Home Air Purifiers: Can a home air purifier give allergy relief? Learn what the #1 one reason that children miss school and how to beat it. What are biological pollutants, what do they to do with allergies, and what can you do about them? Biological pollutants are or once were living things.It is these pollutants that are the biggest cause of missed days from work, school, headaches, and asthma.
Some common indoor biological pollutants are
- Animal Dander (minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin)
- Dust Mite and Cockroach parts
- Infectious agents (bacteria or viruses)
- Pollen
Most information about sources and health effects of biological pollutants is based on studies of large office buildings and two surveys of homes in northern U.S. and Canada. These surveys show that 30% to 50% of all structures have damp conditions which may encourage the growth and buildup of biological pollutants. This percentage is likely to be higher in warm, moist climates.Even a spotless home has biological pollutants. It is almost impossible to get rid of them all. Are you concerned about the effects on your health that may be related to biological pollutants in your home?
Before you discuss your concerns with your doctor, you should know the answers to the following questions. This information can help the doctor determine whether your health problems may be related to biological pollution.
- Does anyone in the family have frequent headaches,fevers, itchy watery eyes, a stuffy nose, dry throat, or a cough?
- Does anyone complain of feeling tired or dizzy all the time? Is anyone wheezing or having difficulties breathing on a regular basis?
- Did these symptoms appear after you moved to a new or different home?
- Do the symptoms disappear when you go to school or the office or go away on a trip, and return when you come back?
- Have you recently remodeled your home or done any energy conservation work, such as installing insulation, storm windows, or weather stripping? Did your symptoms occur during or after these activities?
- Does your home feel humid? Can you see moisture on the windows or on other surfaces, such as walls and ceilings?
- What is the usual temperature in your home? Is it very hot or cold?
- Have you recently had water damage?
- Is your basement wet or damp? Is there any obvious mold or mildew?
- Does any part of your home have a musty or moldy odor?
- Do you have pets?
These are crucial questions for you to know so you can help your doctor find the best solution for your ailments. Quite often simply using quality home air purifiers will alleviate your allergies and reduce your headaches.
