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Allergens in Homes
Environmental Professionals - Click Here
To have your
allergens tested, contact EMSL to purchase a Allergen Test Kit (Cost is
$15) and follow the sampling instructions contained in the kit, or install
a new Vacuum Cleaner Bag in your vacuum cleaner and vacuum the area of
concern, for example (carpet, furniture, floor, clothing material...etc),
collect at least 1/4 bag of debris, simply print and fill out one of our
CHAIN OF CUSTODY FORMS
and send your
sample (s) to our laboratory. Enclose a certified check or money order for
the amount shown on the chain of custody (pricing is per sample) along
with your samples and send to : EMSL Analytical, Inc., 107 Haddon Avenue,
Westmont, NJ 08108. Results will be given to you in 10 Days. Faster
Turnarounds are available if needed at a higher cost per sample see
CHAIN OF CUSTODY FORMS
for
pricing and all available turnarounds.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides a variety of Indoor Allergen
Testing Services, click on the topic of interest.
Mold in Homes
Dust
Mites In Homes
Cat Allergens
in Homes
Dog Allergens
in Homes
Rat Allergens
in Homes
Mouse
Allergens in Homes
Latex
Protein Allergens
The following information provided below is available at
the EPA Website:
www.epa.gov
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution - Biological
Pollutants
Biological contaminants include bacteria,
molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander
and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are
many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses
are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people,
animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of
saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a
potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated
central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold,
mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can then
distribute these contaminants through the home.
By controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some
sources of biologicals can be minimized. A relative humidity of 30-50
percent is generally recommended for homes. Standing water,
water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground
for molds, mildews, bacteria, and insects. House dust mites, the source
of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm
environments.Health Effects From Biological Contaminants
Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including
hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of
asthma. Infectious illnesses, such as
influenza, measles, and chicken pox are transmitted through the air.
Molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins. Symptoms of health
problems caused by biological pollutants include sneezing, watery
eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and
digestive problems.
Allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific
biological allergen. However, that reaction may occur immediately upon
re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time. As a result, people
who have noticed only mild allergic reactions, or no reactions at all,
may suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular allergens.
Some diseases, like humidifier fever, are associated with exposure
to toxins from microorganisms that can grow in large building
ventilation systems. However, these diseases can also be traced to
microorganisms that grow in home heating and cooling systems and
humidifiers. Children, elderly people, and people with breathing
problems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to
disease-causing biological agents in the indoor air.
Reducing Exposure to Biological Contaminants
 | Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors
in kitchens and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors.
These actions can eliminate much of the moisture that builds up from
everyday activities. There are exhaust fans on the market that produce
little noise, an important consideration for some people. Another
benefit to using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans is that they can
reduce levels of organic pollutants that vaporize from hot water used
in showers and dishwashers.
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| Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture
build-up.
Keeping humidity levels in these areas below 50 percent can
prevent water condensation on building materials.
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| If using cool mist or ultrasonic humidifiers, clean
appliances according to manufacturer's instructions and refill with
fresh water daily.
Because these humidifiers can become breeding grounds for
biological contaminants, they have the potential for causing diseases
such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever. Evaporation
trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators should
also be cleaned frequently.
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| Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building
materials (within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and
replacement.
Water-damaged carpets and building materials can harbor mold
and bacteria. It is very difficult to completely rid such materials of
biological contaminants.
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| Keep the house clean. House dust mites, pollens, animal
dander, and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced, although not
eliminated, through regular cleaning.
People who are allergic to these pollutants should use
allergen-proof mattress encasements, wash bedding in hot (130° F)
water, and avoid room furnishings that accumulate dust, especially if
they cannot be washed in hot water. Allergic individuals should also
leave the house while it is being vacuumed because vacuuming can
actually increase airborne levels of mite allergens and other
biological contaminants. Using central vacuum systems that are vented
to the outdoors or vacuums with high efficiency filters may also be of
help.
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| Take steps to minimize biological pollutants in basements.
Clean and disinfect the basement floor drain regularly. Do not
finish a basement below ground level unless all water leaks are
patched and outdoor ventilation and adequate heat to prevent
condensation are provided. Operate a dehumidifier in the basement if
needed to keep relative humidity levels between 30 - 50 percent. |
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Biological Contaminants -
From the IAQ Tools for Schools Kit - IAQ Coordinator's Guide -
www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/tfs/guidee.html
| Description |
Sources |
Standards or Guidelines |
| Common biological contaminants include
mold, dust mites, pet dander (skin flakes), droppings and body parts
from cockroaches, rodents and other pests or insects, viruses, and
bacteria. Many of these biological contaminants are small enough to
be inhaled. |
Biological contaminants are, or are
produced by, living things. Biological contaminants are often found
in areas that provide food and moisture or
water. For example, damp or wet areas such as cooling
coils, humidifiers, condensate pans, or unvented bathrooms
can be moldy. Draperies, bedding, carpet, and other areas where dust
collects may accumulate biological contaminants. |
There are currently no federal
government standards for biologicals in school indoor air
environments (as of 1999). |
| Health
Effects |
Control Measures |
| Mold, dust mites, pet dander, and pest
droppings or body parts can trigger asthma. Biological contaminants,
including molds and pollens can cause allergic reactions for a
significant portion of the population. Tuberculosis, measles,
staphylococcus infections, Legionella and influenza are known
to be transmitted by air. |
General good housekeeping,
and maintenance of heating and air conditioning equipment, are very
important. Adequate ventilation and good air distribution also help.
The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem,
clean up the mold and get rid of excess water or moisture.
Maintaining the relative humidity between 30% - 60% will help
control mold, dust mites, and cockroaches. Employ integrated pest
management to control insect and animal allergens. Cooling tower
treatment procedures exist to reduce levels of Legionella and
other organisms. |
Additional Resources
Asthma Web Site -
www.epa.gov/asthma
Biological Pollutants in Your Home,
January 1990 (402-F-90-102)
Explains indoor biological pollution, health effects of
biological pollutants, and how to control their growth and buildup.
One third of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage
development of pollutants such as mold and bacteria, which can cause
allergic reactions - including
asthma
- and spread infectious diseases. Describes corrective
measures for achieving moisture control and cleanliness. This
brochure was prepared by the American Lung Association and the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Indoor Allergens: Assessing and Controlling Adverse Health
Effects, Andrew M. Pope, Roy Patterson, and Harriet Burge,
editors; Committee on the Health Effects of Indoor Allergens, Division
of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Institute of Medicine.
National Academy Press, 1993. 308 pages. ISBN 0-309-04831-1.
This project was supported by funds from the Environmental
Protection Agency, National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry. Copies of this book are available
from the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., Box
285, Washington, DC 20055. Call 1-800-624-6242 or 202-334-3313 (in
the Washington DC metro area).
Indoor Air Fact Sheet No. 8 -
Use and Care of Home Humidifiers,
February 1991 (402-F-91-101)
Explains that some types of home humidifiers can disperse
microorganisms from their water tanks into the indoor air. Describes
the different types of humidifiers and provides recommendations for
their use and maintenance.
Fact Sheet -
Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality
Problems, August 1993 (402-F-93-005)
Discusses steps to take when cleaning and repairing a home after
flooding. Excess moisture in the home is cause for concern about
indoor air quality primarily because it provides breeding conditions
for microorganisms. This fact sheet provides tips to avoid creating
indoor air quality problems during cleanup.
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