Common Causes of Indoor Allergies
Sniffles and sneezes from pollen and grass are one thing, but you expect your home to be a safe haven from environmental allergens. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple: your home’s air can play host to various other allergy triggers—some similar to their outdoor counterparts—that could mean congestion, inflammation, and general discomfort for you or your kids. But unlike the great outdoors, you can better control your indoor environment and keep allergies at bay. Consider these common causes of indoor allergies and how to avoid them in your home for better breathing.
Pet Dander
Unfortunately, your furry friends may be the cause of your allergies. It’s not the fur itself that’s giving you or a member of your family trouble, though: it’s dander, the microscopic bits of dry skin that lie beneath hair and slough off into the air. When combined with your pet’s saliva from grooming, there’s a lot in dander that can give someone trouble. If you can’t part with your pet, at least keep your cat or dog out of your bedroom or your child’s bedroom, and clean your home regularly and vigorously to limit dander buildup.
Mold
When in doubt, your first suspect should be mold. Microscopic mold spores are everywhere in the air we breathe, but when they exist in high concentrations and develop colonies, that can mean trouble for your breathing. Mold allergies are tricky because they so closely resemble a viral upper respiratory infection, but you can test for mold in your home and figure out the best way to proceed.
Dust Mites
You wouldn’t normally think of dust as a living thing, but within tufts of dust live dust mites, microscopic tick-like insects who feast on our dead skin. Dust mites live anywhere warm, dark, and comfortably humid—and that includes your bedding. An allergy to dust mites can cause inflammation of the nasal passages, watery eyes, and even trigger asthma attacks. Cut down on dust and wash sheets regularly to avoid this reaction.
Cockroaches
Just the word “roaches” strikes fear into any homeowner’s heart. Discovering one in the flesh—or rather, in the exoskeleton—can feel even worse. Cockroaches are not only unwanted houseguests, but the proteins in their bodies, droppings, and even saliva are a common allergen for many people. Their reputation as a particularly filthy creature is not unearned. If you suspect cockroach infestation, begin by covering open pet food bowls, keep trash cans well-covered, and set traps.
Cleaning Supplies
A cruel irony: in trying to keep your home clean and free of allergens, it may be the cleaning supplies themselves that are making you sick. The solvents in household cleaning products are among the most common causes of indoor allergies. If you suspect they’re the issue, consider switching to green products or even developing your own solutions at home.
