Allergy Aware

Your home should be a safe retreat to get away from the stress of the outside world but if you are constantly feeling under the weather it could be that your home is actually making you ill.  Hiding in most houses are hidden substances or organisms which can cause allergies.  40% of people in the UK suffer from allergies caused by allergens which are hiding in your furniture, carpet and even your bed.

Undetectable to the naked eye, there are also chemicals floating around that can escape from all sorts of products including carpets, toys, clothes, cosmetics, computers, TVs and food packaging. Sometimes an allergy is triggered by the lowering of the immune system, caused by physical illness or a stressful event, such as a career change or divorce.

Hairsprays don't actually cause allergies, but some people are intolerant to them and will suffer shortness of breath or wheezing.  You can use more natural based products but be careful when using hairspray if you are pregnant or spending time with children. Some perfumes in hairsprays can contain hormone disruptors or allergens.

Some plastics contain substances known as phthalates. These add flexibility to goods such as food packaging and some children's toys, but can escape into foods and have been found in human tissue.
Artificial musk and xylene used in perfumes, cosmetics and household products such as fabric conditioner and air freshener, have been found in the environment and breast milk. 

We are actually allergic to the proteins and enzymes contained in the saliva of a pet, rather than the pet itself. When a cat or dog licks or scratches itself, skin cells drop off the animal and become airborne.  Allergens, transported by the skin cells, settle in bedding, carpets and furnishings.  Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in humidity and warmth. Usually found in mattresses, bedding and upholstery, they survive on human skin cells for food. They digest our skin cells and excrete them as faecal particles which settle in our mattresses, pillows and carpets. Female dust mites excrete 20 particles a day, lay up to two eggs and live for five months.

Mould spores are fungal organisms that appear as black or green spots and grow in moist conditions. They survive in damp washing, ripe fruit and cheese and settle on the soil of house plants, in the fridge and hide behind wallpaper.
Mould spores can cause chronic sinus problems, respiratory symptoms and coughing.
Apart from stripping the wallpaper and repainting the walls to seal them, ventilate the house. When cooking, always open the windows to prevent moisture from settling in the kitchen. Don't leave piles of damp washing hanging around and always dry out the bathroom after use.

Let us take the stress out of washing and ironing for you - make the most of Iron Maids FREE collection and delivery service by contacting us on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk