CREATE A HEALTHIER HOME

March 15, 2005

Americans spend about $4.5 billion per year on prescription allergy medications to help them breathe better, sneeze less and soothe itching eyes, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the U.S. EPA.

"Since house dust and allergens can be a health risk, thorough home cleaning can be an important part of a healthier home prescription," said Dr. John Winder, allergist and chair of the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

"Anyone, not just those with allergies and asthma, can be affected by indoor contaminants that can cause a variety of symptoms such as headaches and irritated eyes," said Dr. Winder.

"Common household dust can contain dust mites, pet dander, pollen, ragweed, mold spores and bacteria," he noted.

To remove dust, dirt and allergens and help create a healthier home, the first line of defense is a high quality bagged vacuum cleaner with high efficiency filtration and dust containment like the advanced new Oreck® XL21® Upright Vacuum Cleaner. Its HEPA filtration system captures 99.9 percent of allergens, down to 0.3 microns or 1/250th the width of a human hair. To capture and remove these small, irritating particles, it works with seven layers of filtration via a three-layer inner bag inside a four-layer outer bag made with the same technology as surgical masks.

An advanced self-sealing Oreck inner vacuum bag locks in dust, dirt and allergens. In contrast, a bagless vacuum can spew dust back into the home and onto the hands and face and into eyes and contact lenses when the dirt container is emptied.

"Children are the most vulnerable to indoor allergens because of their developing systems. They tend to spend the most time indoors, often on floors," said Dr. Winder. "With asthma at epidemic proportions and allergies on the rise, especially among the young, thorough cleaning is especially important to families with children," Dr. Winder continued.

An effective plan to reduce dust and indoor allergens starts with cleaning the key dust and dust mite zones in the home. One potential hotbed that demands extra cleaning is the bedroom, Dr. Winder notes.

"Most people spend about a third of their time sleeping, young children even more, increasing exposure to allergens in mattresses, pillows, carpeting and drapes," Dr. Winder said.

The Clean Home experts at Oreck recommend:

• Use vacuum tools to remove dust, instead of cloths which can spread dust around. To get at hard-to-reach spots that harbor dust, like moldings, drapes, under beds, etc., Oreck developed a separate, lightweight compact canister with tools that comes with every upright. Carry it or sling it over your shoulder.
• Encase the mattress and pillows with allergen-protective covers. Wash linens in hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) to kill dust mites and their eggs. Vacuum mattresses and pillows regularly.
• Vacuum baseboards where dust mites, dust, dirt and mold can thrive.
• Deep clean carpets and other floor surfaces at least once every season. Allergens can stick to fibers deep down.
• Use an air purifier to remove airborne pollutants. Keep homes cool and dry, with humidity at 50 percent or less. If a humidifier is used, empty it frequently to avoid mold growth in the tank.
• Don't let pets sleep in the bedroom. Keep dust catchers such as stuffed animals or crowded shelves to a minimum. Vacuum stuffed animals.

Remember, thorough, regular cleaning is following doctors’ advice to help create a healthier home.

For more information on creating a cleaner, healthier home, go to any of 450 Oreck Clean Home Centers across the country and ask the advice of their trained experts.

The new Oreck Clean Home Center opened in New York, 2003 Broadway, at 68th St.

For years of effective allergen control and maximum cleaning, the Oreck XL21 Vacuum Cleaner is backed by a 21-year warranty. Twenty-one free annual tune-ups are provided at Oreck centers as an extra measure, if ever needed, to ensure high performance.