Controlling Environmental Triggers

The following are some tips to help you avoid exposure to some common allergens.

Allergies to pollen and molds

Keeping windows closed at night can help prevent pollen or molds from drifting into your home.
When driving in the car keep the windows closed.
Take the medications prescribed by you allergist regularly, in the recommended amounts. Do not take more medication than recommended to lessen your symptoms.
Stay indoors when the pollen count (amount of pollen grains present per cubic meter of air) is elevated, when the humidity is high and on windy days. If you have to go out change your clothes when you get home and consider taking a shower; pollen can stick to clothes and skin and get on your furniture.
Avoid mowing lawns or being around freshly cut grass or around raked leaves because this can stir up pollens and molds.
Do not hang sheets or clothing out to dry because pollens can stick to them.
Make sure that there is good ventilation in the bathrooms, kitchen and basement to help keep mold growth to a minimum.

Allergy to Animals

Keep your pet out of the bedroom.
Bathe your pet weekly to reduce the dander on the animal. Pet dander is made up of saliva, urine and dead skin flakes.
Have someone who is not allergic to your pet brush your pet outside and clean out the animal's litter box or cage.

Allergy to Dust Mites

Damp-mop floors at least once weekly.
Vacuum carpets at least once a week with a vacuum with a built-in HEPA (high efficiency particulate) filter or a vacuum that can use filter bags.
Use dust mite covers for the pillows, mattress and boxsprings.
Wash all linen and bedding weekly in hotwater (must be 130 degrees F).
Place filters over central air vents.
Use HEPA filters, especially in the bedroom, to help filter out dust and dust mite allergens.
Remove fuzzy or stuffed toys in the bedroom. If a child enjoys stuffed toys then choose washable, non-allergenic stuffed toys that are easily washable.
Minimize small objects and books in the bedroom where they can collect dust.



	The following are some tips to help you avoid exposure to some common allergens. Allergies to pollen and molds Keeping windows closed at night can help prevent pollen or molds from drifting into your home. When driving in the car keep the windows closed. Take the medications prescribed by you allergist regularly, in the recommended amounts. Do not take more medication than recommended to lessen your symptoms. Stay indoors when the pollen count (amount of pollen grains present per cubic meter of air) is elevated, when the humidity is high and on windy days. If you have to go out change your clothes when you get home and consider taking a shower; pollen can stick to clothes and skin and get on your furniture. Avoid mowing lawns or being around freshly cut grass or around raked leaves because this can stir up pollens and molds. Do not hang sheets or clothing out to dry because pollens can stick to them. Make sure that there is good ventilation in the bathrooms, kitchen and basement to help keep mold growth to a minimum. Allergy to Animals Keep your pet out of the bedroom. Bathe your pet weekly to reduce the dander on the animal. Pet dander is made up of saliva, urine and dead skin flakes. Have someone who is not allergic to your pet brush your pet outside and clean out the animal's litter box or cage. Allergy to Dust Mites Damp-mop floors at least once weekly. Vacuum carpets at least once a week with a vacuum with a built-in HEPA (high efficiency particulate) filter or a vacuum that can use filter bags. Use dust mite covers for the pillows, mattress and boxsprings. Wash all linen and bedding weekly in hotwater (must be 130 degrees F). Place filters over central air vents. Use HEPA filters, especially in the bedroom, to help filter out dust and dust mite allergens. Remove fuzzy or stuffed toys in the bedroom. If a child enjoys stuffed toys then choose washable, non-allergenic stuffed toys that are easily washable. Minimize small objects and books in the bedroom where they can collect dust.