Dust Allergens in the Built Environment

Описание: Almost everyone has at one time or another experienced sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes after coming into contact with dust in their home, school, or work environment. Dust often contains aeroallergens, which are airborne substances, such as mold or pet dander that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people following inhalation or dermal contact. In some asthmatics, aeroallergens could trigger an asthma attack, or potentially worsen other respiratory diseases.

When dust becomes airborne, it can remain in the air for long periods of time and settle throughout an indoor space. Dust can contain a number of different substances, including numerous allergens. These may include:

• Dust Mites - Dust mites are tiny bugs that feed on human skin flakes and are found in places such as mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, and fabric-covered items. They are one of the most common causes of allergies from dust.

• Cockroaches - Cockroaches and their droppings can trigger allergies and even asthma attacks.

• Pollen - Pollen is an allergen that can aggravate allergic rhinitis and several respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Pets - Allergies due to pets are common and both furry pets and pets with feathers can cause an allergic reaction in some people. These allergies occur when individuals with sensitive immune systems respond to proteins that can be found in pet urine, saliva, and pet dander.

• Mold - Mold spores can be found in both indoor and outdoor air. If these spores land on a damp area indoors, they may begin to grow and release additional spores. Mold spores and fragments can cause allergies, trigger asthma attacks, act as a respiratory irritant, and in some cases, cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.

• Latex – Even people wearing latex gloves during dust-cleaning activities could be exposing themselves to latex allergens.

In addition to these and other allergens, in some circumstances, dust could also contain lead from deteriorating lead-based paints, asbestos fibers if asbestos was used in the property, and potentially other exposure concerns.

These are just a few of the many things to know about dust allergens and the built environment. To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.

Clark Seif Clark https://www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. https://www.emsl.com
LA Testing https://www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental https://www.zimmetry.com
CTSI https://www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine https://www.healthyindoors.com