The biological contaminants in your home have a lot more to do with energy than you might think.
Biological contaminants range from the nearly invistible – dust mites – to the hard to ignore – your Great Dane. All of them can affect your energy in slow and subtle ways.
Get rid of them.
In addition to dust mites and animals dander, other biological contaminants include bacteria, mold, mildew, and viruses. After repeated exposure, some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions that can affect the lungs, throat, nose, and eyes. These contaminants can (and do) also trigger some types of asthma. Infectious illnesses, such as influenza, measles, and chicken pox are transmitted through the air. Molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins. Other symptoms caused by biological pollutants include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems.
Beginning to see the connection?
TAKE THESE STEPS TO BAN THE BIOLOGICALS
• Keep the humidity level below 50 percent (the humidity has to be at least 60 percent for mold to grow).
• Install and use fans vented to outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms, which can also reduce levels of organic pollutants that vaporize form hot water used in showers and dishwashers.
• Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors.
• To help prevent moisture buildup, ventilate the attic and crawl spaces.
• Clean cool mist and ultrasonic humidifiers in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and refill with clean water daily. Be vigilant, because these machines can become breeding grounds for biological contaminants.
• Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators frequently.
• Thoroughly clean and dry (or remove) water-damaged carpets and building materials as soon as possible after damage. These can harbor mold and bacteria.
• Clean and disinfect the basement floor drain regularly. Before finishing a basement, patch all water leaks and be sure to have adequate heat and ventilation to prevent condensation. Keep the relative humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent (if necessary, use a dehumidifier).
• Keep the house clean to help reduce the amount of animal dander, pollen, dust mites, and other allergy-causing contaminants. If you suffer from allergies, use allergen-proof mattress encasements, wash bedding in hot (1300F or 540C) water (to kill dust mites), and avoid dust-collecting furniture and knick-knacks, especially those that cant be washed in hot water.
Because vacuuming can actually increase airborne levels of mite allergens and other biological contaminants, allergy suffers should head outside while the house is being vacuumed. Using central vacuum systems that are vented to the outdoors or vacuums with high-efficiency filters may also help.
Healthy Home!
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