By Rita Colorito on December 3, 2011 in
Think your pet-free home is free of pet allergens? Not so. Cat dander has been found in places where cats have never stepped foot, according to American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) case studies. Referred to by allergists as "passive" exposure, cat dander can travel from one place to another from hitchhiking onto clothing and other personal belongings.
"More than 90 percent of homes have measurable dog and cat allergens and 52 percent of homes have a pet. So not only is it a common allergy, but the allergen is everywhere," said Dana V. Wallace, MD, ACAAI president-elect at the group's recent annual scientific meeting.
"Studies show that when asthmatic children who are allergic to cats attend classes with many cat owners, they have increased asthma symptoms," Dr. Wallace said. "We usually see a spike in asthma episodes at the beginning of the school year when students are reintroduced to the allergen after being away from it over the summer."
Rather than hermetically seal yourself inside your home, there are measures you can take to make sure your own home -- whether it houses an animal family member or not-- remains allergen free. Wallace suggested implementing as many of these suggestions as possible:
- Bleach clothing and bedding when possible to reduce allergens
- Cover mattresses and pillows with tightly woven microfiber fabric to capture pet allergens
- Use HEPA room air cleaners and a HEPA vacuum
- Replace your HVAC filters with a MERV 12, or, if you'll be installing or redoing your central heating and ventilation anytime soon, consider a whole-house filtration system.
- Cut down on carpets and carpeted-surfaces that can trap dander
- Substitute leather furniture for upholstery
And if you have pets:
- Bathe animals regularly
- Designate one room an "allergy free zone" where pets aren't allowed
- Keep pets out of bedrooms
To help you with your home cleaning, check out our reports on air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, and canister vacuums. We even have best reviewed washing machines that include allergen removal features. If you have lots of wall-to-wall carpeting, check out our report on best carpet cleaners. Or browse through our flooring buyer's guide for hard surface flooring ideas.
Hopefully, this helps you and other pet allergy sufferers fight the effects of the phantom