When thinking of allergies, we easily think of the more common allergens like pollen, dust, and peanuts. While these are quite popular, did you know there are a number of hidden allergens in homes that can cause a host of respiratory issues and, in extreme cases, death?
“A clogged dryer vent is a breeding ground for hidden allergens”, explains David Jafine, vice-president for Dundas-Jafine Inc, an air distribution product manufacturer for over 80 years. “Over time, mold, lint accumulation and unwelcome pests can cause serious harm to your family”.
Here are the three main threats to look for when hunting for unwanted allergens in your laundry room:
Mold: A wet load of clothes holds the equivalent of ½ a gallon (2 litres) of water. Placing soaked items in a dryer with a clogged vent is creating a recipe for disaster. A clogged dryer vent may cause water to pool in the vent, resulting in the growth of a forest of mildew and mold spores. These microscopic spores compromise air quality, causing respiratory issues and asthma attacks.
Lint: Excess lint mixed with water from a clogged dryer vent can create a pasty mess like paper mâché. A clogged dryer vent will spew this concoction from the back of your dryer, causing it to harden in the vent and stick to the wall behind the dryer. This is an extremely dangerous situation for families with gas dryers. Gas dryers with clogged vents can push harmful carbon monoxide fumes into homes. This odorless gas can cause very serious health issues, with documented cases of death due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Animal Droppings: Naturally, animals seek warm, safe places to protect themselves and their young from the elements. Unfortunately, we often see animals attempt to build their nests in dryer vents. Once settled, they leave droppings. Inhaling dust laced with rodent and bird droppings is extremely harmful to your family. The bacteria found in animal droppings has been known to cause Histoplasmosis and Hantavirus, two very serious conditions that have been linked to death. In addition, pneumonia and other serious health problems are attributed to breathing in contaminated air.
Prevention and maintenance is the key to your family’s health. A simple vent cleaning and a pest-proof vent cover will drastically lessen the chances of your vent becoming an animal hideout. We have the products you need to keep your home safe.
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