Seven strategies for reducing asthma triggers

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VANCOUVER, WA — As the most common chronic disease, asthma affects more than 35 million people, including six million children, causing more than two million emergency room visits and 500,000 hospitalizations, according to a press release.

To help minimize asthma complications, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), today announced its top cleaning tips to help minimize asthma triggers for Asthma Awareness Month this May, the release stated.

"It is often misunderstood that a primary triggers of asthma is found in dust mite droppings — something that can be significantly reduced through cleaning practices. Dust mites survive on skin cells. The skin cells are shed by the people in the house and simply land everywhere — in the carpet, on shelves, everywhere you see dust. It’s really amazing how many times we find lots of skin cells on samples when we test the indoor air quality (IAQ) of homes and offices," said Scott Armour, an environmental health science specialist.

"The skin, and the mites, are everywhere. Dust mites and other allergens can be controlled and significantly reduced with proper cleaning using the right methods and equipment. An effective cleaning program can drastically improve conditions for asthma sufferers," Armour added.

According to the release, the IICRC recommends the following cleaning tips to reduce asthma triggers:

Asthma trigger reduction cleaning tip #1: Don't rely on disinfectants: Often, facility managers believe that using a disinfectant will reduce asthma and allergy triggers. However, more intensive methods such as carpet cleanings, dusting and… [read more]

Asthma trigger reduction cleaning tip #2: Empty vacuums frequently: To ensure dust mites stay at a minimum, empty vacuum bags before they are full. When bags are roughly 1/3 to 1/2 full, empty them so… [read more]

Asthma trigger reduction cleaning tip #3: Dust frequently: Dusting is critical in the removal of dust mites, particularly in facilities that don't have carpet. Dust all surfaces on a frequent basis using… [read more]

Asthma trigger reduction cleaning tip #4: Maintain A/C and heating units: Each month, change air conditioning and heating unit filters to ensure dust mites don't recirculate into the… [read more]

Asthma trigger reduction cleaning tip #5:  Increase carpet cleaning frequency: If the facility has carpet, ensure all vacuums are equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are most effective in the removal of the common contaminants that… [read more]

For more tips, click here.

"When facility managers understand the importance of cleaning and its effect on health for the millions of asthma sufferers, they will be better able to maintain the indoor environment," said Armour.

Click here to read the release in its entirety.

Cleanfax Staff

Cleanfax provides cleaning and restoration professionals with information designed to help them manage and grow their businesses.

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