Doctors often recommend hardwood floors over other floor coverings
because they trap less animal dander, dust, pollen, mites and mold –
all of which can trigger allergic symptoms and respiratory problems.
If
you are an allergy sufferer or know someone who is, then you are
familiar with the itchy eyes, runny nose, eczema, and rashes caused by
allergies. An estimated 60 million Americans suffer from allergies, and
a recent report prepared by the Institute of Medicine of the National
Academies concluded that exposure to certain allergy-causing
substances, or allergens, can also lead to asthma in children. While
researchers believe that certain individuals have an inherited tendency
toward allergies and asthma, studies also show that specific steps can
be taken to reduce or eliminate allergens. The droppings of dust
mites – those microscopic monsters that colonize bedding, curtains and
carpets, are significant allergens that have been linked to rapidly
rising rates of allergies and asthma. Every home has dust mites and
even frequent vacuuming won't eliminate them, or their droppings,
altogether. The good news is that there is something you can do
to help prevent, or reduce allergies, asthma and their symptoms. Some
researchers believe that eliminating the sources of allergens when
children are young may help reduce the likelihood that they will
develop allergies. And studies have shown that, even if someone in your
home already has allergies, they may experience improvement after
allergens have been reduced or eliminated.
- Remove carpeting from the bedrooms of allergy sufferers. In fact,
natural hardwood floors throughout your home make it easier for you to
reduce allergens by eliminating a haven for dust mites, all the while
keeping your home warm and inviting. Make sure that any throw rugs used
in your home are washed weekly in hot water.
- Select furnishings that make limited use of upholstery. Real
hardwood furnishings are attractive and comfortable, and are not
welcoming to dust mites.
- Enclose mattresses and pillows in zippered dust-proof vinyl
coverings. These help to keep the dust mites and their droppings away
from those with allergies.
- Keep humidity levels in your home at a steady 50 percent or lower. Dust mites can't survive when the humidity level is this low.
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