Common Household Contaminants
Cigarette Smoke:
Cigarette smoke contains a number of toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde and benzene, as well as other particles and irritants. Allergy and asthma suffers are especially susceptible to the effects of cigarette smoke and it can actually cause or exacerbate asthma and allergies in the long term.
Symptoms: Itchy or watering eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, wheezing
Solutions: While the best solution would be to stop smoking or seek a smoke free environment, purifiers with high levels of carbon, especially activated or treated carbon, will help reduce or remove the effects of second-hand smoke.
Wood Smoke:
While a bonfire or fireplace can be pleasant, the gases and particles coming from the smoke of wood or other organic material can prove a severe health risk. The biggest risk with wood smoke comes from the microscopic particles that it puts into the air. It can exacerbate allergies and asthma and also cause long term and potentially severe health problems with continued exposure. It is especially harmful to young children, the elderly, diabetics and those with existing respiratory issues.
Symptoms: Burning and itchy eyes, runny nose, respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, asthma attacks
Solutions: Avoid exposure to smoke if possible. Choose a purifier with true HEPA filters to capture the smallest particles present in smoke.
Mold
Indoor mold typically grows in dark, moist areas in the house. It is a common allergen and can trigger asthma symptoms in asthmatics. The key to removing mold in your house is eliminating the source of moisture. However, mold spores in your air can trigger reactions, and those can be removed.
Symptoms: Nasal stuffiness, itchy, irritated eyes, wheezing, skin irritation. Symptoms may be more severe for individuals with severe mold allergies. Can cause fever, shortness of breath or infections among individuals with respiratory problems.
Solutions: Remove source of moisture to stop the growth of mold. Choose a quality particle filter to capture mold spores. A basic carbon filter can also help remove associated "musty" odors. Some purifiers also feature UV lights or electrostatic filters designed to kill the fungus that makes up mold.
Pet dander
Animal allergies are actually not caused by pet fur or feathers as many people believe, but by the dander (shedding dead skin cells) and saliva of pets. These can be present on pet fur, but also exist in the air as microscopic particles. Besides existing in your air, they can collect on furniture, clothing and carpets and last long after the pet has left the room.
Symptoms: Allergic reactions can vary but typically include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, rashes or skin irritation.
Solutions: Avoid contact with animals if possible. Vacuum and dust regularly to remove pet fur and dander. Wash hands and clothes after contact with animals. Look for purifiers with a good quality particle or HEPA filter to captures airborne particles. Units with a basic carbon filter will also help remove pet odors.
Pollen
Pollen can come from a number of sources, including grass, trees, flowers and plants in the ragweed family. It is often seasonal, although trees can release pollen as early as January in some areas. Most pollen counts are highest in the early morning, between 5 and 10 AM.
Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy throat, cough, increased asthma symptoms, sinus or ear infections in children
Solutions: Avoid the outdoors during peak allergy hours, avoid planting allergen-causing plants in your yard, choose a purifier with a good quality particle filter to capture pollen.
Dust/Dust Mites
Dust on its own can exacerbate allergies as it can often be made up of pet dander or fungi, but the most common source of dust-related allergies actually comes from dust mites, tiny arachnids who feed on dead skin cells and prefer warm, humid environments. Dust mites typical live in fabric such as curtains, upholstery, bedding, carpets and mattresses. While it is virtually impossible to completely eliminate dust mites from a home, steps can be taken to lessen their impact.
Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy throat, cough
Solutions: Dusting with a damp rag, washing fabrics and sheets in hot water, eliminating carpet where possible. Choose a purifier with a high-quality particle or HEPA filter to capture dust and dust mites.