What allergens pollute your home and cause allergies?

It is often said that the indoor air in the house is more polluted than the outdoors. This is true. What are we talking about? It's simple: fine particles, harmful gases, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) … but also allergens. What is likely to cause allergies in your home? How can they be detected and dealt with? Is your health at risk? Allergens are numerous… and sometimes hidden!

Are allergens everywhere in your home?! Unfortunately, this is likely…

The concept is simple: an allergen can be found in all kinds of products or substances and is the cause of an allergy or several allergy risks. So you think you are well protected against allergens because you have no allergies? Don't rest on your laurels!
As in all homes, no one is immune to allergens. They come in different forms but it is difficult to get rid of them completely, especially as nobody has the same sensitivity to them. However, it is essential for your health, as allergies do not bring anything positive.

From your household products to your pets, dust mites, and moulds, every room is likely to be threatened by at least one allergen!

We will not discuss food allergens such as lactose from milk, gluten, and other substances found in foods. The same goes for allergens in non-organic cosmetics. Here we only deal with allergens that pollute the air inside your home.
To get rid of allergens in the long term, you need to clean up the air in your home, i.e. you need to follow at least the same rules of airing (morning and evening for at least 10 minutes), ventilation, and cleaning regularly. Don't allow allergies to ruin your life, learn to identify allergens to fight them off! Measuring indoor pollution is the first step towards its eradication.

It is sometimes difficult to know if you have allergies in your home, but most homes do. And since every allergen brings its own set of allergies… your health will thank you for being on the lookout!

Also note that pollutants such as smoke from smoking, VOCs, fine particles, and other toxic gases (CO, NO2…) can aggravate your allergy symptoms.

Household products: not only allergens

Chemical pollutants can cause allergies. This is particularly the case with certain household products that are not environmentally friendly and have little respect for the human body. Of course, they are effective and almost allow you to use the floor as a dinner table… but what's the point if you develop an allergy?

The formaldehyde present in cigarette smoke, glue, paint, and other sometimes toxic substances is not just a pollutant: it is a powerful allergen. So beware of products that contain them.

Pay attention to the labelling of the chemicals you use in your home. You should have all the information you need to choose a product that is organic, natural, and has a low risk of allergy. It is now mandatory for manufacturers to be fully transparent about the risks and adverse effects of each product.

Besides being allergenic, these products can also be more polluting and harmful to your health. Better safe than sorry… so be careful with your cleaning products and other chemicals.

Pets: a common source of allergens in a home

Of course, if you are allergic to cats, you would not get a cat. That goes without saying! But you may develop an allergy. These friendly creatures do not have a personal grudge against you, but someone in your household may develop an allergy to your favourite animal: cat, dog, hamster, bird, etc.

It's hard to get rid of this allergen… but at least you know exactly what to do to stop the allergy.
Let's also talk about the pets that you didn't choose, but that chose you, including cockroaches and other roaches! You may not know it, but these unwanted insects are also a source of allergies. Often found in kitchens, damp corners, and cupboards, try to avoid letting them spread and take immediate action.

The Netatmo Smart Weather Station alerts you directly on your smartphone when indoor pollution is too high. To ventilate as soon as necessary, also take advantage of the Velux Active with Netatmo technology, the best way to keep fresh air and keep allergens and allergies at bay.

Dust mites, a classic allergy problem

Dust mites are microscopic creatures, yet they are responsible for three-quarters of all respiratory allergies! Take care of your bedding (change and wash sheets and covers at least once a month), avoid carpets, thoroughly vacuum carpets and wash stuffed animals in the washing machine.

Allergies can happen quickly when dust mites become invasive. Don't let it happen to you! Reduce humidity, keep the temperature below 20 degrees, replace your carpets and rugs… in other words, do not make your home a cosy nest for dust mites.

Allergens are an integral part of the air pollution that poisons your home. Measure the exact quality of the air in your home with the Netatmo Smart Weather Station to ventilate when necessary! Use as much information as possible from inside and outside to make the best choices and avoid allergies.

Dust, mould, and other delights

Tidying up is not just about making your home more pleasant to look at, it's also about keeping it clean. Allergens cannot be eliminated simply by frequent vacuuming and a good dose of cleaning products (if possible less harmful than those mentioned above).

Dust can indeed cause allergies. The problem is that they naturally settle in every part of every room over time… on the floor, the furniture, the shelves, the decoration, everywhere.
Mould is present in 40% of homes in the UK. These unpleasant microscopic fungi emit substances that disperse into the air, causing pollution and allergies. All in all, in a home that is too damp and poorly maintained, as many as 150 varieties of allergenic moulds can invade your home.

One last piece of advice: beware of plants! Although they have a positive impact on your home and your health, they can also contain allergens. Their pollen can also cause allergies, so stay alert. You now know the main allergens that may be present in your home! So remember to clean your home well and to renew the air efficiently. If the symptoms persist and there is no noticeable improvement, it is recommended that you consult an allergist for further diagnosis.