Design Rx Example: Assessment

Assessment and Analysis For people who suffer from asthma and allergies the primary triggers within the interior environment are dust mites, pollen, animal dander, and cockroaches. The primary goal is to reduce surfaces where allergens can accumulate and escape periodic cleaning. Another goal is to reduce the impacts of soft features within a room such as mattresses and box springs, stuffed animals, carpeting, curtains, and bedding as much as possible. Soft features often act as a “sink” whereby allergens become embedded into the stuffing and fibers. These allergens are then released back into the air with interaction. An average mattress can contain as much as 2-million dust mites, about one quarter of a pillow’s weight consists of dead and living dust mites, and we spend about 1/3 of our lives in bed (Siedlecki, 2003). Based on these notions the room was photographed and analyzed for areas concern and mitigation. Analysis:
	Issue: Carpeting and carpet pads act as allergen sinks in so far as they collect dust, dander, and mold spores. Despite the frequency, level, and degree of cleaning, it is nearly impossible to collect and remove allergens that become trapped in the carpet fibers and the carpet pads. Rx: Remove carpet and carpet pad, and replace with hardwood, bamboo, cork, title, or rubber flooring. These floors are better because they are easier to clean, but they must be cleaned regularly.

Issue: Horizontal blinds are among the worst window treatments available because they have numerous flat surfaces where allergens can accumulate. In addition many people neglect cleaning these surfaces or fail to clean them thoroughly because of the difficulty.

Rx: Replace windows with double-paned windows that contain the blinds between the two panes of glass. A second option would be to replace the horizontal blinds with either vinyl vertical blinds or a pull-down shade.

Issue: Ventilation ducts and vents must be cleaned on a routine basis. The ducting system for ventilation often serves as a reservoir for insect urine and fecal matter, dead insects and arachnoids, house dust, and dander (human and animal).

Rx: Replace the HEPA ventilation system filters on a biennial basis, or twice per year remove the ventilation faceplate to clean, and coat the interior ventilation ducting around the faceplate with an antimicrobial paint.

Issue: Ceiling fans must be cleaned on a routine basis. The blades, whether in a constant state of movement or only used periodically, provide places where allergens can accumulate. This fan, because of the light and the fan’s position over the bed, is particularly problematic because allergens can collect on the blades and on or in the globe of the light and then be dispersed onto the sleeping area when the fan is turned on.

Rx: Remove the light portion of the fan and make sure that the fan’s blades are cleaned regularly.

Issue: Framed wall art often has ledges where allergens can collect. Many people forget to clean the frames or the spaces between the back of the artwork and the wall.

Rx: Replace wall art with murals or patterns painted directly onto the wall.

Issue: Bed has two end tables with shelving along with a small bookcase. Shelving tends to act as a reservoir for allergens. Many people neglect to clean behind books, thus allowing those spaces on the shelves to become great places for allergens to accumulate.

Rx: Replace open shelving with shelves that are located behind sealing doors. Remove both end tables with shelving or just the shelving portion.

Issue: Hanging artwork including toys and mobiles often have complicated edges and surfaces that are hard to clean, and their relative position in a room often means that they are neglected during routine cleaning.

Rx: Remove and avoid this kind of décor within the room.

Issue: Many people associate smell with cleanliness or dirtiness. Household cleaners, incense, fragrant candles, and air fresheners are often used to facilitate the perception of cleanliness. Allergy or asthma symptoms are often exacerbated by these artificial fragrances.

Rx: Remove all sources of artificial fragrances including the candles from the room. Refrain from using aerosol air fresheners in the room.

Issue: Stuffed animals can be a significant source of allergens because they provide a place for the allergens to collect, and those allergens become embedded in the toy’s fabric and stuffing.

Rx: Get hypoallergenic stuffed toys if they are an important aspect of the room’s décor or used for the comfort of child.

Issue: Pillows, comforters, mattresses, and box springs act as sinks and can harbor many allergens. The older the item, the greater quantity of allergens. Some synthetic pillows and comforters can be washed in hot water, but they must be washed fairly frequently in order to avoid the build up of allergens.

Rx: Replace pillows with hypoallergenic pillows; use hypoallergenic pillow, duvet, and mattress covers.

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