Beating asthma in your home

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

Asthma is the most widespread chronic health problem in Australia affecting one in four children, one in seven teenagers, one in ten adults, hospitalising more children than any other illness and resulting in 15 deaths a week in Australia.

Allergic reactions such as those associated with asthma are caused by a reaction to allergens. Some of the worst allergens for asthma are- * dust mites * cat allergens (microscopic flakes of cat skin) * mould growth from condensation

Research shows that in homes where allergens are reduced asthma symptoms often improve and the chances of infants becoming allergic and developing asthma are less.

The information in this article is to show that you can minimise the effects and impact of allergens in your home specifically, to maintain a healthier lifestyle. We will look specifically at floor finishes and heating. Keep in mind that other factors which cam help keep your home healthier include minimising toxins from products like melamine, carpet and paints.

An energy efficient home is a healthier home also. However the most significant area of conflict between healthy and energy efficient homes is the requirement in energy efficient homes to 'seal the building up' to prevent warm/heated air from escaping and cold air from entering your home (or vice versa). This can be addressed through a suitable ventilation system, however th etopic deserves more discussion on its own.

Beating asthma in your home Designing and maintaining a low allergen home will help beat asthma. Minimise dust flow and allow for easy dust removal will help reduce dust mite breeding areas. Two areas that can be addressed straight away in your home to make it a healthier place include floor finishes and type of heating.

Floor finishes: Smooth, hard floor finishes are preferred over carpets. Mites cannot breed on timber, cork or linoleum floors. Hard floors are also much easier to keep clear of dust and other allergens.

Regular cleaning of your floors is important. The aim is to remove allergen material without putting it into the air. This can be achieved by using a damp cloth to clean surfaces.

Steam cleaning of carpets temporarily removes surface allergens. Regular steam cleaning is required, as regular vacuuming removes dust but not the live mites. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has an effective filtration system to keep allergens out of the air. A built-in ducted vacuum system is preferable, since it doesn't redistribute dust around the room.

If carpet is your preferred floor covering then choose a short pile with synthetic fibre and a rubber underlay.

Heating Asthma Tasmania recommends electric heating as the best choice for asthma sufferers. Electric heaters do not need oxygen to operate (even wood and gas heaters, which are filtered, burn oxygen). Electric heaters don't create extra moisture in the air, therefore helping prevent mould growth.

Wood heaters release tiny particles into the air both inside and out, which are known causes of respiratory problems. They are so minute that they can lodge within the respiratory system and remain there for life. If you are sensitive to dry air, choose an electric heating model which does not distribute heat by using a fan.

Fan heaters have a tendency to dry out the air and they can move dust around a room. There are plenty of models and styles to choose which don't blow air around, for example Panel Heaters, Radiant Heaters, Heat banks, Radiant Ceiling Heating, Under Carper Heating, Off Peak Storage Banks or Under-floor Heating.

Some heat pump models and most ducted electric heating systems are fitted with fitters to trap dust. These filters should be changed as recommended by the manufacturer to eliminate dust problems.

Generally radiant, natural convection electric or slab heating is preferred -- it doesn't consume room oxygen or generate moist combustion fumes, and doesn't use fans, which can circulate dust and dry the air.

Next time we will look at how to address furinishings and ventilation to keep your home healthy.

Libe Chacos is a licensed builder and Director of Sunrise Homes Tasmania. Libe's passion is to build energy efficient and healthy homes and let people know how to make their home a better place to live in. Visit http://www.sunrisehomes.net.au for more info