Indoor Allergens a Public Health Threat

Allergy and immunological disorders are identified as one of the most important health concerns of modern time. The number of people suffering from these types of ailments is growing day by day. An estimated 22% of the population is suffering from some form of allergic disease (this data is based on a survey conducted in 33 different countries and over 1.39 billion people). This situation is alarming because at present the ratio of allergy specialist and sufferers are ranging from 1:25 million to 1:16,000. This emphasizes the need to create a workforce equipped with technical knowledge and cutting age technology to combat allergy and immunological disorders and/or their clinical management.  

A number of biogenic or a-biogenic particles are identified as a potential source of allergens. Mold/fungi, pollen grains, dust mites, other plant and animal borne materials are identified as some common allergens. It is essential to have the proper knowledge of allergens, their prevalence and mode of action for therapeutic or clinical management of allergy and immunological disorders.

Common Source of Indoor Allergies

• Aeroallergens:

These are airborne substances of biological or a-biological nature, capable of initiating allergenic symptoms. Pollen grains, fungal spores, plant trichomes/fibers, opaque particles, skin cell fragments, minute plant or animal borne materials besides other particles of organic or inorganic in nature are common examples of indoor aeroallergens.      

• Surface allergens:

Settled mold spores, pollen grains, nuisance dust, plant trichomes, animal hair/dander, fiberglass fiber, man-made/synthetic fiber, mold affected materials, and actively growing mold in and around building surfaces are significant sources of indoor allergies.

• Carpet allergens:

Man made/synthetic fibers, Nuisance dust, settled spores of biological nature, chemicals/dye, hair/dander, skin cells, mold etc. are common carpet allergens, particularly from older carpets.

• Insect and animal allergens:

Dust mites, cockroach, mouse, rat, bed bug etc. are identified as common allergen sources of indoor environments.

• Pet allergens:

Dog, cat, and other pet animals are significant sources of indoor allergens for susceptible individuals.

• Food allergens:

Food stuffs such as milk, egg, cereal, fruits and vegetables, meat and fish can be allergenic in nature to certain individuals.

Types of Allergy in Indoor environments

• Respiratory allergy:

The main cause of respiratory allergies in indoor environments stem from the inhalation of allergenic particles such as pollen grains, mold spores, nuisance dust, and other plants and animal borne materials etc. This affects the respiratory system causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, breathing difficulties, watery eyes and nose, etc. Hay fever and asthma are listed as the most common and significant respiratory allergies.  

• Contact allergy:

Commonly due to contact and/or exposure of allergenic substances, some individuals experience allergy like symptoms such as itching, burning, reddening, and blistering at the affected area. Allergenic eczema is the most commonly reported contact allergy of indoor environment.    

• Food allergy:

It is one of the diversified types of allergy and hard to detect. It happens mostly due to the consumption of food stuff which is not suited to the susceptible individuals. Symptoms of food allergies include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, nausea, swelling of the throat, hypotension, skin rashes, etc. Some common food allergies include allergy to cow's milk, egg protein, soy, peanut, fish etc.    

A number of tests starting from the do-it-yourself screen test to detailed environmental diagnostics are available to collect and identify the environmental allergens and their potential source. The outcome of these tests may be useful for the efficient management of allergy sufferers on one hand and health & hygiene on the other.

For additional information on identifying the Home for the Holidays Allergens you can contact Dr. Rajiv Sahay, Director, EDLab, Pure Air Control Services 1- 1-800-422-7873  ext 303 or visit the web site at www.pureaircontrols.com.

To discuss performing a Building Health Check assessment of your facility (home or business) call the credentialed professional indoor environmental consultants at Pure Air Control Services-Building Sciences 800-422-7873  ext. 802.

Also available are economical Do It Yourself (DIY) method is appropriate to collect the samples for screening the microorganisms from the flooded environment.  Building Health Check, LLC has been helping hurricane victims for many years by offering a full line of Do-It-Yourself Indoor Air Quality Test Kits, offering you peace of mind that your home is safe for your return.

For more information on the IAQ Screen Check product line contact Cy Garner at 1-800-422-7873 ext 404.

About Pure Air Control Services:

Alan Wozniak founded Pure Air Control Services, Inc. in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm. Today, the firm sets the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis and remediation.

Pure Air Control Services nationally performed IAQ services include: Building Sciences Evaluation; Building Health Check; EDLab an AIHA accredited Environmental Microbiology Laboratory; Environmental Project Management; and HVAC system cleaning & Mold Remediation Services, among other indoor environmental services.

The company’s expanding client roster includes the FAA, Walt Disney World, General Services Administration (GSA); Allstate Insurance; CBRE, Carrier Air Conditioning; NAVFAC, DOT, USACE, US Army, and many other Fortune 500 companies, school boards, and city, state, and county governments, making Pure Air Control Services the reliable industry leader.

For more information on Pure Air Control Services, Inc. please contact Alan Wozniak or Cy Garner at (800) 422-7873 ext 802 or 804 respectively, or visit www.pureaircontrols.com.