Breathe happy

As heat builds up, learn how to beat seasonal allergies with experts

Sick days have been common in recent weeks as inclement weather batters the UAE and residents deal with a sudden onset of hay fever and asthma attacks. With occasional sandstorms, the situation remains difficult for those susceptible to atmospheric triggers.

Retreating indoors won't help much - indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outside air, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Combined with in-home risk factors such as dust mites and pet dander, attacks of allergic rhinitis could be more severe than usual, preventing people from living a normal life.

The good news is that the allergic symptoms can be alleviated with a few simple steps.

Vacuum frequently

Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to remove allergens such as sand particles, dust, pet dander and the microorganisms they harbour. Use a vacuum cleaner with a bag to trap dust and prevent it from being re-released into the air, and with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Clean the air vents

Clean air vents at home regularly by vacuuming and wiping them down with a damp cloth and non-toxic cleaner. Consider professional air-duct cleaning for thorough cleaningwith organic cleaning agents if you suspect that there is mould, insect or rodent infestation, or clogging.

Purify the air you breathe

Indoor air is a cocktail of undesirable pollutants. Besides sandstorm-borne allergens, it contains cigarette smoke, emissions from paint and upholstery, air fresheners and particulate matter from cooking. Air purifiers remain the most efficient way to eliminate these pollutants. Blueair units use HEPASilent technology, which removes 99.97 per cent of all harmful particles in a room, so you can sleep well, wake up happy and remain focused all day even if you have hay fever.

Also, look for endorsements from health organisations. Most of Blueair's air purifiers are recommended by Asthma Allergy Nordic, the association of allergy and asthma organisations, for those with hypersensitivity to allergens such as dust and pollen.

Alexander Provins, Director, EMEA at Blueair

Use dust mite covers

Use protective dust mite covers on pillows, mattresses, and box springs to prevent dust mite from getting to their food source, to prevent their waste and body parts already in the mattress from becoming airborne.

Control temperature  and humidity

Keep indoor temperatures under 21°C and relative humidity in your home below 50 per cent to make it difficult for dust mites to thrive. Common indoor air allergens fare badly in these conditions.

Use a wet cloth to clean surfaces and floors

Allergens are essentially tiny and invisible particles flying around in the air. Like dust, many will eventually land on surfaces and floors. Clean tabletops and other surfaces with a damp cloth, and ensure you mop the floors often.

Check allergy maps and adapt your routines

Monitor your allergy triggers via websites such as the government-recommened Plume Air Report, and Meteoblue.com, which track the air quality and pollen counts in Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE.

Use a car air purifier

Commuters in the UAE may not realise the air in their cars can be up to 15 times more polluted than on the road outside. An in-car air purifier with HEPASilent technology, such as Blueair Cabin Air, will filter 99.97 per cent of these impurities.

Alexander Provins is Director - EMEA at Blueair

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