstruction.

Benefits of Air Purifiers The tight seals of our energy efficient homes trap indoor particulates, creating indoor air pollution. A sensation of struggling for breath can be very frightening.As a child’s fear grows, it can be harder to get the youngster to calm down and relax, exacerbating an already testing situation. There is no way to control outside air quality. For the best, consistent allergy, respiratory or asthma relief in your home or room, an air cleaner must be able to quickly and consistently stop over 99% of the dust, dust mites, pet dander, odors, and chemical residues before they can get to your nose. Many purifiers will utilize more than one filter. Besides, the antimicrobial treated filter traps particles and minerals. How is it different from a regular HEPA filter?

Additionally, the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) has a downloadable event planning kit full of great ideas, educational material and resources.

Use an air conditioner.

The next step is to use a quality portable air cleaner, with a medical grade HEPA filter and a substantial carbon filter.

Best Asthma Air Purifiers for Asthma Relief. For babies or infants, dealing with asthma and allergies can be particularly troublesome.

Purifies rooms up to 500 sq. ft. If the humidifier has a filter, change it at least as often as the manufacturer recommends – and more often if it’s dirty.

Mark: It depends on what kind of allergies you have. If the device is unduly loud, this model may not be a good choice. “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about”. I can see how much she pride herself for having this particular air purifier model.

Generally speaking, the finer the filter, the more expensive it is to replace, the more power will be required to pull the air through it, and the higher the electricity bill.

Mark: HEPA, to gather dust, and a Pre-filter to capture hair and dust before the HEPA filter to help it last longer.

After a prolonged period of time, filter efficiency drops dramatically.

Tips for allergy sufferers

SAN ANTONIO - Spring can be a rough time for allergy sufferers.

Taking medication helps, but a game-plan of avoidance measures can also be put together to alleviate symptoms on even the highest pollen-count days.

"The avoidance measure of relevance, with respect to the pollen season, is air conditioning," said the Cleveland Clinic's Dr. David Lang. "With the air conditioning on and the windows closed, you cut down on the pollen count indoors by 90 percent or more."

Lang said the air conditioning rule applies to your home, car, and office.

Neti pots or saline sprays may also provide some temporary relief. Rinsing the nasal cavity could flush out pollen and other allergens.

Another thing you can try is to change your clothes each time you come inside. He said microscopic pollen particles can latch onto fabrics and your skin, so changing and taking a shower can help.

Lang says if nothing else, keep your windows closed -- especially in the morning.

"There are certain plants that release pollen early in the morning," he said. "If you've got the screen open, the window open, and air is coming in through the screen, you're starting your day with a pretty high dose, in terms of exposures to pollens, that's going to drive your symptoms."

Lang said you can also try a portable air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air -- or HEPA -- filter that may trap some of the particles that make it inside your home.

By Adam Caskey

Consumer Reports tested Whirlpool AP51030K Air Purifier as the BEST BUY Air Purifier

Overall score for the Whirlpool AP51030K is mainly how well the model removed dust and smoke from a test chamber, plus quietness for room purifiers and airflow resistance for whole-house units. 
Dust/pollen/smoke removal: How well models cleared air of fine clay dust and cigarette smoke; performance of portables is at their highest and lowest speeds. Ones that scored well for dust removal should perform comparably for pollen. 
Noise: Based on instrument measurements with a portable model running at its highest and lowest speeds.

Summary: This portable air purifier from Whirlpool is primarily filter-based and has a filter indicator, a programmable timer, and 4 speeds. It's designed for floor or tabletop use in a large room.

Air purifier buying guide

Getting started

Before you buy an air purifier, try some simple, common-sense steps to reduce indoor air pollution. Begin by vacuuming often, banning smoking indoors, minimizing use of candles and wood fires, and using exhaust fans in kitchen, bath, and laundry areas. Test your home for radon gas, which can cause lung cancer (test kits cost about $15). Don't store chemicals, solvents, glues, or pesticides in your house. Minimize the risk of deadly carbon monoxide gas by properly maintaining and venting heating equipment, wood stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and vents--and by installing carbon-monoxide alarms on all levels of your home. And don't idle your car, run fuel-burning power equipment, or light a barbecue grill in your garage, basement, or in confined spaces near your home.

The better air purifiers do especially well at filtering pollutant particles such as dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other types of gaseous pollutants, however, are another matter. Some portable models with carbon pre-filters are claimed to filter VOCs, known respiratory irritants that arise from adhesives, paints, and cleaning products. But the Environmental Protection Agency warns that such filters are specific to certain gaseous pollutants, not for others, and that no air purifiers are expected to remove all gaseous pollutants found in the typical home. Carbon filters also must be replaced often, typically every 3-6 months, or they stop working--and can even, when full, release trapped pollutants back into the air. The safer course: Heed strict product-label warnings such as "use only in well-ventilated spaces."

