Allergen Types

                       Clean air is essential for good health. The list below describes some of the indoor
                     allergens and pollutants that everyone should be aware of. If you suspect that you
                     may be exposed to any of these hazards, visit the "Allergens & Pollutants" page to
                     learn about some precautions you can take around your home to help reduce
                     harmful pollutants.

•                      Dust Mites
                     Dust mites are microscopic animals that live in household dust. They feed off tiny
                     flakes of human skin, and breed in carpets, curtains, and furniture. Each dust mite
                     lives two to four months and produces 20 droppings per day, which is a major
                     source of "dust allergies."
 
•                   Gasses
                     Aerosol cans and cleaning products may carry toxic gases or produce unpleasant
                     odors. Combustion equipment, including gas furnaces and water heaters, stoves,
                     unvented gas or kerosene space heaters, clothes dryers, and fireplaces can also
                     contribute to the number of indoor pollutants if used inappropriately or not kept in
                     proper working order. Long term inhalation of these hazardous toxins can result in
                     headaches, dizziness, or more serious problems.
 
•                   Pet dander
                     Pet dander is tiny flakes of dead skin from family pets. Dander can cause sneezing,
                     congestion, and even asthma. These flakes can be airborne, but more often nestle
                     into carpets and furniture creating unknown, long-term problems.
 
•                   Pollen
                     A primary contributor to hay fever, pollen particles linger in the wind. They blow into
                     homes through open doors and windows or they may be carried in on clothing.
                     Many people suffer from allergies induced by pollen and dust, but are unaware of the
                     cause of their problems.
 
•                   Bacteria & Viruses
                     Bacteria and viruses, found on household surfaces, can cause common colds and
                     flu. Sources include outdoor air, human occupants who shed viruses and bacteria,
                     animal occupants (insects and other arthropods, mammals) that shed allergens,
                     and indoor surfaces and water reservoirs where fungi and bacteria can grow. More
                     serious diseases such as tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases may also be
                     caused from these forms of pollutants.
 
•                   Mold
                     Mold, mildew, and fungus grow in dark, damp places. These growths create spores,
                     which can linger in your air, triggering allergies or asthma. Mold commonly appears
                     on bathroom tiles, wood or linoleum floors, and painted or wallpapered walls.
 
•                   Tobacco smoke
                     Caused from cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking, tobacco smoke can cause
                     headaches, nose, throat, and eye irritation; bronchitis, and pneumonia. Children are
                     more likey to develop respiratory and ear infections. Heart disease and lung cancer
                     are well-established consequences to long-term exposure.
 
•                   Asbestos
                     Asbestos, a structural fireproofing substance no longer in use today, is
                     predominantly found in heating systems and acoustic insulation, in floor and ceiling
                     tiles, and in shingles of many older houses. The health risk of asbestos occurs
                     when aging materials containing it begin to deteriorate. Asbestos fibers are released
                     into the air and inhaled. Exposure causes no immediate symptoms, however,
                     prolonged inhalation of both radon and asbestos can cause lung cancer.
 
•                   Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, and Air Conditioners
                     Improperly cared for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners can cause a
                     number of irritating symptoms including, fever, dizziness, asthma, digestive
                     problems, shortness of breath, and throat, nose or eye irritation.
 
•                   VOC's, Pesticides, Solvents, Household Cleaning Agents
                     A wide variety of VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds)are emitted by products used in the home. Numbering in
                     the thousands, these products include scents, hair sprays, finishes, rug and oven
                     cleaners, paints and lacquers, paint thinners and strippers, dry-cleaning fluid,
                     building materials, carpets, and other home furnishings. Signs and symptoms of
                     VOC exposure may include eye and respiratory irritation, nasal congestion, rash,
                     headache, nausea, and vomiting.

                          Sources include: The Inside Story and Indoor Air Pollution from the EPA.