INDOOR ALLERGIES: INDOOR ALLERGIES FACT SHEET

While spring, summer and fall are peak allergy seasons for individuals who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), many allergy sufferers are plagued year-round by allergies to indoor substances such as dust mites, mold, animal dander and mildew. Although there is no cure for many allergies, there are a number of tactics that can prevent or control the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis.

· Clean home on a regular basis. If possible, allergy sufferers should leave the house during cleaning and not return until airborne dust has a chance to settle. If an allergic person must do house cleaning, a dust mask should be worn.

· Use leather or vinyl furniture, which is less likely to harbor allergy-causing substances than upholstered furniture.

· Limit use of carpeting, which is a haven for dust mites. Hardwood floors, seamless vinyl or linoleum floor coverings that can be cleaned easily and thoroughly are the best alternatives.

· Remove dust-collecting items such as books, knickknacks, dried-flower arrangements and straw baskets.

· Use air conditioning to keep humidity low. This slows down dust mite growth during warm weather months.

· Clean or change air conditioner and furnace filters often. Use a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air cleaner in the heating system.

· Cover mattresses and box springs with allergen impermeable plastic casings that can be removed and cleaned frequently.

· Avoid bedding stuffed with feathers, down, kapok or foam rubber. Wash bedding, including mattress pads, in hot water every 10 days.

· Replace heavy draperies or Venetian blinds with washable curtains or window shades.

· Keep bedroom and closet doors closed as much as possible.

· If allergy-causing pets must share the household with an allergic individual, pets should be kept outdoors or limited to certain rooms of the house. Dogs, cats and other mammals are the pets most likely to cause allergies in sensitive individuals. Fish, turtles and salamanders are less likely to cause problems.