Toolkit to Protect Yourself from Most Environmental Allergens

The best way to treat allergies is to reduce exposure to the allergens. Avoidance is the best medicine. The four major causes of environmental allergies are pollens, molds and fungi, pet dander and dust mites. Here are some of the things you can do to reduce exposure to these allergens:

1. Stay indoors on days pollen count is high, specially dry, windy days.
2. Don’t hang bedsheets or clothing outside during high pollen season.
3. Wash your hair before bed if you have spent your day outdoors.
4. Wear mask when going outdoors.
5. Don’t bring your outdoor shoes inside your home.
6. Wash your linen at least once a week in hot water and dry them in a dryer, if possible.
7. Maintain humidity level below 50%.
8. Make sure your home has adequate ventilation and proper exhaust in bathroom and kitchen.
9. If you have house plants, don’t over water them.
10. Throw away anything that has mold or fungi on it.
11. Buy washable stuffed toys for your kids and wash them often in warm water.
12. Damp mop dust. Dry mop will stir up mite allergen.
13. Avoid keeping a pet, if you have allergy to pet dander.
14. If you must have a pet, avoid bringing them to your bedroom.
15. Vacuum and sweep after every meal (don’t forget under the refrigerator and stove) and make sure no food is left uncovered— including all garbage.
16. Get rid of your carpets. They are store house for allergens.
17. Routinely wash your pet’s bed.
18. Regularly vacuum and use a good vacuum cleaner.