| Healthier Homes Taking steps to a healthier home Until recently, public health approaches to asthma and other respiratory tract infections and allergies have focused on post symptom treatment and medication. Only in the last few years have there been any serious attempts to research the home environment and devise and test strategies for prevention or control of symptoms. These strategies are no substitute for a good personal management plan, including regular consultation with your doctor, use of appropriate medication and lifestyle changes. However research to date suggests that measures taken to control Dust Mites, Moulds and Pet Allergens in the home environment can be effective in minimising or even eliminating the problems. 
Dust Mites
Weekly hot washing (above 55oC) of bed linen in soapy water will kill dust mites. Dust mite covers also require a regular hot wash and PVC covers should be wiped down regularly. Always check manufacturers' instructions. Expose blankets, quilts and bedspreads to direct sunlight for several hours each week if possible and wash every 2-3 months. Choose pillows and quilts which can stand this treatment. Remember that it is the frequency of washing rather than water temperature that is important in reducing allergen levels.
 Dust all surfaces 2 or 3 times a week with a damp cloth. Ensure that rooms are light and well ventilated. Scatter rugs should be put out in the sun for 3 hours every month and washed if possible. Fitted carpets and soft furnishings should be vacuumed 2-3 times a week with a vacuum that has a good filter system (triple internal, HEPA or replaceable electrostatic) or one that is ducted outside. Small items and fluffy toys (avoid too many fluffy toys as they can also harbour mites) can be put in a plastic bag and frozen for four hours every week. This will kill any mites. Avoid handing down old, and possibly mite infested, mattresses or upholstered furniture to other family members, particularly where babies or young children could be users. For more information on asthma management, contact your local Asthma Foundation office. Testing programs conducted at universities in Europe, Canada and England show that Ultra-Fresh® effectively controls dust mites in foams, fibres and fabrics. These results have been confirmed by our own tests carried out by the Institute of Respiratory Medicine, University of Sydney. 
Mould and Mildew
Ensure your house has good ventilation and an intact damp course. Clean out the drip tray of the fridge regularly. Clear out gutters and keep yards free of weeds. Throw out old food from the fridge. Vent airflow from laundry driers to the outside, not just to the ceiling space.
Wash and air clothing and shoes frequently. Put indoor plants outside regularly and change the top soil. Clean evaporative air conditioners annually. Treat any mould growth with a bleach solution - do not inhale the fumes. | Tests show that Ultra-Fresh® inhibits the growth of a wide range of fungi including Aspergillus fumigatus Aspergillus niger Candida albicans Chaetomium globosum Epidermophyton floccosum Gloeophyllum trabeum Mucor racemosus Paecilomyces variotii Penicillium funiculosum Schizophyllum commune Trichophyton mentagrophytes Trichophyton rubrum |   | 
Pet Allergens
For the more sensitive it may be sensible to minimise contact with pets. Follow the steps on carpet treatment outlined under Dust Mites. Where possible wash pets once a week - always checking first with your vet on any treatment. Keep pets out of the house if possible and definitely out of bedrooms. Avoid water filled vacuum cleaners as pet allergens are water soluble and can spray out through the filter. It is suggested that you avoid having pets in the home in the period prior to starting a family. Research has shown that babies and young children exposed to pet allergens,which remain active long after the pet has left, are more susceptable to developing asthma and allergic reactions in later life. 
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Asthma Cause
