House dust mite allergen reduction

Aims to reduce the amount of mite allergens in the house

Major strategies (WHO Strength of Recommendation A)

• Wash bedding regularly (every 1 — 2 weeks) at 55-60 C, if possible, to kill mites: (washing with cold water removes 90% of mite allergens; washing at 55-60 C ki//s mites)
• Wash pillows and duvets in hot water (55-60 C) and encase pillows and mattresses with protective coverings that have a pore size of 6 micron or less.
• Sufficient ventilation of dwellings to decrease humidity; aim to reduce indoor relative humidity to below 50% and avoid damp housing conditions.

Additional strategies

• Use a good quality vacuum cleaner (if possible, one fitted with HEPA filter)
• Use a damp duster when dusting and cleaning surfaces
• Replace wall to wait carpets with linoleum or wooden floors which can be wiped clean
• Remove/reduce curtains and soft furnishings in the bedroom
• Replace fabric-covered seating with leather or vinyl
• Remove soft toys from the bedroom; wash them at 55-60⁰ C or freeze them (in a kitchen deep-freezer) to kill house dust mites
• Exposure of mattresses, rugs and carpets to direct strong sunlight (for more than 3 hours) kills mites and can be used in appropriate regions.

Pollen avoidance

Provides mechanical barriers to pollen contact

• Keep windows closed at peak pollen times.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses to help prevent pollens entering the eyes
• Consider wearing a mask over nose and mouth to prevent inhalation of pollens at peak time
• Use air-conditioning where possible
• Install car pollen filters where possible
• 

Pet allergen avoidance

Reduces the amount of pet allergen indoors

• If possible, find another home for the pet, and do not introduce new animals into the home. If the pet is not removed from the home, these measures may be helpful;
• Exclude pets from bedrooms and if possible keep pets outdoors
• Vacuum carpets, mattresses and upholstery regularly.
• Change clothes before going to school/work if you have had contact with any animal (for example, horse/cat/dog)

Cockroach allergen avoidance

Removes the cockroaches, eliminates the places and conditions in which they can live, and removes allergens

• Eradicate cockroaches with appropriate insecticide bait
• Seal cracks in floors and ceilings
• Enclose ali fauci
• Do not store waste in the home
• Scrub floors with water and detergent to remove allergens

Mould allergen avoidance

Prevents mould from growing, and mould spores from becoming airborne during mould removal

Indoors:

• Use dehumidifiers in the home if relative humidity is constantly high (above 50%)      Ensure heating, ventilation or air-conditioning systems are properly maintained
• Use 5% ammonia solution to remove mould from bathrooms and other contaminated surfaces
• Replace carpets with hard flooring; replace wallpaper with paint
• Repair indoor water damage immediately

Recommended purchase: HEPA filter air purifier