(BPT) - As spring draws near, allergy season follows close behind. While blooming flowers and budding trees may be welcome, they can also bring allergens that trigger sneezing, congestion and itchy, watery eyes for millions. Allergies are nothing to sneeze at: they currently affect approximately 30% of adults and 40% of children in the U.S., making them an ongoing struggle for many.
To help you better understand the ins and outs of allergies, the experts behind Clorox™ PURE™ - a new line of daily allergen neutralizer sprays designed to stop indoor allergens like non-living pollen, dust mite matter and pet dander before they become allergies - debunk common misconceptions.
Myth number 1: Allergies only affect people in the spring
While springtime is typically peak allergy season as pollen from many varieties of plants, trees and flowers are prevalent, many people can experience allergies year-round. In the fall and winter, dust mites tend to increase once you turn on your heating, and mold tends to peak due to outdoor decomposing leaves and damp spots in the home. And while summer lends itself to warmer weather and more time spent outside, we still see pollen and dust mites working their way throughout the home.
Myth number 2: You can avoid allergies by staying indoors
Many people who experience allergy symptoms all year may be reacting to common allergens like dust mites, pet dander and mold that can live inside your home. And no matter how hard you may try, it can be impossible to keep all pollen out of your home. Whether or not you or the other members of your household currently experience allergies, you can actually develop allergies over time simply from repeated exposure to common allergens, meaning the more you are exposed, the more sensitive your immune system can become to potential allergy triggers.
To manage indoor allergens, add Clorox™ PURE™ Allergen Neutralizer Daily Air and Fabric & Carpet sprays to your daily routine. Developed with allergists, these daily sprays neutralize common household allergens like non-living pollen, dust mite matter and pet dander by changing allergens' active protein structure so they can no longer bond to receptors in your body and trigger allergies. You can use Clorox™ PURE™ Daily Air Spray in common living spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, entryways and more while Clorox™ PURE™ Fabric & Carpet Spray is designed for use on soft surfaces where allergens can lurk. Think hard-to-clean areas like carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, pet beds and more.
Myth number 3: Most people react only to one allergen
It's common for people with allergies to be allergic to more than one thing. This can be because an overly sensitive immune system tends to overreact in multiple ways, causing allergies to appear in clusters. In other words, once allergies take hold, new sensitivities can follow. This is all the more reason to take action to neutralize allergens in your home before they become a bigger problem.
Myth number 4: If you weren't allergic to something as a child, you won't develop allergies to it later
It is entirely possible to develop allergies later in life, often without warning. New environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, like getting a pet, and immune system changes as you get older can all increase susceptibility. While you can't control every trigger, you can take control of your environment. One way to help decrease the likelihood of developing allergies is by reducing your exposure to typical indoor and outdoor allergens.
Learn more about managing indoor allergens in your home year-round at Clorox.com/PURE, and find Clorox™ PURE™ Allergen Neutralizer products nationwide at Walmart.com, Amazon and in the air-care aisle.
