Allergies in the Home

How can SilverGuard products help with Allergies in the Home?

According to Allergy UK “Indoor allergies” is a term used to describe a range of allergens that can be found in home or indoor environments. Common indoor allergens include house dust mites, mould and pets. Other sources include chemicals in cleaning products, latex, wood burners and wood stoves, and VOCs in paints.

While in most people the substances (allergens) pose no problem, in allergic individuals their immune system identified them as a ‘threat’ and produces an inappropriate response. Allergic reactions with an indoor allergy usually develop over time and are usually exacerbated during the Autumn/Winter months as more time is spent indoors.

How does the IONIC+ silver thread technology help with allergies in the home?

While being vigilant with cleaning and ensuring homes are well ventilated are key to addressing allergies in the home, SilverGuard products can also offer additional benefits:

SilverGuard and Mould

Moulds release spores and it is these spores that cause the allergic reactions in people. Spores contact skin and nasal and bronchial membranes, causing symptoms such as rhinitis, itchy eyes, eczema and, most importantly, asthma.

So how do SilverGuard products combat mould and other pathogens? The IONIC+ silver thread that is woven through all SilverGuard fabrics. The technology works by releasing silver ions from IONIC+ fibres which act in several ways to inhibit and eliminate pathogens (including bacteria, viruses and fungi) on the surface of the fabric:

Silver ion release: silver ions disrupt cell walls and essential cellular processes
Inhibition of replication: the silver stops mould spores from reproducing
Cell membrane disruption: directly damages cell walls, leading to cells being non-viable

The IONIC+ silver technology has been tested against several known pathogens and has been proved effective at rendering bacteria, viruses, fungi and moulds ineffective. The silver thread is also non-toxic and environmentally friendly; it does not introduce chemicals or nanoparticles into the home or the environment, making it a safe choice for individuals, families and pets.

SilverGuard and Dust Mites

Dust mites are a common allergy among people with asthma; over 50% of people with allergic asthma have a dust mite sensitivity. Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in close contact with humans. Their preferred habitat is unsurprisingly dust; which is made up of hair, dander, dead skin, insects and mould. An important component of the dust mite diet is mould that grows on the dead skin that they consume. The mould softens and partially digests the skin cells, allowing them to be more efficiently processed by the dust mite.

Washing sheets and pillowcases frequently can help reduce the levels of dust mites and bacteria on bedding as well as dust mite excrement. With SilverGuard bed linen, the IONIC+ silver thread technology works to eliminate the fungi that dust mite rely on to survive, therefore eliminating their ecosystem.

Where to find SilverGuard Products in the Home

While being vigilant with cleaning and ensuring homes are well ventilated are key to addressing allergies in the home, SilverGuard products can also offer additional antimicrobial benefits:

Bathrooms

Moulds flourish in damp environments, with the bathroom being one of the easiest places for mould to grow, because bathrooms are often dimly lit, coupled with moisture and warmth – all three conditions for mould growth.

SilverGuard Towels (face clothes, hand towels, bath towels)

Bedrooms

Dust mites prefer warm and humid conditions and are often. found in bedding, carpets, soft furnishings, and clothing. A significant amount of exposure to house dust mite allergen happens in the bed. According to YouGov only 30% of British people wash their bedding at least once per week. Dirty bedding can affect your health causing allergic reactions, illness, infections and spread viruses.

SilverGuard Bedding

Basements/Sheds

If you unable to avoid a damp environments (such as basements or outbuilding) wearing a face mask can act as a barrier to exposure to mould spores, with the IONIC+ silver also acting to render pathogens ineffective

Kitchen

In the kitchen the antimicrobial properties of SilverGuard aprons and tea towels work to counter damp, humid environments that can be found in kitchens.