About 20 to 30% of Canadians experience allergies, according to Global News. Allergies are some of the worst interruptions we encounter in our daily lives. Relentless sneezing, difficulty in breathing, stuffy noses, and itchy eyes are some common symptoms of this condition. Most allergy triggers such as pollen, dust, pet dander and mold lie within our own homes. Here’re some practical tips to ensure you design an allergy-free space.
Get a Handcrafted Eco-friendly Mattress
The average adult spends 7.2 hours sleeping at night, and nearly a third of our lives is spent sleeping, according to Statistics Canada. Yet, the mattresses we lie on are host to a cocktail of toxic chemicals, dust mites and other harmful substances that can cause allergies and other respiratory problems.
For an allergen-free sleep, consider getting an organic mattress. To ensure you are sleeping on a bed made from natural materials, look for a company that clearly outlines the ingredients it uses. The best materials include organic cotton, wool, hemp, and bamboo. An added advantage is these mattresses have a longer lifespan.
Switch to Organic Beddings
Our bedding is a common source of chemical exposure. Most bedding is made from conventional cotton which is grown using poisonous herbicides and processed and treated using toxic substances such as heavy metals, dyes, and bleaches. All these chemicals slowly release harmful gases as you sleep. Inhaling such harmful vapors and getting into contact with such materials can lead to skin reactions and other long-term health conditions. Organic bedding like those made from organic cotton, wool and hemp fiber can make a big difference in your life. They are softer, smell nicer and promote healthy sleep.
Get HEPA Air Filters
Air pollution doesn’t only happen outdoors. Inside our homes, there are many sources of pollution. Wall paints, carpets, flooring and electronics slowly release fine chemicals that irritate our lungs, skin and eyes. Installing high-quality air filters is the answer to poor air quality in homes. High Efficiency Particulate Air filters can trap the smallest contaminants of dust, debris, pet dander and mold in the house, making them an excellent choice to counter allergies.
Select the Right Flooring
The flooring you pick plays a critical role in keeping your home allergy free. Hardwood, stone, slate or tile flooring work best as they don’t attract allergens or emit harmful gases. In contrast, carpets are the largest reservoirs of dust, dander, and pollen and it can be hard to get rid of all pollutants even after a thorough cleaning. If you have to keep your carpet, clean it regularly and use a vacuum that can effectively suck up the allergens.
Control Mold
People are 40% more likely to have asthma when living in a damp or moldy home. There are over 10,000 species of molds on the planet, and one of their favorite places is the bathroom. To prevent the buildup of this allergy trigger, you need to regularly scrub and dry all surfaces in your bathroom. This should include the tiles, tab, and sinks. Repair any leaks and replace moldy shower curtains and mats. You can also utilize a bathroom exhaust fan to clear humidity from the air.
Using washable fabrics like linen and hemp, which are naturally anti-bacterial, will help ward off allergens. Wool is naturally non-allergenic and resists dust mites, making it a great choice for mattress covers and duvets and blankets.
An allergy-friendly home ensures everyone stays happy and comfortable. Although you can’t eliminate all irritants in one sweep, the tips above can help you make progress. By keeping your space clean, using organic bedding and finding the right air filter your family will always enjoy a safe and healthy home.
Contributed by Lucy Wyndham
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
Read more about how to have a healthy home:
How to Create an Eco-Friendly Bedroom on a Budget
Sleep Better with Wool
The Best Plants for a Happy and Healthy Home
4 Vacuuming and Cleaning Hacks to Combat Common Indoor Allergens5 Practical Ways to Design an Allergy-Free Home
About 20 to 30% of Canadians experience allergies, according to Global News. Allergies are some of the worst interruptions we encounter in our daily lives. Relentless sneezing, difficulty in breathing, stuffy noses, and itchy eyes are some common symptoms of this condition. Most allergy triggers such as pollen, dust, pet dander and mold lie within our own homes. Here’re some practical tips to ensure you design an allergy-free space.
Get a Handcrafted Eco-friendly Mattress
The average adult spends 7.2 hours sleeping at night, and nearly a third of our lives is spent sleeping, according to Statistics Canada. Yet, the mattresses we lie on are host to a cocktail of toxic chemicals, dust mites and other harmful substances that can cause allergies and other respiratory problems.
For an allergen-free sleep, consider getting an organic mattress. To ensure you are sleeping on a bed made from natural materials, look for a company that clearly outlines the ingredients it uses. The best materials include organic cotton, wool, hemp, and bamboo. An added advantage is these mattresses have a longer lifespan.
Switch to Organic Beddings
Our bedding is a common source of chemical exposure. Most bedding is made from conventional cotton which is grown using poisonous herbicides and processed and treated using toxic substances such as heavy metals, dyes, and bleaches. All these chemicals slowly release harmful gases as you sleep. Inhaling such harmful vapors and getting into contact with such materials can lead to skin reactions and other long-term health conditions. Organic bedding like those made from organic cotton, wool and hemp fiber can make a big difference in your life. They are softer, smell nicer and promote healthy sleep.
Get HEPA Air Filters
Air pollution doesn’t only happen outdoors. Inside our homes, there are many sources of pollution. Wall paints, carpets, flooring and electronics slowly release fine chemicals that irritate our lungs, skin and eyes. Installing high-quality air filters is the answer to poor air quality in homes. High Efficiency Particulate Air filters can trap the smallest contaminants of dust, debris, pet dander and mold in the house, making them an excellent choice to counter allergies.
Select the Right Flooring
The flooring you pick plays a critical role in keeping your home allergy free. Hardwood, stone, slate or tile flooring work best as they don’t attract allergens or emit harmful gases. In contrast, carpets are the largest reservoirs of dust, dander, and pollen and it can be hard to get rid of all pollutants even after a thorough cleaning. If you have to keep your carpet, clean it regularly and use a vacuum that can effectively suck up the allergens.
Control Mold
People are 40% more likely to have asthma when living in a damp or moldy home. There are over 10,000 species of molds on the planet, and one of their favorite places is the bathroom. To prevent the buildup of this allergy trigger, you need to regularly scrub and dry all surfaces in your bathroom. This should include the tiles, tab, and sinks. Repair any leaks and replace moldy shower curtains and mats. You can also utilize a bathroom exhaust fan to clear humidity from the air.
Using washable fabrics like linen and hemp, which are naturally anti-bacterial, will help ward off allergens. Wool is naturally non-allergenic and resists dust mites, making it a great choice for mattress covers and duvets and blankets.
An allergy-friendly home ensures everyone stays happy and comfortable. Although you can’t eliminate all irritants in one sweep, the tips above can help you make progress. By keeping your space clean, using organic bedding and finding the right air filter your family will always enjoy a safe and healthy home.
Contributed by Lucy Wyndham
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
Read more about how to have a healthy home:
How to Create an Eco-Friendly Bedroom on a Budget
Sleep Better with Wool
The Best Plants for a Happy and Healthy Home
4 Vacuuming and Cleaning Hacks to Combat Common Indoor Allergens
