An Allergy Free Environment

An allergy is a hypersensitivity to what are normally innocuous entities such as foodstuffs, cleaning products, household dust, plant and grass pollen and so on.

Debate over the scale, reasons for growth and the root causes of people suffering from allergies rages.

Here we consider how to minimise the impact of allergens on the inhabitants a healthy house.

What steps can we take in the way we design and construct our buildings to minimise the risk from allergens?

Think seasonally.
Keep the house well ventilated but be aware of the pollen seasons and minimise the exposure of those who suffer with hay fever during them. Pollen levels are at their worst in the early morning and evening during pollen season so try to keep windows closed at these times.

Air Quality.
A subject in its own right, suffice to say here that high air quality is a must when considering treatment of allergies.

Minimise dust.
Airbourne dust particles in a dusty environment are known to contribute to respiratory problems. To minimise dust, use sealed timber or tiled flooring and enclosed storage, such as cupboards and wardrobes rather than open storage such as shelving.

Mould. To ensure minimal mould growth, keep the house well ventilated and manage humidity levels. Where mould grows, try to use vinegar or lemon juice based cleaning agents rather than chemical ones. In modern well insulated homes, the ability to ventilate properly is a major design consideration.

Pets. Minimise the potential impact of pets by grooming them regularly outdoors, keep them and their bedding clean and minimise contact with soft furnishings and carpets to which hairs and associated allergens may cling.

Other Allergy Information Sites

We hope that this information has been of some value to you.

Have your say ... all feedback is appreciated ... make yourself heard

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Comments on Healthy House

On Clay Based Paint ~ A Healthy Alternative by Ramona Flick on September 30th, 2010
its has a beautiful livinq quality, my daughter has used this.

On Heating & Cooling by healthyhouse on September 15th, 2010
Not an expert, but I'd have thought a radiant heat source (such as underfloor heating) would be far better for your health than forced heat.

On Heating & Cooling by Diana on September 10th, 2010
Our 105 year old house has forced air heat, and I have allergy related asthma.

On Limit Mould Growth by Alexander on August 31st, 2009
Hello, not only Mould spores can be harmful to the health, but also gaseous metabolites, which are called MVOC (microbial volatile organic compounds) can have a toxic effect.

On Visitor Feedback by David on March 16th, 2009
excellent blog! I love some of the ideas you share to healthier sustainable living.