EnglishOn the Mission
Wednesday, May 1st, 2024
On the Mission with Norwex Chief Brand and Mission Officer Amy Cadora
May is National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month
Spring is in full swing – and for the one in four adults plagued with seasonal allergies, the sniffing and congestion may have already started.
The facts are nothing to sneeze at:
- 30% to 40% of the world’s population are estimated to have some form of allergy. In the U.S., that translates to over 100 million people; in Canada, up to 9 million.
- Nearly 26 million people in the U.S. are living with asthma, 3 million in Canada. In children under 18, asthma is the leading chronic disease.
- Allergy cases continue to rise. Contributing factors include climate change, air pollution, poor indoor air quality, dietary changes, even stress.
No wonder there’s an entire month devoted to raising awareness and educating family, friends and customers about allergies and asthma.
In the simplest terms, allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. Common triggers include:
- Grass, tree and weed pollen
- Dust, which contains up to 45 chemicals including phthalates and flame retardants
- Pet dander and insect stings
- Mold, which often grows indoors in damp and humid environments
- Chemicals, preservatives, bleach, synthetic fragrances and other harmful substances often found in conventional cleaning products
The best advice for controlling allergies: Avoid the allergens that cause them.
- Stay indoors and keep windows closed on high pollen count days
- Avoid gardening or mowing the lawn – or wear a mask when you do
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
- Use an air purifier (to clean finer particles) and dehumidifier (to remove excess moisture)
- Regularly replace HEPA filters
And now – drum roll, please – the winners of our inaugural Norwex Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month product awards.
Dust Buster: EnviroCloth® + water
The electrostatic charge within the cloth picks up and holds dust like a magnet.
The Upper Hand: Dusting Mitt
Eliminates the need for chemical-laden sprays and polishes.
Fan Favorite: EnviroWand® with Two-Sided Sleeve + Telescopic Mop Handle
Alone, this bendable tool attracts and holds dust all over the house. But when attached to our adjustable mop handle, it easily cleans ceiling fans and other hard-to-reach places – no ladder necessary.
Sweet Dreams: Mattress Cleaner
Reduces allergen buildup, including dust mites which feed on dead skin cells and thrive in mattresses. It also works on other soft surfaces like pillows, comforters, fabric furniture, even pet bedding.
It’s a Wash: Norwex laundry detergents
Clean clothing, linens and more without phosphates, chlorine, bleach and chemicals which can trigger allergies.
Best Entrance: Entry Mat
Absorbent microfiber and stiff polypropylene bristles trap outdoor chemicals and allergens at the door.
Finally, simplify the shopping experience by offering customers an Allergy and Asthma Share a Cart. Together, we can all breathe easier.
View all the content from this month’s Norwex News here.
