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Indoor air allergies are triggered by exposure to certain substances in the air inside a home or other indoor space. These substances can include pet dander, dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens.
Pet dander is tiny particles of skin shed by animals, including dogs, cats, and other pets. It’s composed of proteins that are found in animal skin, fur, and saliva, and it is extremely small and lightweight, making it easily airborne. This can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in some people. It can be difficult to remove from the air, but not if you set your home up correctly.
If a person is allergic to pet dander, exposure to it can cause a range of allergic reactions, including sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. That isn’t the only type of allergy, of course. People can also be allergic to mould, mildew, and other tiny air particles.
Symptoms of indoor air allergies can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual and their level of sensitivity to the allergens in the air.
Indoor air allergies can be triggered by a number of factors, including the presence of pets, poor ventilation, high humidity levels, and the use of certain products or materials in the home. Allergies can also be triggered by outdoor allergens that are brought into the home on clothing, shoes, or other objects.
How to manage indoor air allergies
To reduce the risk of indoor air allergies, there are several steps you can take. The number one thing recommended by experts is to use an air filter. Installing an air filter in your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help to remove allergens and other contaminants from the air.
An air filter is a device that is designed to remove unwanted particles from the air, including allergens. Air filters are commonly used in homes, offices, and other indoor spaces to improve the air quality and reduce the risk of allergies and other respiratory issues.
There are several types of air filters available, including fibreglass, pleated, activated carbon, and HEPA filters. Each type of filter has its own specific features and benefits, and the best one for your home will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Fibreglass air filters
Fibreglass filters are the most basic type of air filter, and are often used in furnaces and air conditioning systems. They are made of thin layers of fibreglass fibres that are woven together, and are designed to trap larger particles such as dust and dirt.
These filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to find, but they are not very effective at removing smaller particles, such as mould spores and pet dander, from the air.
Pleated air filters
Pleated air filters are a step up from fibreglass filters in terms of removing smaller particles from the air. They are made from a thin, pleated material that is folded and accordion-like in appearance. The pleats provide a larger surface area for trapping particles, which makes them more effective.
Pleated air filters are typically more expensive than fibreglass filters, but they can last longer and are more effective when it comes to improving indoor air quality.
Activated carbon air filters
Activated carbon filters are made of a porous material that is treated with a chemical to make it highly absorbent. They are effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from the air, including odours, gasses, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Activated carbon filters are commonly used in air purifiers and can be effective at removing allergens from the air.
HEPA air filters
HEPA filters are the most effective type of air filter for removing small particles from the air. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and these filters are designed to capture particles that are as small as 0.3 microns in size. HEPA filters are commonly used in air purifiers and are very effective at removing allergens, such as pet dander, mould spores, and pollen, from the air.
One we encourage you to pay special attention to is FilterKing’s selection of Honeywell filters. These replacement air filters can provide the same performance and high quality materials as your usual name brand, but at a much lower cost. They are economical and high-capacity, making them an ideal upgrade from standard fibreglass throwaways. They should work wonders for families whose members suffer from indoor allergens.
The post The best air filters for families who suffer from allergies appeared first on Growing Family.
