Rid home of allergens, mold for asthmatics

FAIRFAX, Va., May 25 (UPI) -- Cleaning indoor air should top the spring to do list, especially for those with asthma, a U.S. allergy and asthma group says.

Members of Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics say even though the weather is nice, most people spend most of their time indoors -- as much as 90 percent -- the Environmental Protection Agency said.

For those with allergies or asthma, having clean indoor air, even in the summertime, is crucial to managing symptoms. A free guide -- Indoor AIRepair at Home -- can be downloaded from the group's Web site www.aanma.org/publication.

Making a home a no-smoking zone and using a basement dehumidifier can help keep air clean. To rid the home of respiratory irritants the group advises to:

-- Search around sinks, tubs showers, windowsills and in laundry areas for signs of dampness and mold. Track the source of water, plug it up and clean up visible mold.

-- Getting a High Efficiency Particulate Air vacuum. These vacuums have special filters that keep dust and allergens from blowing back into the air.

-- Replacing HVAC -- heating, ventilating and air conditioning -- system filters before air-conditioning season. Since these filters are designed to keep dust and debris from clogging parts of the system it may be a good idea to look into a high-efficiency filter or an air-cleaning unit.