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Allergies in Australia affect 1 in 3 people at some stage of their lives. Allergies are also a major cause and trigger of asthma. An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to what should be ordinary substances in your environment. The Australian government recognises poor indoor air quality as being a common trigger for allergies and asthma (State of Knowledge Report Air Toxics and Indoor Air Quality in Australia).
Asthma“Asthma is Australia’s most widespread chronic (long-term and persistent) health problem. It affects over 2 million Australians: 1 in 7 primary school aged children, 1 in 8 teenagers and 1 in 9 adults” (Health Insite), Asthma is characterised by a narrowing of the airways in the lungs caused by inflammation and swelling of the airway lining; and excess mucous production that cause a constriction of airflow into the lungs. The US EPA acknowledge that, “indoor allergens and irritants can play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks” They list Second-hand smoke, dust mites, mould, pets, pests and combustion by-products as common environmental triggers 
A recent study from Spain has shown that using common household cleaning sprays as little as once a week increases a person’s chance of developing asthma, and that 1 in 7 cases of adult asthma are attributed to spray cleaning products; the worst culprits are, air fresheners, glass cleaners and furniture cleaners. Zock et al, (2007).
EKO Building Biology can help you identify asthma and allergy hazards in your home and remedy them. References
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