It turns out that our transport is the strongest allergen.
The street for allergy sufferers is like a minefield. Moreover, at any time of the year. At the end of May, a birch tree bloomed near the entrance. In the summer – another attack – meadow grasses, which overgrown a huge wasteland. But the neighbor’s cat went out for a walk and finished her “business” right under the windows of the apartment. And dust, this scourge of city streets, from which even prolonged rains will not always get rid of. In general, continuous sneezing and tears.
You just want to hide from the unfriendly outside world behind the doors of your personal car. It is warm and cozy here, but, as it turned out, it is also unsafe. Allergist-immunologist Anna Kosova told in which places of the car the allergens are hiding.
“Essentially, allergies are the“ wrong ”response of the immune system. Wrong, because the immune system begins to react to antigens harmless to humans – pollen, household dust, food allergens, animal allergens, as if it were a terrible enemy, the doctor says. – Can we meet these allergens in the car? Easy! “
Pollen from flowering plants. The hottest season is early spring when the flowering period begins. The main scourge for us is birch pollen. The peak is in mid-May. In summer, weeds begin to bloom in parks and gardens. In the fall, molds lurk in the colorful carpet of fallen leaves.
Household dust. Household dust mites, these cute animals, live in everyone’s home – in the upholstery of upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, blankets, in book dust. They reproduce well on fabric rugs, carpets and rugs. They do not bite a person, do not drink his blood, feed on dead cells of the epidermis. Most people are indifferent to them, but some react to their waste products, which allergists fondly call “fecal pellets.”
Animals. Hypoallergenic animals do not exist in nature. It is a myth. Both bald cats and dogs with hair resembling human hair are just as dangerous for an allergy sufferer as the courtyard Murka or Sharik. Allergens can be found in animal dandruff, saliva and urine. Traces of the vital activity of cats and dogs can be easily brought home or into the car on the soles of shoes.
Food. Food allergies are less common. But there were times when a person almost died just by being next to someone who ate peanuts. It is for this reason that strong-smelling foods that are potential allergens – chips, nuts – should not be in the passenger compartment in an open package. Peanuts are the scourge of the United States and Great Britain. We are more often allergic to fish, milk, buckwheat.
Interior mat and upholstery. Plant pollen, dust, animal hair accumulate perfectly on the rug. Especially if it is fabric. Dirt and allergens accumulate under the rug, as well as in the fabric seams of the upholstery, at the junction of the backrest and seat, in the plastic interior trim.
Filters for air conditioners. Since it is not advised to open windows during the flowering season, air conditioning comes to the rescue. And, therefore, all hope in this case is on the filter. Filters should be changed regularly, preferably every month in the summer.
Cleaning chemicals. Means for cleaning the interior, engine and degreasing, washer – nothing is a pity for your favorite car. Most of these products have a rather intense, pungent odor. Here not only allergy sufferers will become ill. Choose products with less intense scent.
Air fresheners (“Christmas trees”). They also have a pungent and sometimes very unpleasant odor. Alternatively, it is better to use odor absorbers. They don’t smell on their own. Regular cleaning of the salon will also help to get rid of the unpleasant “sweetheart”.
– After you have transported your beloved cat to your mother’s dacha and returned to the city, be sure to walk through the cabin with a powerful vacuum cleaner with a filter that does not allow dust to pass through. Pay attention to the seams of the upholstery, plastic elements, as well as the space under the carpet and in the trunk. Even if you don’t use the luggage compartment, dust still accumulates there.
Treating the interior with a steam generator will also help. After all, proteins of allergens decompose at a temperature of 60 degrees. Even if the animal’s paw has never stepped into the salon, regular cleaning does not hurt.
– For external cleaning of the car, use odorless products. Yes, it won’t be easy to find such. But for the sake of health it is worth trying. You can also use the car wash services. But it is better to entrust the outside of the car to outside parties. But the salon, if you are allergic to the components of cleaning agents, it is better to do it yourself.
– Carry out a dry cleaning of the interior at least twice a year with a complete cleaning – from the ceiling panel to the floor. It is best to do this in the spring and fall, when the allergy worsens.
– Give preference to rubber mats over fabric ones. These are easier to clean. For the same reason, leather upholstery is preferable to fabric.