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While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms that we now spend 90% of our lives indoors, this does not mean that we are protected from pollutants. External pollution, such as smoke and particulate matter, can enter the premises through open windows and ventilation systems. Other contaminants originate inside, such as allergens such as mold, dust mites, and pet dandruff.
Carpeting can increase our exposure to air pollutants by acting as an allergen reservoir. Simply walking over or vacuuming the carpet can suspend allergens in the air, where they are inhaled. Allergens left on the carpet are often pushed to the bottom of the pile of carpets by foot traffic, where they stick to the fibers and are difficult to remove.
Reducing indoor pollutant levels is essential to creating a healthier indoor environment. Pollution reduction strategies include a combination of ventilation, control of pollution sources, and removal of pollutants. Regular cleaning of the carpet will reduce the level of allergens and other contaminants in the indoor environment.
What is an allergen?
An allergen is a generally harmless substance that is able to trigger an immune response in sensitive individuals. For example, if you have an allergy to animal dandruff, your immune system identifies the animal dandruff as invasive and responds by releasing chemicals that can cause symptoms in your nose, throat, eyes, ears, and skin. Symptoms of allergies can range from sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy skin to more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in the throat that can occur in a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. .
Why is it important to avoid allergy triggers?
Asthma and allergies have been on the rise since the early 1980s. More than 25 million Americans suffer from asthma and more than 50 million suffer from allergies each year; Health experts predict that these figures will increase. Avoiding triggers is not only essential in managing asthma and allergies, but it will also create a healthier indoor environment that benefits everyone. Avoiding triggers can also help prevent awareness and minimize the development and severity of respiratory disease.
Be aware of the common triggers of allergies inside
The most common internal allergy triggers are mold spores, dust mites, and pet dandruff. Mold grows in humid or humid environments, even on carpets and other building materials. The mold releases spores that are invisible to the naked eye and can float in the air. Disturbing a source of mold can send spores into the air, causing allergies and other respiratory problems.
Dust mites are very small creatures that can live on carpets and other textile furniture inside, where they feed mainly on flakes of human skin. Accumulation of food and moisture on the carpet can provide an ideal habitat for dust mites. People may be allergic to dust mites and their droppings, which pass into the air when disturbed.
Cat and dog allergens are also common in indoor environments. These particles adhere to people’s clothing and are transported from homes to other buildings, exposing non-pet owners to allergens. Cat allergens are very small and can stay in the air for hours at a time without any disturbance. Pet allergens can build up on the carpet in the absence of an effective cleaning program.
Establish cleaning strategies to reduce indoor allergen levels
Regular cleaning of carpets is essential to remove dirt and allergens. Vacuum cleaners can vary greatly in their ability to remove dust and allergens from the carpet, depending on the suction power and the cleaning head used.
Vacuum your facility carpet frequently with a proven machine to effectively remove allergens. Select a machine that has a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air filter and a fully sealed system to ensure that aspirated allergens are not accidentally released. Cleaning workers with severe allergen sensitivity should wear a mask while vacuuming, as the task always raises the level of allergens in the air in a room. Consider investing in robotic vacuum cleaners to reduce your staff exposure dust and allergens.
Periodically vacuum your facility carpet to remove allergens. Use a proven carpet cleaner to effectively remove allergens from the floor. Steam cleaning can also effectively remove allergens from the carpet. Avoid excessive use of water with carpet washers and steam cleaners. Leaving carpet fibers wet can promote mold growth and increase the rate at which dust mite eggs hatch.
Proper equipment maintenance is also important to eliminate allergens. Poorly maintained cleaning equipment will not be able to clean the carpet as effectively. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for equipment care and spare parts.
If you use a carpet cleaning detergent, consider its cleaning effectiveness and any potential impact on indoor air quality. Some cleaning products contain ingredients that can trigger allergy symptoms. The American Lung Association recommends using only cleaning products that “do not contain or contain reduced amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients.” Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ventilate, if possible, when using cleaning products.
Consider other strategies for creating a healthier indoor environment:
- Place mats on facility entrances to reduce the amount of dirt and allergens tracked on the shoe mat.
- Use a damp cloth weekly to remove dust and allergens that build up on hard surfaces.
- Maintain indoor humidity between 30% and 50% to suppress the growth of mold and dust mites.
- If high humidity is a concern, improve airflow and ventilation in your installation and / or use a commercial grade dehumidifier.
- Consider using a portable HEPA air cleaner or air conditioning system with a HEPA filter to remove airborne particles and allergens.
Identify healthier cleaning products
When looking for products that contribute to a healthier indoor environment, consider trusted parts certified products. Check product packaging and manufacturers’ websites for independent testing or third-party certification. Selecting products labeled as independently tested and verified is a good way to avoid false claims about products and to make sure that what you are buying will make a positive contribution to your inner environment. For example, the The asthma & allergy friendly® certification program tests vacuum cleaners and cleaning products for their allergen removal performance and impact on indoor air.
References
US EPA. Indoor air quality. https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data from the 2019 National Health Survey (NHIS). https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/nhis/2019/data.htm
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Allergy facts. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergies-101/facts-stats/
SR Haines, RI Adams, BE Boor, et al. Ten questions about the implications of the carpet for inner chemistry and microbiology. Building and Environment. 170 (2020) 106589.
JA German, MB Harpet. Environmental control of allergic diseases. American family doctor. 66 (2002) 421-427.
American Lung Association. Household cleaning supplies and chemicals. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem