Yes, there are Dust Mites in Phoenix. However, since it’s dry here most of the year, there are less dust mites than in more humid areas. But during rainy weather like our monsoons, the relative humidity increases as does the dust mite population.
Tag Archives: allergies
Hypoallergenic Dogs
Did you catch the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day? Did it make you want to get a puppy? Are you hesitant because someone in your household is allergic to dogs?
Just because you or someone in your family has allergies or asthma, doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. And they don’t have to hairless either! There are several breeds of dogs that are hypoallergenic – some have hair and some don’t.
One phrase that you may have heard during the dog show is “hypoallergenic” breeds.
The most famous hypoallergenic dog – America’s “First Dog” -Bo – a Portuguese Water Dog
A hypoallergenic dog breed or crossbreed is one that has less of an affect on allergy sufferers than other breeds. There are some that will argue that there really aren’t any hypoallergenic breeds – and they may be correct. What some people are allergic to is the dander. Dander is dried saliva that is on their coats. Dogs that don’t shed have lesser of a chance of getting dander into the air.
Obviously smaller dogs have less hair, thus less dander. Also take into consideration that if you take your dog outside, they’ll probably bring in outdoor allergens.
Keep in mind that getting a pure-bred dog will be more expensive than just going to the shelter to adopt. You must also factor in the size, temperament, level of energy, your lifestyle, whether you live in a house with a backyard or an apartment. You can research the breeds here.
Here’s a list of hypoallergenic dogs from the American Kennel Club:
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Maltese
- Poodles (Toy, Miniature or Standard)
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard or Giant)
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli – Mexican Hairless Dog
You should prepare your home to keep allergies at bay before bringing home the new addition.
Remove carpeting, heavy draperies, upholstered furniture and other places that could trap dander. Have your home’s air quality inspected and then professionally cleaned to remove the scents of previous pets, allergens and other indoor air pollutants.
Once the dog is home, wash their beds regularly. Groom your dog often especially after being outside. Don’t let the dog sleep in the bed of the allergy sufferer.
Contact AZ Healthy Home for an indoor air quality inspection today!
AZ Healthy Home
623-986-9365
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What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
VOCs are fumes discharged from a variety of different liquids or solids including chemicals, many of which have unfavorable health effects in both the short- and long-term.
These indoor air pollutants have a composition that makes it possible for them to evaporate under normal indoor atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure.1
Sources of VOCs
Some sources of VOCs are paints, coatings, new ca
rpets, adhesives, wall boards, ceiling tiles (formaldehyde), pesticides, cleaning products and solvents (acetone, isopropyl alcohol), cigarette smoke (benzene), among others.
If you have a home office, expect VOCs from copiers, printers, and new furnishings.
VOCs and other indoor air pollutants can cause respiratory aliments like asthma, allergies, damage to immune systems especially in infants and children even pets.
Health effects include:
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness. 2
The best thing you can do for your family is have your home’s indoor air quality inspected. Then have the air cleaned with ozone treatments. to reduce future exposure to VOCs, purchase products that contain low-VOCs or no VOCs.
When using products with VOCs, make sure the area is well-ventilated. Opening the windows in Phoenix may not be the answer to ventilating your home. Check the outdoor air quality before opening doors and windows to “air out” the house. You may be letting in air that is worse that what you’re letting out.
Your house should be inspected once a year.
Contact us to schedule an inspection of your home.
Contact us for an indoor air quality inspection today!
Contact AZ Healthy Home for an indoor air quality inspection today!
AZ Healthy Home
623-986-9365
Sources
1. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc2.html
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound
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