Winter Allergies – Dust, Dander and Mold

By Maria Khalife

I’ve got to pick myself up, Dust myself off, And start all over again. ~ Peter Tosh

When the snows fall and the winds howl, we wrap up inside our snuggly blankets, light a fire and read a good book.  During the colder season, though, not a lot of fresh air is circulating throughout our homes as it does in the summertime. Wintertime sees a lot more activities from dust mites, mold spores and pet dander due to the lack of circulation, so winter allergies are more common than you might think.

Dust Mites, Pet Dander, and Mold

Household dust is where dust mites live and breed. These tiny critters can be found in areas of the house where human skin cells collect and where it is more humid. Pets also shed skin cells as we do and their dander can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms.

Mold spores also love moist, humid and dark spots inside the house but the cold outside will kill any that happen to be out there. If you’re using a humidifier, this could be a great way mold can infect your home and affect your health.

How to Avoid Winter Allergies

Watch the humidity level in your home. Try to keep it under 50%.  If you’re using a humidified, be judicious and only use it when absolutely necessary.  You can also employ the use of a de-humidifier to take excess moisture out of places that tend to be damp, like a basement.

Hard-surface flooring has fewer allergens trapped in it than does carpeting, rugs, or small throw rugs. You can keep wood or linoleum or tile floors free of dust more easily than you can carpeting. At a minimum, have your carpeting shampooed and dried before winter sets in.

Wash all blankets and quilts prior to winter.  Then, zip them and your mattresses up in allergy-proof covers. There are allergy-free sheets and pillow cases that you can utilize in the wintertime that will eliminate dust mites, pollen and dander from affecting you.

Change your sheets and pillow cases weekly.  Launder them in very hot water and use high heat to kill off pollutants weekly.

OM Times Magazine » syndicated