Allergens

What are Allergens?

An allergen is a type of antigen that produces an abnormally vigorous immune response in which the immune system fights off of a perceived threat that would otherwise be harmless to the body; such reactions are known as allergies. When an allergen that a person is sensitive to is present, the person's immune system overreacts by producing allergic antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.

This reaction usually causes symptoms such as sneezing, stuffiness, runny nose, or itchiness to the nose, roof of mouth, throat, eyes, and/or ears. As sensitivities vary widely from one person to another; a very broad range of substances can be allergens to sensitive individuals.

Health Effects

Allergens are known to cause allergic reactions and respiratory diseases to sensitive people. Seasonal allergic reactions can be caused by indoor allergens and manifests as nasal congestion, runny nose, watering of the eyes, sneezing, and postnasal drip. Symptoms of asthma, including wheezing or difficulty breathing, can also occur in susceptible individuals. Allergic reaction to indoor allergens can also cause conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the lining membranes of the eyes. Symptoms of this condition include red, watery, and itching eyes. Allergic symptoms involving the skin include eczema, or allergic dermatitis, characterized by a skin rash associated with itching. This usually results from direct contact with the allergen.

Inspection & Testing

The scope of the allergen assessment includes a visual inspection of all visibly and physically accessible areas inside of the subject property, collection of necessary/contracted samples, and explanation of laboratory data. This inspection documents conditions present at the specific time and date of the inspection. A written report of our finding and recommendations are presented to our client upon completion. In this report, our conclusions are based upon our visual observations and samples collected specifically at the time and date of inspection and collection of limited data from the inspection site.

Laboratory analysis of the allergen samples can detect the presence of the following allergen types (antigens):

• Dust mites (Der f1 & Der f2 anitgens)

• Cat (Fel d1 antigen)

• Dog (Can f1 antigen)

• Cockroach (Bla g2 antigen)

Microvaccuum (Microvac) Sampling

Settled dust is collected using a sampling pump; the sampled dust is vacuumed into a PCM/TEM cassette filter which is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Resources

• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

• National Institute of Environmental Health Services

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

• Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Air Quality

Allergens Quick Facts

• Each dust mite lives for approximately 30 days and produces about 20 fecal pellets per day. During that time, females may have added 30 new dust mites to the population.

• About 10% of the population is allergic to dust mites. About 80% of asthmatic children are allergic to dust mites.

• Although many substances in dust can trigger allergic symptoms, the most important indoor allergens are dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and molds.

• Some dust is present in every home, regardless of how often or how thoroughly the house is cleaned.