<p>A Clear Headed Approach to Allergens</p><p>By Budda Oliver</p><p></p><p>Much is made of the supposed 'hidden dangers' that lurk beneath one's nose in and outside one's home. While it is no doubt true that allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and lint, can eventually become a problem in one's home, it would be absurd to suggest (or to believe) that one's life or safety are in danger if one does not address one's allergy situation.</p><p></p><p>On the same token, one would be wise to consider the fact that in-home allergens exist and are a factor in one's respiratory health. These things being said, one should try to take a clear-headed approach to recognizing and addressing both in-home and outdoor irritants. We'll investigate two areas where allergens can accumulate: carpeting inside the house and gardens outside the house.</p><p></p><p>Rugs and carpets are not typically considered to be an area of health concern. For the most part, these household items are taken for granted as domestic elements that need not be focused on nor paid attention to. There is a good deal of wisdom in this approach. Many homeowners see no need to worry about these items after the point of purchase. This perspective, which could be filed in the 'if it's not broke don't fix it' department, is not without a fair degree of merit.</p><p></p><p>However, home owners need to be aware that these normally forgotten household items can in fact collect a good amount of pet dander, lint, and dust mites over time. A simple and easy way to investigate your rug's condition is to analyze by eye. If it looks to you as if your carpet is musty or faded, consider an appointment with a rug or carpet specialist. While panic or nervousness can and should be avoided, one should not forget that allergens can cause asthma and other respiratory conditions and should not be ignored.</p><p></p><p>We now turn our attention outdoors. Gardens, replete with floral irritants, can be a allergy danger zone for young children. It is typically thought that outdoor irritants are the greatest source of discomfort for adults. This is mostly correct. These seasonal allergens can be mitigated with the help of over the counter allergy medication. From this basic empirical truth, some homeowners assume that the allergy danger must be multiplied manyfold for their children.</p><p></p><p>The seemingly sound reasoning is actually a misleading way of dealing with allergies. While it is correct to say that children with a predisposition to outdoor irritants are affected by allergens found in the garden and yard (and who would deny this?) it is not entirely true that children are affected more by irritants than their adult counterparts. In fact, recent medical studies suggest that some exposure to allergens early in life may help the body fortify its defenses against irritants. This same principle is used by doctors when they inject patients with a small amount of a virus during vaccinations.</p><p></p><p>What then, is an appropriate amount of outdoor exposure? The appropriate amount will, of course, vary. It is safe to say that children should be outdoors for no less than a half hour a day. Unless you notice your child having an adverse reaction to outdoor exposure, it might be good advice to simply take your child outdoors as much as possible! However, this is clearly up to each parent to decide.</p><p></p><p>To summarize, outdoor and indoor allergens can adversely affect the health of children and adults alike, but the presence of a danger need not necessitate a nervous or over-anxious reaction. As the example of the child's allergy defense system shows, a small amount of danger can often be a good thing. When it comes to allergens, use your common sense and don't overreact.</p><p></p><p>Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Absolute Carpet Care. The carpet cleaning company provides carpet cleaning services throughout the Northern Virginia and Washington DC areas. For more information on their Carpet Cleaning Services please visit their website.</p><p></p><p>Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Clear-Headed-Approach-to-Allergens&id=2142973</p><p></p><p></p>