There are three basic strategies for controlling allergens in the indoor environment.
1. Source Control
Source control is the most effective strategy for controlling allergens.
Find out what causes the allergen or pollutant, where it is located, what it consists of, and reduce or eliminate the source.

Tobacco Smoke or Wood Smoke - Do not allow smoking inside your home. Declare your home a smoke-free zone. Wood-burning fireplaces may be a trigger for some children. If so, you may not be able to utilize the fireplace.

Excessive Moisture and Mold - Use an exhaust fan over the range to remove moisture, and cooking odors. Control moisture to control mold growth. Keep humidity levels low (40-50 percent relative humidity). Repair all leaks and drips.

Dust Mites - Clean regularly. Wash bedding materials weekly or more often if needed. Vacuum and wet mop hard-surface flooring often to reduce dust mites and pollen. If dust mites are an allergen for your child, carpet, stuffed animals, open shelves, and other dust-collecting items may have to be removed from the child’s
sleeping area. Dust - Clean blinds, ceiling fans, and filters on a regular basis.

Pollen - Keep washable rugs at all entrances. Wash them weekly. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.

Pets - If you have pets, wash and brush them weekly to remove pollen, animal dander, hair, dust, etc. Keep pets away from where children sleep. It may be necessary to keep pets outdoors if the child’s asthma is triggered by them.

Strong Odors or Fumes - Cleaning products and pesticides can add pollutants to the indoor air. Keep your home well ventilated when using these products. Consider using less toxic products.

2. Ventilation
Good ventilation can help reduce some allergens in the indoor air.
Buildings need to have a sufficient amount of outdoor air to dilute and remove pollutants and moisture that are produced indoors and to supply combustion devices (and occupants) with oxygen. However, outside air may have pollutants in it, such as pollen. One also must consider the cost of heating or cooling the outside air when bringing it into the building.

Leave doors between rooms open most of the time for better air circulation. Open
windows when possible to allow for a good supply of outdoor air. Install exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture and chemicals from the building. Fit your gas range with a hoodfan that exhausts the air outside. Use the fan, or open a window when cooking to remove gas fumes.

3. Air-Cleaning Devices
According to Dr. Joseph Ponessa at Rutgers Cooperative Extension in New Jersey, there is little research evidence that directly links the use of air cleaners to improved health. However, if the indoor air is still a problem after doing everything you can to control the source and ventilate, you may choose to try an air cleaner.

The American Lung Association gives these points to consider if you plan to buy an air-cleaning device.

Efficiency - Look for mechanical filters, such as HEPA filters, and electronic air cleaners that can effectively trap particles.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) - The overall effectiveness of an air- cleaning device depends on the amount of air drawn through it, in addition to its efficiency. The label on the box will give the room size for which that the filter is designed.
Air Discharge Patterns - The flow of air produced by the air-cleaning device affects the general effectiveness of the device.
Price - Consider the cost of replacement filters and maintenance, in addition to the initial purchase price.

Source: Based on a fact sheet developed by Janie Harris, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Specialist, Housing and Environment, December 2007.

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