Steps to reduce kid’s exposure to airborne allergens
{ Posted on Jun 02 2008 by hans }
- Keep your windows and doors closed and use air conditioning at home and in your car during allergy season. Avoid using window and attic fans.
- Keep kids indoors in the morning and on dry, hot, windy days, when outdoor pollen levels are highest.
- Be aware that pollen can be brought indoors on people and pets.
- Dry clothes in a dryer rather than hanging them outside, where they can collect pollen.
- Avoid tobacco smoke, which can aggravate allergies.
- Run a humidifier at home to reduce humidity, which may allow wall-to-wall carpets, Venetian blinds, down-filled blankets, and feather pillows. Bedding should be encased in a zippered, plastic, airtight and dust-proof cover.
- Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
- Washable items should be washed often using water hotter than 130F (54.4C). Lower temperatures do not kill dust mites.
- If you must live with a pet your kids are allergic to, bathe the pet weekly and brush it often. Pets should be kept outside of the house if possible or at least out of the bedroom.
- Avoid irritants that can make symptoms worse, such as insect sprays, tobacco smoke, air pollution and fresh tar or paint.