Air-purifier models with an electrostatic precipitator remove pollutant particles by charging them as they pass through and collecting them on an oppositely charged metal plate or filter. In the process, they produce some ozone as a byproduct. You'll also find dedicated ozone generators, which produce relatively large amounts of this gas by design. While ozone in the upper atmosphere protects us from the sun's ultraviolet rays, ground-level ozone is an irritant that can worsen asthma and compromise your ability to fight respiratory infections. We believe that air purifiers that emit even small amounts of ozone are a poor choice if someone in your household has pulmonary problems or allergy symptoms. We also suggest that you avoid dedicated ozone generators entirely, given their high ozone emissions.

The very best portable models we tested were effective at cleaning the air of dust, smoke, and pollen at their highest or lowest speed. For whole-house purifiers, our recommended models did best at filtering dust and pollen without impeding the airflow of forced-air heating and cooling systems. The worst models weren't terribly effective at any speed.

How to choose

If you want a purifier and don't have a forced-air system, consider a large portable. In addition to removing more particles at high speeds, the better large models still did well at lower, quieter speeds.

Weigh features carefully. Most air purifiers have an indicator that tells you when first to clean or replace the filter to maintain efficiency. But some indicators turn on based on length of time the unit has been running, not how dirty the filter is. Skip odor-removal features. In past tests it took up to an hour for them to make a difference--when they did anything at all.

And the certifications on the box? All tell how well a model filters particles at its highest speed. The certifications all also allow up to 50 parts per billion of ozone, a respiratory irritant. We advise against using models that produce any ozone, even if they are effective cleaners.

Check an air purifier's efficiency rating

If you still want one, use this air-purifier guide to choose. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers certifies most room models as part of a voluntary program that includes appropriate room size and maximum clean-air delivery rate (CADR), a measure of cleaning speed. We judge a CADR above 350 to be excellent and below 100 to be poor. Choose a model designed for an area larger than yours for better cleaning at a lower, quieter speed. Many whole-house filters list a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The top performers in our tests typically had a MERV higher than 10.

Types

There are two basic types of air purifiers. Room models, which are most heavily promoted, can be moved from room to room. Whole-house models are built into the ductwork of a forced-air heating or cooling system and, as their name implies, filter the air in the entire house.

Room air purifiers

These are the only option for a home that doesn't have forced-air heating or cooling. Room air purifiers cost much less than whole-house models. Most room air purifiers weigh from 10 to 20 pounds, have a handle, and stand on the floor or on a table, while heavier models might have wheels. Some room models use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can capture ultrafine particles. Most HEPA filters need to be replaced annually, an expense that might approach the cost of the air cleaner (A few air cleaners are now available with cleanable HEPA filters.) Room models that use either electrostatic-precipitator or ionizer technology produce some ozone, a lung irritant. And they might soil the walls by depositing some pollutant particles on them.

Dedicated ozone generators

These are a subcategory of room models. Unlike electrostatic precipitators, which tend to emit small amounts of ozone as a byproduct, these niche products produce large amounts of ozone by design. According to manufacturers, that is to reduce allergens such as dust, smoke, pollen, germs, and mold. Ozone, however, is a serious health concern, prompting the State of California to ban the sale of ozone generators (and other air purifiers that emit more than 50 parts per billion of ozone) from the general market.

Whole-house air purifiers

This type is a reasonable choice if your home has forced-air heating. But built-ins can be expensive to buy, and they must be installed professionally in the ductwork of your heating system and most need to be wired into your home's electrical system. Most of the built-in air cleaners we tested did an excellent job of removing dust and smoke particles from the air. Some use a high-efficiency filter. Those that use an electrostatic precipitator produce some ozone, and they might soil the walls by depositing pollutant particles on them.

Whole-house air filters

Whole-house air filters These inexpensive alternatives to a whole-house built-in unit replace the existing furnace filter in your forced-air heating or cooling system. You simply slip out the old filter and slide in the replacement. But those we tested worked much less effectively than the built-in whole-house models, especially in clearing smoke. Some are conventional fiberglass filters; others 

Features

Fan   |   Servicing indicator   |   Dust sensor and air-quality monitor 

Whole-house air filters generally include a range of standard sizes, with some that adapt to fit different-size filter-box or return-air openings. Room air cleaners usually use a fan to pull air into the unit for filtration. But don't expect a wide array of bells and whistles. Here are the air purifier features to consider.

