The average American is experiencing seasonal allergies to a more significant degree than ever before. According to a US News report, 74% of people now find that their seasonal allergy symptoms ‘significantly’ impact their quality of life. Furthermore, climate change and weather data shows that the allergy seasons are getting worse, with more pollen and longer periods in which those levels are raised. With increasing prescription drug prices meaning that it can be more difficult to treat allergies after the fact, it’s important that those impacted react – starting with their own home.
Proper cleaning
The home can be one of the biggest hotspots for allergens. Simple dusting is often insufficient, and has a habit of knocking allergens back into the air and atmosphere of the home. During allergy seasons, the focus must be on trapping allergens and moving them out of the home. According to Fox Weather, there’s a crucial step to be taken; using wet rags and cloths will ensure that allergens are trapped and can be washed away and disposed of, instead of just being left to pollute the air. It’s also a good idea to look at how the furnishings of the home support those with seasonal allergies. Using hypoallergenic bedding can minimize trapped allergens. Having easy-to-clean furniture, such as wood, leather, metal and plastic, will show you where dust and allergens have settled. Decluttering ensures that there aren’t hidden problems – such as mold – which is a long-term issue in the USA.
Treating mold
As seasonal allergies have gotten worse, so have mold problems. Wetter and colder weather, particularly in extended cycles, has become common in the USA, even in warmer states. As the National Institute of Food and Agriculture highlights, this has led to mold problems becoming more widespread – and more severe. It’s crucial that homeowners tackle these issues. Cleaning the home is crucial – that exposes areas where mold could be flourishing if left unchecked. Proper ventilation in the home, and full heating, will reduce this risk, but the homeowner always needs to be vigilant.
Changing the law
There are indications that the federal authorities are taking a proactive approach to matters of allergies and systemic change. This is seen in the more severe category of food allergies, such as sesame, which now, according to CNN, is a required-to-list allergen in food products. This shows a concerted effort from the authorities to push for better recognition of allergic conditions, the conditions that create more severe allergies, and how, collectively, society and individual members of it can make change. As climate change becomes more pronounced, these conditions will rise in severity – change needs to happen today.
This is news that those with allergies will be very well acquainted with.They know their symptoms have been getting worse – science and studies now confirm that’s backed by data and is, inexorably, the truth. With greater awareness of how to tackle allergies, and greater help from the authorities, real change can happen.
