This is the first post in a series about fighting allergens in your home. I’m looking forward to exploring “how-to’s” and running some fantastic giveaways in the coming month.
We can’t control the weather and outdoor triggers for allergies and asthma, we can take steps to reduce the number of these allergens in our home. Dust mites, pollen, and pet dander are the most common culprits and there are many simple changes we can make to effect the air quality in our home.
How common are allergies and asthma? According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology,
- A nationwide survey found that more than half (54.6%) of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens.
- In a recent survey, over 50% of homes had at least six detectable allergens present.
- Allergic diseases affect as many as 40 to 50 million Americans.
This series is starting with one of the simplest ways to protect your family from allergens. Cleaning!
From the Lysol.com Allergy Center:
- Reduce household surface dust overall. Household dust contains all kinds of tiny particles – but much is made up of human skin cells. Dust also contains the droppings and dead bodies of dust mites. Use a damp or oiled mop or rag to prevent dust from becoming airborne and resettling. Reduce dust mites on surfaces with disinfecting wipes.
- Remove clutter. This, in turn, reduces places for dust to collect.
- Monitor your home’s humidity. A simple, inexpensive “hygrometer” available at hardware and home stores can help. Home humidity should be between 40 and 50%.
- Use air conditioning. If you use an indoor/window unit, check for good drainage to avoid water collecting in our around it.
- Vacuum regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to help decrease house-dust emissions from the cleaner.
To learn more, join head Lysol® Microbiologist Joe Rubino and nationally-renowned Pediatrician Dr. Laura Jana on an interactive tour of a real home as they show you some of the most important places where you can take action to reduce allergens in your home.  YouTube videos on how to reduce allergens in your home.
Enter here to win a giveaway prize package valued at $50:
(1) LYSOL® Disinfecting Wipes
(1) LYSOL® Disinfecting Wipes: Dual Action
(2) Allergy Defense Pillow Protector
(1) Dust Pan and Brush
Main entry
1. Go to the Lysol.com Allergy Center and comment here with an interesting fact you read.
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Leave one comment for each entry. Contest ends June 7th at midnight EST. The winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by email to the email address provided in the winning comment. The winner must respond within 48 hours of the notification email, or another winner will be chosen. See my Giveaway Rules page for further information. Sorry, this giveaway is open to residents of the US only.
Disclosure: All opinions are my own, statistics are from quoted sources. I have a material connection because I received a cash payment, gift or item of nominal value from a company affiliated with a brand, topic and/or product that is mentioned herein.
I read:
Reducing Surface Allergens
Floors and furniture are prime “landing spots” for allergens that travel through the air, including allergens from dust mite debris, pollen and pet dander. The following general guidelines can reduce these allergens.
Vacuum carpets and soft furnishings to pick up dust, dust mites, and other debris. This includes all upholstered furniture, draperies, and other fabric items that can’t be removed, washed and replaced.
Look for vacuum cleaner bags that filter allergens, such as a high-filtration multi-layer bag.
Be aware that allergenic dust mite and mold particles get “stirred up” and become airborne during vacuuming. Allergy sufferers should avoid the vacuumed area for 15 minutes after the chore is finished.
Use cleaning wipes on hard, non-porous surfaces to remove allergens and dust.
Damp-dust hard surface furniture to minimize dust and dirt. This helps to prevent dust mite allergens and other allergens from becoming “airborne.”
Remove surface clutter to make cleaning easier. Place hard-to-clean items in closets, drawers, or display cabinets with glass doors.
Always remember to wash your hands after cleaning.
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I learned that you should control indoor air by Keeping the temperatures of between 68 and 72 °F
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learned: During an asthma attack, or “flare,” inflamed airways become narrowed — making it harder to breathe
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I read that books should be kept in a bookcase with doors to help reduce allergens.
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I learned that Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is characterized by asthma attacks.
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I learned an allergic person’s immune system mistakenly thinks the allergen is harmful, so it reacts and causes “allergy” symptoms.
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it suggested keeping stuffed animals out of children’s beds…my son sleeps with a lot of stuffed animals and I never considered that it may contribute to his allergies!
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I learned that HEPA filters help remove airborne allergens from the air via vaccuuming.
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I learned that you can reduce allergies by:
Control your indoor air:
Keep the temperatures of between 68 and 72 °F
Aim for low humidity (between 40 and 50%)
Don’t use a humidifier unless your child has croup (a swelling around vocal cords that is common among children). Moisture from humidifiers can increase dust mites and mold.
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Seasonal allergies also can trigger allergic asthma.
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I learned that Eye Allergy (Allergic conjunctivitis)This condition occurs when eyes are exposed to an allergen – usually pollen. With conjunctivitis, the membrane (whites) of the eye and the inside of the eyelid become irritated and inflamed. Eye allergy can happen alone or in conjunction with hay fever (seasonal rhinitis).
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Lysol has a great school program that helps create healthier environments for children.
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i learned you should keep indoor temp at 68 to 72-who can afford that
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Consider a HEPA filter. HEPA filters can remove pollen, mold spores, and pet dander from the air.
I learned that allergens are often referred to as “triggers” for allergy and asthma, because they “set off” allergic reactions. (chucosbabygirl(at)yahoo(dot)com)
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I used the Lysol Allergen tracker and found the allergen level in my area is medium right now.
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I see that on their allergen tracker that our allergen level in my area today is a 4 (low-medium). And that our top 3 allergens are ragweed, grass & privet!
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-Interesting fact: To prevent allergies, stay indoors in the morning – especially on sunny, windy days. The pollen count is usually lower on cold, wet days. Change your clothes when you come in from outside (and not in the bedroom, to avoid spreading pollen).
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I learned that you should place a child’s bed away from air vents to reduce allergens. Makes sense.
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I learned using a humidifier can increase dust mites and mold
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Keep the temperatures of between 68 and 72 °F to reduce allergens
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LYSOL expertise extends beyond germs and includes understanding allergens at home. Learn how to control indoor allergens with information on common airborne/surface allergens and allergies.
That is what I learned I love that lysol kills 99.99% of germs it is so important with a 13 month old baby
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