Air Purifier News

Take steps to lessen winter allergies

The traffic in allergy doctor's offices typically slows down during the winter months.

Not this winter. The unseasonably warm weather has allergy sufferers sniffling and sneezing due to mold spores that have overstayed their welcome. Unlike previous years when they have died off by January because of frost and snow, outdoor mold spores may still be found on wet leaves, mulch and gardening soil.

Dr. Richard Green, one of the specialists in the Gateway Towers office of Allergist and Asthma Associates of Pittsburgh, says the warm spell has many patients seeking relief at a time when they usually get a break from their fall and spring allergies.

This unusual situation only compounds the usual wintertime allergies that are triggered by allergens in the home such as mold, pollen and dust mites that lie dormant until they are stirred up when the furnace kicks on.

"Indoor pollution is five times worse than outdoor pollution," says Dr. Martin Murcek, a Greensburg physician who specializes in allergy, immunology and pediatrics. Twenty years ago, he says, the opposite was true.

Murcek says some of the major culprits in the home are scented candles, potpourri and plug-in odorizers, which may generate a fragrant aroma but also produce microscopic soot that clings to the tissue of lungs, causing irritation and infection.

Other known irritants during winter include gases released by the kitchen stove, household cleaners, fireplace soot and secondhand cigarette smoke. Dander from family pets only adds to the problem for chronic allergy sufferers.
Several products are sold commercially that may help families cope with indoor pollution. Murcek says he swears by the two Ionic Breeze ionizing air cleaners he has in his home, which is the best remedy he has found for taking out unwanted pollutants.

The Ionic Breeze Silent Air Purifier is one popular brand of room air cleaner designed to electrically charge airborne particles and trap them on oppositely charged metal plates. The product, manufactured by Sharper Image Corp., retails for about $350; other companies make similar air purifiers.

"It's a good investment, even though I have to clean two metal filters twice a month," Murcek says.

For heating and air conditioning contractors such as Tony Caruso, of Castle Shannon, fall and winter months are a busy time for performing recommended annual maintenance and cleaning checks of home air cleaners and humidifiers.

There are several ways to improve the air quality inside your home, Caruso says. They range from humidifiers that help control air moisture and ventilators that bring fresh air into the house, to electronic and traditional air filters that clean the air before it circulates, and advanced ultraviolet lamps that can eliminate germs and bacteria.

Caruso says he recommends humidifiers for families with babies or seniors who are more susceptible to respiratory problems. Humidifiers operate through the heating system and work only when the furnace is running. Besides health benefits, they also can help save money on utility bills, he says.

"Humid air feels warmer to your skin, which allows you to turn down your thermostat," he says, adding that a typical humidifier installation costs from $270 to $340.

Air cleaners cost more but are effective in removing pollens and dust particles, although Caruso says "it's a misconception that if you use them, you don't have to clean your house." There are many types and sizes of air cleaners, which work with the furnace and air conditioning systems and range in price from $400 to $780, he says.

Both air cleaners and humidifiers are add-ons to a forced air heating system. Caruso says more of his customers today are requesting installation of both units in an effort to curb allergy problems.

There also are several personal measures individuals can take to breathe a little easier in their homes, says Green. Bedrooms are a good place to start.

"You want to make bedrooms as allergy-free as possible," he says, "so you can wake up feeling refreshed." He says the ideal bedroom has hardwood floors rather than carpeting, which tends to trap animal dander and dust mites. In the case of severe allergies to pets, dogs and cats can be wiped down once a week with a damp cloth to remove loose dander. Mattresses and pillows should be protected from mites by synthetic coverings and cases. Stuffed animals on children's beds should be kept at a minimum; avoid live plants in bedrooms.

Green says an easy way to kill mites on stuffed toys is to place them in the clothes dryer heat cycle for 20 minutes.

Even though room humidifiers can help moisten the air during the winter, "you walk a very fine line with humidifiers. You can make things too moist, which promotes mold growth," he says. Humidifiers should be scrubbed regularly. You also can simply leave pans of water around the house, he says. The water evaporates and adds some moisture to the air.

To deal with stuffy noses caused by allergies, over-the-counter saline nasal sprays are helpful in thinning mucus and helping to prevent infections, according to Green.

When simple home remedies and air cleaning systems no longer provide relief, and your schoolwork or work performance and sleep are being disrupted, it's time to see an allergist, he says.

Household tips
According to statistics from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, as many as 40 to 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergies. Allergy diseases affect more than 20 percent of the U.S. population and are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the country.

Allergies can lead to other chronic conditions such as asthma, or perennial allergic rhinitis, therefore they should not be taken lightly. When you learn what provokes your indoor allergies, you can take steps to make them easier to live with.

Making changes to your indoor environment can take some time. Progressive changes will produce an indoor environment that is less allergenic, easier to clean and healthier for the whole family.

Dust mites
House dust is composed of small particles of plant and animal material. While this mix is not appealing to us, microscopic creatures called house dust mites thrive in it. The droppings of these mites are the most common trigger of perennial allergy and asthma symptoms.

Get rid of extra clutter in your home. Clutter is anything that will collect dust, such as piles of stuffed animals, stacks of books, knick-knacks and collectibles. Allow your children to keep a few items in their bedrooms, but pack the rest in a hall closet so they aren't collecting dust.

Dust also settles in carpeting. Hardwood, tile or linoleum is better for people with allergies. Washable throw rugs also may be used if they are regularly washed in hot water or dry cleaned.

Put mattresses, box springs and pillows in special plastic cases that are allergy-proof or "non-allergenic." Studies have shown these to be effective and are available in many nationwide stores.

Wash blankets, sheets and pillowcases in 130 degree water and dry in a hot drier once a week.

Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi -- related to mushrooms -- but without stems, roots or leaves. Their spores float in the air like pollen, and are present throughout the year in many states. Mold also can be found indoors in attics, basements, bathrooms, refrigerators and other food storage areas, garbage containers, carpets and upholstery.

Clean moldy surfaces, such as the corners of showers or under the sink, with a cleaning solution containing 5 percent bleach and a small amount of detergent.

Avoid having carpeting in bathrooms or basements, and remove any moldy carpeting.

Don't try to "air out" indoor allergens from the home, opening the windows can bring outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores into the house. Instead, use air conditioning to clean, recirculate and dehumidify the air in the home.

Cockroaches
Most cockroaches live in warm, tropical climates, but various species dwell in the offices and homes of humans. A protein found in their droppings is a primary trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms.

Vacuum or sweep the floor after meals, and take the garbage and recyclables out frequently. People with allergies should use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter or a double bag, since using a standard or water-filtered vacuum cleaner stirs dust up into the air. Allergic individuals should also wear dust masks.

Keep food in containers with tight lids and wash dishes immediately after use in hot, soapy water.

Clean under stoves, refrigerators or toasters where loose crumbs can accumulate. Wipe off the stove top, and clean other kitchen surfaces and cupboards regularly.

Fix leaks that may leave surfaces wet and allow mold to grow or attract cockroaches.

Block areas where roaches could enter the home, including crevices, wall cracks, windows, woodwork or floor gaps, cellar and outside doors and drains.