Fan

Most room air cleaners use a fan to suck in air. Those without a fan run more quietly, but those we've tested worked poorly.

Servicing indicator

A clogged air cleaner works inefficiently. You should remove and wash an electronic precipitator's collector-plate assembly every month or so. (You can do it in the sink or tub or put it in a dishwasher.) In most room and whole-house models that use an electrostatic precipitator, and in whole-house models that use a HEPA filter with ionizing circuitry, an indicator light lets you know when it's time to replace or clean the filter.

Dust sensor and air-quality monitor

In some room models, these raise or lower the fan speed automatically. But we were unimpressed with those we tested. They didn't kick in until pollutant levels were high, and then they shut off before the levels dropped sufficiently.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/air-purifiers/room-air-purifier-ratings/models/overview/whirlpool-whispure-ap51030k-99029938.htm

Indoor environment improve for Asthma

Many things that can potentially trigger asthma symptoms can be found in your home, including carpets, certain furnishings and cleaning products. You may also come across triggers in other people’s houses or in your workplace. But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of any indoor allergens leading to an asthma attack.

What’s the best way to reduce the risk of triggers in the home affecting you?

Whatever’s triggering your asthma, the reality is that it’s impossible to get rid of all allergens in your home. And if you only get rid of some, it might not make any difference to your asthma. The evidence is clear that when it comes to coping with asthma triggers – including indoor ones - the best thing you can do is stay on top of your asthma. If you manage your asthma well, your body is in a better position to cope when you come into contact with any asthma triggers.

The best ways to manage your asthma are:

• Take your preventer medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed. It is specially designed to work in the background every day to help reduce your body’s reaction to triggers you meet in your daily life.
• Use your written asthma action plan [link] to help you identify when your asthma needs extra help and what to discuss with your doctor or asthma nurse.
• Get your asthma reviewed regularly, so you and your GP or asthma nurse can make sure the medicines you’re taking are doing the best possible job for you

Some common triggers in the home

House dust mites, animals, mould and cigarette smoke are all common asthma triggers in the home – you can read about them by clicking on the links. But there are other things found indoors that can also potentially trigger your asthma in different ways. Speak to your GP or asthma nurse about what you can realistically do to reduce your risk of an asthma attack. You can also call the Asthma UK Helpline on 0800 121 62 44 and talk to an asthma nurse specialist, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Central heating

Some people find that their asthma gets worse when the heating is turned on in the autumn and better when it goes off in the spring. This could be because once the heating is turned on, dust mites multiply very quickly and for some people these are an asthma trigger.

However, "Research actually suggests that asthma symptoms are harder to control for people who don’t have central heating at home", says Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Policy at Asthma UK. “One reason for this is that central heating gives out a dry heat, and asthma is worse in homes that are damp.”

Central heating also helps keep a good background level of warmth. This works well for people with asthma who need to avoid sudden changes in temperature (such as going from a heated room into a cold hall) and makes it a better choice of heating than a gas or electric fire just warming one room.

Open fires

Open fires, or wood-burning stoves, can make asthma symptoms worse for some people. Burning wood gives off fine particles and breathing them in can make the airways inflamed. If you have a wood or coal fire make sure any flues are in good condition and working well, and the chimney is swept regularly, so that the smoke can escape.

Whatever kind of heating you’re using - be aware of any new asthma symptoms when you first start using it as the weather changes. You might want to book an asthma review with your GP or asthma nurse if you know there is going to be a weather change so you can be prepared. Ask your GP or asthma nurse about increasing your medicines for a time, or keeping your home well ventilated, by opening windows. Good ventilation can cut the risk of your asthma being triggered by smoke. It can also reduce the humidity that can result in dust mite levels increasing when the heating goes on.

Carpets

A chemical called formaldehyde is sometimes used in the manufacture of some carpets. This chemical is a type of volatile organic compound (VOC), which means it becomes a gas at room temperature. It can irritate the airways and in some people may trigger asthma symptoms. New carpets may release formaldehyde gas, although old ones don’t. You can reduce your exposure by:

• Asking the shop to unroll a new carpet and air it before you bring it home.
• Keeping the room well aired when it is put down. The amount of formaldehyde gas given off will reduce within two or three days.
• Considering finding carpets made without using formaldehyde as part of the manufacturing process – they do exist.
• Avoiding carpets with a natural latex foam underlay if you’re allergic to latex. Most modern carpets are made with synthetic latex, which shouldn’t cause any problems.

When you’re moving house it’s a good idea to check with previous owners if they had a pet. If pets trigger your asthma you might want to get the carpets in your new home professionally cleaned before moving in.

