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If your doctor recommends environmental control for you or someone in your family, the following steps need to be taken.
House Dust
House dust is partially composed of the breakdown products of natural plant and animal fibers. If these fibers or materials that make up a large part of the home furnishings (rugs, curtains, stuffed furniture, bedding, etc.) are replaced with synthetic materials such as nylon, acetate, polyester, etc., which are nonbiodegradable, much of the source of house dust will be eliminated.
Bedroom
Since a large part of the time is spent in the bedroom, dust control in this area should be more vigorous.
- Remove stuffed or upholstered furniture.
- Any furniture should have smooth plastic, metal, or wood finishes.
- Remove from the room and the adjoining closet, all stored books, toys, clothing, bedding, etc. which collect and produce dust. If some of these articles must be stored in the bedroom, they should be placed in plastic bags and sealed.
- Bare wood or tile floors are best; if a rug seems necessary, washable throw rugs are best. Any rug should be 100 percent synthetic and the pad should be foam or rubber.
- Curtains or drapes should be easily launderable and of synthetic material, although cotton is permissible.
- Forced-air heater ducts leading to the bedroom should either be closed off or a polyester filter placed over the register. The central air filter should be replaced often during the winter months.
- Bedding must be of synthetic material and laundered frequently. Avoid feather- or kapok-filled pillows. Mattresses and box springs should be covered.
- The windows and doors leading to the bedroom should remain closed as much as possible.
- Initially the walls, ceilings, and floors should be washed. Daily cleaning with a damp mop and a damp cloth is important.
- Vacuums disperse large amounts of dust particles into the air; therefore, itīs best to have the allergic person outside the home during and for at least two hours after running the vacuum cleaner. If the allergic individual does the vacuuming, a mask should be worn during this period.
- For additional information on commerically available environmental control products, the reader is referred to the following resources: Allergy Control Products or National Allergy Supply, Inc.
Special Items
- Pets, furry or feathered, should NOT be allowed in the home at any time.
- House plants should not be placed in the bedroom; the soil contains mold and biodegradable material which can be extremely allergenic.
- Mold control: Mold (mildew, fungi) is associated with damp places and can be eliminated or retarded by lowering the humidity via vents, fans, heaters, etc. and by using mold retardents such as Captan (Orthofungicide), which can be purchased at a local nursery. Zephiran (Benzalkonium Cloride) 1:750, found in pharmacies, or some other commercially available mold retardents such as Lysol can also be used. Captan, which is nonpoisonous to humans, may be sprayed through a garden sprayer; use eight tablespoons of 25 percent solution or four tablespoons of 50 percent powder per gallon of water. Zephiran (full strength) may be sprayed on walls, etc.
- Air cleaners: Air cleaners or air purifiers are very helpful. Portable units should be placed in the bedroom at a location where the clean air flow is across the head of the bed. Larger units are also available which are incorporated with your existing forced air heating system. There are two basic types of air cleaners on the market, a HEPA filter or an electronic air cleaner (electronic precipitator). Although both appear to work well, the HEPA filter is thought to be the most efficient of the two. Air cleaners may be rented to assess usefulness. Rental fees are usually applicable to sales price.
- Since tobacco smoke is an irritant to the respiratory system, smoking should not be allowed in the home.
- For additional information on commerically available environmental control products, the reader is referred to the following resources: Allergy Control Products or National Allergy Supply, Inc.
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