Home Health Study
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The Importance of a Healthy Home
We all want to live in a safe environment, to keep ourselves and our families healthy. But to be able to maintain a healthy home, you need to be armed with the facts so you know what you’re up against and what to do about it.
FAQs
Did You Know We Spend 90% of Our Lives Indoors?
Because we spend nearly 90% of our time inside, the cleanliness of our home environment directly affects our health. Indoor air and surfaces can hold allergens, bacteria, and contaminants that impact both children and adults. In fact, allergies affect up to 30% of adults and 40% of children, making them one of the most common chronic health issues.
How Many Allergens Are in the Average Home?
Most homes contain six or more allergens. These include dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen that enter through doors, windows, clothing, and shoes. Even homes without pets still contain detectable pet dander, and more than half of homes have enough dander to trigger allergies.
Can Bacteria Enter Your Home Easily?
Yes. Shoes alone can carry multiple types of harmful pathogens into your home. In fact, a small number of bacteria types are responsible for the majority of illnesses and infections. Kitchens are often the most contaminated area of the home, even more than bathrooms.
Do Carpets Help or Hurt Your Health?
Carpets, rugs, and upholstery actually act like air filters. They trap allergens, dust, and bacteria that would otherwise circulate in the air. However, without regular cleaning, these contaminants build up and reduce the carpet’s effectiveness, potentially creating health risks.
Why Is Deep Cleaning Important?
Over time, dirt, bacteria, and allergens settle deep into carpet fibers and porous surfaces like tile and grout. Regular vacuuming helps, but professional deep cleaning removes buildup at the source and helps maintain a healthier home environment.
How Do Pets Affect Indoor Air Quality?
Pets bring joy—but also dander and accidents that can affect your home’s health. Pet dander can trigger allergies and asthma, and pet urine trapped in carpets or furniture can create odors and allow bacteria to grow if not properly cleaned.
What Are Common Allergy Symptoms and Triggers?
Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to substances like dust, pollen, mold, or pet dander. Symptoms can include:
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Coughing
• Congestion
More severe reactions can include asthma attacks or breathing difficulty.
How Many People Are Affected by Allergies?
Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Allergies are one of the leading chronic health conditions and cause millions of missed school and work days every year, along with billions in healthcare costs.
Where Are the Most Germs Found in Your Home?
Surprisingly, kitchens often contain more bacteria than bathrooms. Studies have found bacteria on:
• Kitchen sinks
• Countertops
• Sponges
• Household surfaces
Regular cleaning helps reduce these risks.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Carpet Cleaning?
Routine cleaning helps:
• Remove allergens and bacteria
• Improve indoor air quality
• Reduce allergy symptoms
• Extend the life of carpets
Vacuuming weekly with a HEPA filter is recommended, along with professional deep cleaning 2–3 times per year.
How Often Should Carpets Be Professionally Cleaned?
Professional cleaning removes deep-down contaminants that regular vacuuming can’t reach. Modern low-moisture cleaning methods allow carpets to dry quickly while effectively removing dirt, bacteria, and allergens.
Sources
- [1] Webmd.com Allergy Statistics – http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-statistics
- [2] http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/29/health/fight-germs-home-upwave/
- [3] American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Allergy Facts. http://acaai.org/news/facts-statistics/allergies
- [4] CDC. National Center for Health Statistics.FastStats:Allergies and Hay Fever. 2012. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/allergies.htm. Last Updated 2014.
- [5] Jackson K, Howie L, Akinbami L. CDC. Trends in Conditions Among Children: United States, 1997-2011. NCHS Data Brief. No 121. May 2013. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db121.pdf
- [6] Schaffer F. National Impact of Allergies. Academy of Allergy and Asthma in Primary Care. http://www.aaapc.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/National-Impact-of-Allergies.pdf
- [7] NSF International – http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/studies-articles/germ-studies/germiest-items-home
- [8] National Center for Healthy Housing – http://www.nchh.org/Portals/0/Contents/CarpetsHealthyHomes.pdf
- [9] National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) https://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2008/march/allergen.cfm
- [10] National Survey of Lead & Allergens in Housing, by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) & U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15241352