Furnishings


New furniture, bedding, flooring and shelving can trigger asthma symptoms in some people, research has shown. This is because these products can contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classed as a volatile organic compound (VOC), which means it becomes a gas at room temperature. This gas can irritate the airways. Some people also tell us the smell of new sofas and soft furnishings triggers their asthma.

• Formaldehyde is most often found in furniture made from MDF or chipboard, so if you think this is a problem for you, you could investigate alternative materials such as wood. 
• You could buy second-hand furniture instead – after a few years, products stop giving off formaldehyde. 
• Synthetic bedding can also contain formaldehyde. Washing bedding before you use it can help remove chemicals. Or you could look for alternatives such as feather bedding, as research shows this is less likely to trigger asthma attacks.
• Try airing any new furniture before bringing it into the house, and keep windows open until the smell settles down.

Cleaning

A lot of the cleaning products we use every day contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some research shows VOCs can irritate the airways and trigger asthma. They are found in furniture polish, air fresheners, carpet cleaners, oven cleaners and in the chemicals used in dry cleaning. Sprays can be more likely to trigger asthma than solid or liquid cleaning products, because you end up inhaling the chemicals. Some people also tell us the smell of cleaning products and air fresheners can trigger their asthma. Professional cleaners and others who use a lot of cleaning products all the time are at more risk of developing asthma.

These steps may help:

• Avoid spray cleaners
. It’s better to use solid or liquid cleaning stuffs, rather than sprays, as sprays get into the air and can be inhaled more easily and get further down into the airways, causing irritation. If you can, use as little of the product as possible, and open windows when you’re cleaning for good ventilation. Even using spray cleaning products now and again can trigger asthma.
• Avoid scented products
. If you think the smell of cleaning products triggers asthma symptoms, go for unscented products. 
• Consider other cleaning methods. 
The best way to avoid exposure to the chemicals found in cleaning products is to avoid using them. Use a damp cloth for cleaning instead whenever possible and look for products which are labelled allergy friendly, as these have lower levels of VOCs and are usually fragrance-free. 

Decorating

The products used in decorating and DIY contain certain VOCs, which research shows can irritate the airways. And some people tell us the smells from paints and other decorating products can trigger their asthma. Try these steps:

• Look for paints low in VOCs
. There are now lots available at big DIY stores and paints are clearly labelled with their VOC levels. Low-odour, water-based gloss paints might also be slightly better for some people with asthma. 
• Always keep windows open when you’re decorating.

Building work and repairs

There’s a link between poor housing and asthma so it’s important to make sure problems like damp, mould and poor ventilation are sorted out as soon as possible. If you have work done in your home, make sure you’re not putting your asthma at greater risk.

• Be aware the the chemicals used when treating a house for woodworm or damp and dry rot may irritate the airways and trigger an asthma attack. Keeping windows open may help. Or, if you find your symptoms are getting worse, you could stay somewhere else while the work is being done. 
• Cavity wall insulation keeps a home warm and free from damp but before having it put in make sure you check the materials are going to be used. Some insulation materials give off gases which can trigger asthma. For example, foam insulation can release formaldehyde, which can irritate your lungs. 
• If you’ve got any building work planned in your home there’s likely to be more dust and fumes about. Ask your GP or asthma nurse if you should take more asthma medicines while the work is going on. If you can stay with friends or family while the work is being carried out that would help your asthma even more.

Other steps that may help

People with asthma have told us they’ve tried these tips for helping to reduce their risk of having an asthma attack due to triggers in the home:

Air filters and purifiers

Air filters and purifiers clean the air and can reduce the number of asthma triggers such as pet dander (flakes of skin), mould spores, dust and tobacco smoke particles. Some people tell us having an air filter or air purifier helps them with their asthma symptoms. However more research is needed to prove this. Most studies suggest that they do improve symptoms, but only if used alongside other methods. They can’t remove all allergens and even a few left behind can trigger asthma symptoms.

If you’re thinking of using an air filter or purifier you need to:

1. Check what type of allergens it captures
2. Check that the air purifier is ozone-free. Some purifiers give out low levels of ozone which can make asthma symptoms worse
3. Clean and replace all filters when necessary

Humidifiers and de-humidifiers

Some people with asthma tell us that humidifiers and dehumidifiers help with their asthma symptoms, but once again only if used alongside other methods. There isn’t much research evidence about how effective they are.

Good ventilation

Keeping your home well ventilated by opening windows or using extractor fans reduces humidity. Less humidity means fewer house dust mites and mould spores. Good ventilation also helps get rid of gases produced by heating and cooking.

Opening a window is better than using a fan, or extractor fan. Fans or extractor fans need to put in the right place so they don’t just blow allergens around the room.