What is an allergen?

An allergen is anything that causes an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction varies from one person to another. Some people are allergic to pet dander (which is from the pet’s skin, oil and saliva). Cat allergens are especially irritating to many people. Others are allergic to dust mites and their feces. While still others are allergic to pollen, mold or mildew, or a combination of several allergens.

An allergic reaction can include: sneezing, difficulty breathing,

Common allergens are pet dander, dust mites, pollen, mold and mildew.

Typical allergic reactions can be mild or severe.

Strategies to combat allergens at home

1) Keep your home as clean as possible. Vacuum carpets and floors frequently. Mop floors. Clean bathroom showers, tubs and sinks to reduce mold and mildew growth. Remove trash promptly. Reduce clutter. Change furnace filters regularly. Use mats at entrances to limit allergens from being tracked inside. Keep windows closed during pollen seasons.

2) Get a good quality vacuum with HEPA filtration

with a high-filtration disposable dust bag (don’t buy

a bagless vacuum, they are prone to dust leakage and are very messy to empty). Vacuum your home often.

3) Buy a high quality HEPA-filtered air purifier to reduce airborne allergens, and to generally help make your home cleaner (place purifier in bedrooms, living rooms, dens or any room that you spend a fair amount of time in).

4) Keep bedrooms very clean (since you spend 6-8 hours a night there). Buy allergen pillows or install washable allergen covers for your pillows and mattresses.

Wash linens regularly. Keep pets out of bedrooms.