Is There a Fabric That Can Shield Against Chemicals & Dust Mites?

Dust mites, smoke, aerosol, pollen and other allergens can cause great respiratory discomfort. Anti-allergy fabric is useful in protecting your home, but control of allergies works best with an anti-allergy routine.

Allergen Measurements

• Particles measuring less than 2.5 microns enter the lungs most easily. exhaust fulmes image by bilderbox from Fotolia.com

  Small particles are scientifically measured in microns. A micron is equal to 1 millionth of a meter. The width of an average human hair is 70 microns. A dust mite measures from 4 to 10 microns. Airborne particles measuring less than 2.5 microns, deemed by NASA as PM2.5, include tobacco smoke, car emissions and aerosol.

Control

• Minimalist decor is a good choice for controlling allergies. Living Room image by Dawn from Fotolia.com

  Allergens enter your furniture by passing through the spaces in the fabric. Tightly woven fabric, a 4.6 micron weave or less, is an effective barrier to many allergens. Impermeable fabric, such as vinyl, provides the best protection against PM2.5. Carpets and drapes accumulate allergens too and should be chosen wisely or not at all when decorating your home.

Prevention/Solution

• Tobacco smoke is very difficult to remove once it gets into your home. no smoking sign image by PaulPaladin from Fotolia.com

  Anti-allergic fabric alone will not control allergic reactions. Together with a regular cleaning and vacuuming routine, high efficiency air filters, minimizing objects in your home where allergens can accumulate, not allowing smoking and washing bedsheets and slipcovers on a regular basis are key in keeping your home allergy free.