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.

Poor indoor air quality can trigger allergies

When the weather report issues an air quality warning, some people stay indoors, but there's no guarantee that the air in the home is any healthier than the air outside. Common indoor air pollutants such as dust mite grime, pet dander, mold, tobacco smoke, and airborne allergens and germs may be lurking about without anyone ever noticing.

Adults spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors and inhale approximately 2,300 gallons of air a day. Given that, people face significant, ongoing exposure to a variety of unwelcome indoor air pollutants. Extended exposure to these pollutants can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory problems, headache, fatigue and even allergy symptoms. Asthmatics, the elderly and children are the most vulnerable to indoor air pollutants and can develop more serious symptoms. Prolonged exposure to some pollutants has even been linked to cancer or other serious diseases.

Homeowners do, however, have the power to combat indoor air pollutants and improve their home's air quality.

One common first line of defense is a home air filtration system. These devices filter pollutants from the air circulating throughout the home. 

But an air purifier shouldn't have to do all the work. Homeowners need to do their part by maintaining a clean household. Simple things like asking people to take off their shoes at the front door or preventing family and guests from smoking indoors go a long way toward clearing indoor air, allowing homeowners to breathe a fresh sigh of relief.

Indoor environment

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.

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

Why we should be now worried about increasing Air Pollution and its Hazards

The greater part of us have grown up finding out about the dangers of air pollution and the hard  hitting truths and substances around it. We are, then again, simply revealing the gravity of the circumstance. A late study led by Greenpeace, inside five unmistakable schools crosswise over Delhi, discovered the air quality to be  to a great degree undesirable.

The study asserted that the particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) levels were discovered to be four times as far as possible recommended in India and ten times as endorsed by the World Health Organization. There is nothing truly like opening the door and breathing new, clean, air—however, how clean is the air around us at this moment? Unless you are a researcher with a science lab readily available, there’s no genuine method available for discovering the fact.

THE STUDY ASSERTED THAT THE PARTICULATE MATTER 2.5 (PM2.5) LEVELS WERE DISCOVERED TO BE FOUR TIMES AS FAR AS POSSIBLE RECOMMENDED IN INDIA AND TEN TIMES AS ENDORSED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION.

The polluted air we are sucking up through our nose could be gradually slaughtering us, the World Health Organization indicates. According to them, around two million individuals die prematurely from the impacts of polluted air each and every year.

According to a Wikipedia page, Air pollution in India is very much a genuine issue with the significant sources being fuelwood and biomass smoldering, fuel contaminated, vehicle outflow and traffic congestion. At the time of Autumn and winter months, substantial scale a crop buildup blazing in farming fields – a minimal option to mechanical working is a noteworthy wellspring of smoke, smog, and particulate pollution.

Air pollution related infections cause 3.2 million deaths overall consistently. This has expanded from 800,000, last assessed by GBD in the year 2000 – an astounding 300 per cent increment. Around 74 million healthy life years are lost every year. In South Asia, air pollution has been positioned quite recently underneath blood pressure, tobacco smoking, indoor air pollution, poor intake of fruits and diabetes.

In 2010, particulate air pollution in Asia prompted more than 2.1 million unexpected losses and 52 million years of healthy life lost, which is 66% of the overall trouble. Killer open air adds to 1.2 million deaths in East Asia where monetary development and mechanization are assuming control, and 712,000 deaths in South Asia, which is at the take-off stage. This is much higher than the consolidated toll of 400,000 in EU 27, Eastern Europe, and Russia.

As the level of air pollution is reaching new heights, it is becoming very difficult for people to lead a healthy life, let alone patients with respiratory diseases.

As a major aspect of its dedication to conveying significant advancement in individual wellbeing and prosperity, Philips recently conducted a bloggers and media meet in New Delhi to spread awareness about the danger we all are causing. Up to thirty times more  deadly than outside air pollution, Indoor Air Pollution is disregarded despite the fact that individuals spend around  85% of their time inside.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Ashish Jain, Senior Consultant, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Max  Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi said, “As the level of air pollution is reaching new heights, it is becoming very difficult for people to lead a healthy life, let alone patients with respiratory diseases. The quality of life for the ones with allergies, skin diseases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorders (COPD), Asthma and other respiratory disorders is impacted severely on poor indoor air quality that causes further distress. It is imperative to control air quality indoors to help improve the lives of those suffering. Good indoor air quality can help prevent such hazards from occurring or worsening.”

Perceiving the requirement for compelling measures to battle indoor air pollution and guarantee healthier breathing, Philips Air Purifiers are intended to battle the most well-known, yet just as unsafe, toxins at home. According to the most recent report on global Environment Performance Index (EPI) 2014, India has slipped 32 positions to rank a modest 155, a blatant demonstration of the debasing condition of air health in India. WHO studies uncover a strong connection between poor indoor air quality and Non-Communicable illnesses that cause up to 63% of worldwide mortality. In New Delhi, this level is dependent upon ten times higher than the WHO guidelines.

The Philips Air purifiers come with patented VitaShield IPS technology with multi-level filtration that can remove up to 0.02 microns pollutants keeping the air 99.97% allergen free. 

Commenting on the occasion, Ms. Jayati Singh Chakraborti, Business Head – Air, Philips India said, “We  understand the concerns that arise with an increasing rate of air pollution. As a health and well-being   company, we offer solutions that let you control the air you breathe and ensure your family breathes in   healthier air.

The Philips Air purifiers come with patented VitaShield IPS technology with multi-level filtration that can remove up to 0.02 microns pollutants keeping the air 99.97% allergen free. Philips is urging people to switch to a healthier lifestyle with the Philips Air Purifiers and be a ‘Pure Air Lover’.”

While there is nothing pervasive that one can do to effect the open air pollution, Philips is putting the force of keeping up the health of our friends and family at home, back in the user’s hands with the Philips Air Purifier. The Philips Air Purifiers utilize a four filtration framework to clean the air in a room, for more noteworthy results and has markers that alarm the client about sullied air and channel changes.

Beginning from dividing the substantial particulate matter noticeable all around from dust, animal dander and so on in the initial two channels; the last two filters widely clean the better impurities noticeable all around up to ‘.02 microns’, disposing of unsafe gasses and smells and leaving the room new and free from any allergens for ‘Immaculate Air Lovers’ to experience more secure and healthier indoor air quality.

By Tanmay Patange 

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.