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Allergen Control Information

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that Asthma is the leading chronic illness of children in the US and is the major cause of school absenteeism for a chronic illness. Every year there is an increase in the number of deaths due to asthma and the amount of Americans that have been diagnosed with asthma also increases. According to the American Lung Association, about 15 million Americans suffer from asthma and it is the seventh highest chronic condition in America. A 61% increase in asthma rate, from 1982 to 1994 was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Asthma can be a very serious illness and kills over 5,600 people a year. We have more detailed information on allergens and indoor air pollutants in our Asthma & Allergies and Indoor Air Quality sections of our Education Center.

Allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, affect one out of six Americans. An Allergy is a response to a substance, called allergens, that produce a reaction in the body. When the immune system is exposed to allergens, it produces antibodies which attach themselves to certain cells in the body called "mast cells."  These mast cells see the invading particle as a threat and release substances such as Histamine to destroy the intruder particle, but these substances also produce undesirable allergic reactions. When the reaction takes place in the nose and sinuses, it is called Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis. When the reaction to allergens occurs in the skin it is called Hives. An allergic reaction that occurs over the whole body can be life threatening and is called Anaphylaxis. A reaction in the stomach is a Food Allergy and when an allergic reaction due to allergens happens in the lungs, it is called Allergic Asthma. Asthma is a chronic illness that causes breathing problems and is considered a lung disease. It is still unknown what exactly causes asthma, but it is known that once you have it, your lungs react to "triggers" which can start an asthma attack.

Some common "triggers" of asthma and allergies include:

• Cold air.
• Tobacco and wood smoke.
• Strong odors or chemical fumes such as paints , hair sprays and perfumes.
• Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, pollution and molds.
• Respiratory illness such as the common cold or influenza.
• Certain drugs.
• Substances that come in contact with the skin such as cosmetics, perfumes, hair dyes and chemicals.
• Foods such as cow's milk, eggs, chicken, shellfish, peanuts, wheat products and various chemical food additives and preservatives.

When changes occur in the lungs, the air tubes narrow and make it difficult to breathe. This condition can develop very quickly or take days to manifest itself. These attacks may have various levels of severity.

An allergic reaction in the lungs, or asthma attack, causes three things to happen:

The indoor home environment can contain many allergens from organic and inorganic sources and they can become airborne as particles, vapors and gasses. These allergens can be derived from many sources such as entering from the exterior of the home, the building structure, furnishings, occupants, animals, plants and fungi.

The most common household indoor allergens include:

Dust Mites - These are microscopic creatures related to the spider family.  They are invisible to the human eye and are about 0.3mm in length. They live on human skin flakes and require water vapor to survive.  They are most prevalent in the bedroom where millions can exist in your mattress, boxspring, pillows and comforters. They are also found in upholstered furniture, carpeting and other fabric items. Dust mites produce 20 or more fecal pellets per day, which is the primary allergen to humans.  We inhale these allergens while sleeping and during periods when these particle become airborne such as when vacuuming and disturbing the infested fabrics.  

 

Molds - Molds are living organisms that proliferate in environments that have warm temperatures and excessive moisture.   These areas include damp basements, drip pans under refrigerators, bathrooms and places where standing water is present such as common humidifiers. Molds release spores into the air in an effort to reproduce and these spores are inhaled and cause allergic reactions.

 

Animal Dander - This is a combination of dead skin cells, saliva and sebaceous gland secretions from animals. Dead skin cells in animals flake off as the skin regenerates itself and saliva from the animal is applied to the skin from self grooming. This animal dander becomes dry and circulates in the air and throughout the house. Inhalation and/or skin contact can cause allergic reactions.

 

Chemical Vapors and Gasses - A variety of chemicals and gasses are present around the home that can trigger allergic reactions. Gasses in tobacco smoke and wood smoke from fireplaces along with vapors from building materials and home furnishings may be present in your indoor environment.   Chemically laden household cleaning products and personal care products may produce gasses and vapors that may result in allergic reactions.

 

House Dust - A mixture of fibers from carpets, furniture and clothing that becomes mixed with sand particles, human skin flakes, food debris, grit and various microorganisms. These particles, both large and small, are inhaled into the lungs where they may become lodged there and cause airway obstruction or allergic reactions that produce restricted breathing

Many common allergic reactions include:

Year-long Hay Fever Symptoms. Asthma Development. Chronic Sinusitis. Sneezing Runny, Blocked or Itchy Nose Itchy Palate

Asthma attacks. Eczema Headaches Itchy Eyes Wheezing Night Time Cough

 

Some important steps you can take to reduce your allergen exposure in your home include:

1. Use a central vacuum system (exhausts outside) or portable sealed HEPA Vacuum to prevent allergens from being dispersed into the air.
2. Encase your bedding with Dust Mite Barriers that prevent their proliferation in an area that you spend 1/3 of your day.
3. Wash bedding fabrics weekly in hot water (minimum 130° F).
4. Use surface treatments for Dust Mite Control, Animal Dander Control, Mold Control and Dust Control that will reduce your exposure to these allergens throughout the home.
5. Don't allow pets in the bedroom.
6. Reduce your exposure to chemical gasses and vapors with natural ingredient based Household Cleaners and Personal Care Products.
7. Reduce your exposure to airborne particulates with the use of a portable Air Purification Unit or a central air filtering system.
8. Increase low moisture levels in the home and prevent the release of mold into the air when using humidifiers by using Germ-Free Humidifiers that kill mold and bacteria before moist air is released into the room.
9. Remove the build-up of molds and bacteria and clean your home without irritating chemicals with a home Steam Cleaning System. 
10. Control excess indoor humidity with adequate ventilation and the use of dehumidifiers and air conditioners as necessary.