Spring-Cleaning Stirs Up Dust and Dander

Spring-cleaning may make you feel good about your home, but if you’re one of 50 million people in the United States with allergies, spring-cleaning may make you sick. Dust and other irritants stirred up by vacuums are making people throughout the United States feel the effects of spring-cleaning in their eyes and noses. One way to limit exposure to airborne allergens and irritants is the use of a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters can be effective for people who have problems with airborne allergens and irritants such as animal dander, pollen and dust.

"People who use HEPA filters say they feel better and have reduced symptoms," says Maria Gutierrez, MD, a National Jewish physician who treats people with allergies and asthma. "Studies do show some reduction in the amount of cat and dog allergens with the use of HEPA filters. To date, though, the majority of clinical studies do not prove conclusively that HEPA filters result in a reduction of medication use."

Freestanding filter units trap airborne allergens, such as pollen and animal dander, and don’t re-release them back into the air. HEPA filters attached to vacuum cleaners reduce dust by trapping the small particles, comprised largely of dust mites, and don’t re-release "dirty" air. Regular vacuums redistribute into the air the same dust, dirt and allergens that are sucked out of carpet and furniture.

Many people with allergies have a freestanding HEPA filter in the bedroom, a HEPA filter attached to a vacuum cleaner or both. Filters need to be changed regularly in freestanding units and vacuums. Vacuums equipped with HEPA filters require enough power to draw up all dirt and allergens, and need to be airtight to ensure that the smallest particles don’t escape.

"Neither filtering device, however, is a substitute for standard medical treatment," Dr. Gutierrez says. "For pet allergies, the best defense is still to reduce exposure to pets, keep the dog or cat out of the bedroom or living room, and bathe the animal frequently. For non-airborne allergens, such as dust mites, follow standard precautionary measures, including encasing pillows and mattresses."