The Air We Breathe (Part 1)

The Air We Breathe (Part 1)

AIR PARTICLES WE BREATHE

Many particles of different types and sizes are carried in the air we breathe. Some large particles may settle on the walls and furniture in your home. Other large particles are removed by your nose and mouth when you inhale. Smaller particles are breathed deep into the lungs.

Asthma may be triggered by both the large and small particles. Some air particles come from the indoors. Others are carried in the outdoor air. Outdoor particles come into your home through windows, doors, and heating systems.

For most people, the indoor air particles cause no problems. But people with allergic symptoms including asthma can have problems, right in their own home. Some people are experiencing problems in their home and do not realize it. They think the way they are feeling , although not great, is just the way they feel! In reality they are being effected by their poor indoor air quality and have not a clue that the air they are breathing could be harmful to the occupants of the home and could be much better if they knew what the problem was and how to fix it. Having your problems identified by a Indoor Air Quality Professional is key to understanding any potential problems. www.jlcinspections.com

 
If you or someone you know have allergic symptoms or asthma, you are sensitive to "triggers," including particles carried in the air. These "triggers" can set off a reaction in your lungs and other parts of your body. Triggers can be found indoors or outdoors. They can be simple things like:

• Cold air.
• Tobacco smoke and wood smoke.
• Perfume, paint, hair spray, or any strong odors or fumes.
• Water damage in the home that has gone undetected or not repaired properly.
• Allergens (particles that cause allergies) such as dust mites, pollen, molds, pollution, and animal dander - tiny scales or particles that fall off hair, feathers or skin - and saliva from any pets.
• Hair spray, perfumes, and common cleaning products are some of the most common items we use daily.
• Common cold, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses.

You may be able to add more triggers to this list. Other things may also trigger your asthma or allergies. It's important to learn which triggers are a problem for you. Ask your doctor to help. Your doctor my suggest:

• Keeping an asthma diary.
• Skin testing to test for allergies.
• Reduce or eliminate carpet and large rugs in the home. These area spore traps releasing contaminants into the air as they are walked on.
• Vacuums that are not HEPA rated make things worse by getting all of the contaminants in the carpet or floor airborne in the home.    

Finding triggers isn't always easy. If you do know your triggers, cutting down exposure to them may help avoid asthma and allergy attacks.

If you don't know your triggers, have a professional inspection done on your home to help identify and eliminate sources. You may also try to limit your exposure to one suspected trigger at a time. Watch to see if you get better. This may show you if the trigger was a problem for you. See ya on the next addition of The Air We Breathe