Spring is in full bloom and so is allergy season. With another harsh allergy season ahead, taking measures to reduce allergens in your workplace is more important than ever.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has six recommendations for improving indoor air quality and reducing allergy symptoms:
- Control dust mites. Keep surfaces in clean and uncluttered. Bare floors and walls are best, but if your facility has carpet, professional carpet cleaning removes dirt, pollen, allergens, dust and other particles deep within your carpet’s fibers.
- Vacuum once or twice weekly. Vacuuming helps keep allergens to a minimum, so speak with your cleaning contractor if you need to change your vacuuming schedule.
- Prevent animal dander. If yours is a progressive workplace that allows employees to bring their dogs to work, whether occasionally or regularly, keep in mind that most doctors advise people allergic to animal dander to avoid pets with feathers or fur.
- Prevent entry of pollen by keeping windows and doors closed. Air conditioning in warm weather is best and also helps control dust mites by reducing humidity. Change filters often in window units.
- Avoid mold spores. Reduce moisture around the bathrooms, kitchen and other areas with water. Fix all water leaks and other causes of dampness.
- Control cockroaches carefully. Use poison baits, boric acid and traps rather than chemical agents that can irritate rhinitis and asthma.
Source: https://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=18&cont=533
