Improving Indoor Air Quality for Children with Allergies and Asthma

Around 8.4 percent of children in the United States have asthma, making it the most prevalent chronic illness among children. The rise in rates of asthma and allergies across the US and globally can be attributed to a number of factors, including higher levels of indoor and outdoor air pollution. While society has become increasingly focused on hygiene as a means of protecting children from disease and infection, many of the cleaning and self-care products we use can have an adverse effect on indoor air quality, contributing to respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Taking steps to maintain clean air in your home is crucial for your child’s health and well-being.

Maintaining Your Home’s HVAC System 

 

Routinely cleaning and changing filters on your home’s HVAC system and making necessary upgrades is crucial for improving indoor air quality and protecting your family’s respiratory health. Air filters trap dust, pet dander, pollen and other pollutants to prevent them from circulating throughout your home. Maintenance of your HVAC system also prevents dangerous substances  such as freon and carbon monoxide from leaking . While air filters are an important first line of defense against allergens, an air purifier can target much smaller particulates, such as volatile organic compounds.

Maintaining Optimal Humidity Levels to Combat Dust and Mold 

 

The ideal level of indoor humidity is around 50%; if your child has allergies or asthma, you may want to purchase a humidity meter to monitor levels within your home. Air that is excessively moist or warm is prone to harboring dust mites and mold, which can trigger allergic reactions and adversely affect the respiratory system. Ensuring proper ventilation by using exhaust fans and opening windows can reduce moisture levels in the air. You can also use a dehumidifier and choose non-porous flooring and building materials to keep spaces like bathrooms and basements dry. On the other hand, when air is too dry it can also contribute to allergic reactions and exacerbate symptoms of asthma. Cold, dry air causes the body to produce more histamine, which contributes to allergic reactions, and constricts the airways. In drier climates and during the winter months,children with asthma can benefit from sleeping with a humidifier. Plants, indoor water features and  properly insulating your home can also help maintain ideal moisture levels. In addition to humidifying the air, an indoor waterfall or water fountain emits negative ions, through the process of evaporation. Negative ions bond with airborne particles, increasing their density so that they can no longer float in the air.

 

Keeping Your Home Smoke Free

 

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals and is one of the most common sources of indoor air pollution. Chemicals from cigarette smoke not only linger in the air, but cling to upholstery, building materials and clothing as well. Children who have asthma and are routinely exposed to tobacco smoke  are more likely to have attacks, visit the ER and require more medication. If you have a child with asthma, do not permit smoking within your home. If you or a family member is a smoker, taking steps to quit is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your child.

Children spend the majority of their time either at home or in school, making indoor air quality a critical component for better respiratory health. Just as you prioritize leaning surfaces throughout your home, take steps to keep air clean as well. There are a number of resources available and easy changes you can make to help your child breathe easier.

 

If you’re looking to protect your home from airborne contaminants, consider installing a whole-house air purifier from Amaircare. The Amaircare 350, 675 and 10000 units are excellent whole-house purifiers that can be configured with HEPA-only, carbon-only or dual HEPA and carbon filtration to meet your needs. For more information about these excellent purification systems and how they can improve the air in your home, contact US Air Purifiers today!

 

This article was submitted to US Air Purifiers by guest contributor Jennifer Ally