Why Do I Sneeze? Understanding Household Allergens
Many of you know that awful feeling... the sneezing, the runny nose, the watery eyes, the... well, you get the idea.
Allergies are a common disorder here in the United States. In fact, around 50 million Americans suffer from either seasonal or chronic allergies, including about 2.5 million people right here in Michigan. Nationwide, they cost the health care system about $18 billion a year.
Allergies are caused by oreign substances (typically small proteins) that are most often eaten or inhaled. These substances come from a number of sources like molds, dust mites, animal dander and pollen. Once they get into our system, the immune system mistakes these (normally harmless) foreign substances as dangerous invaders and sends out antibodies to attack them. When this happens, the the foreign substances become referred to as "allergens," and the unfortunate person begins to experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction can be caused by contact with an allergen -- ingesting a food or beverage a person is sensitive to; inhaling pollen, perfume, pet dander, or some other substance; or direct contact with an allergy-causing plant or perhaps a bee stinger.
What In The House Makes Me Sneeze?
Air pollutants are found in every home and building to some degree.
Biological contaminants include things like mold, viruses, bacteria, animal dander, cat saliva, dust mites, cockroaches and pollen.
Pollens come from plants. Viruses are transmitted by people and animals. Bacteria are carried by people, animals, soil and plant debris. Pets are a source of saliva and dander.
Rodents contribute to allergies, too. The protein in rat and mouse urine is a strong allergen, and it can become airborne with it dries.
Contaminated air systems can become a breeding ground for molds and other biological contaminants... and then spread them all over the house or building.
Dust Mite
Controlling The Indoor Environment
The relative humidity in a house should be around 40-45% to minimize the growth of biological yucky stuff (not a scientific term) in the home. House dust mites (the source of one of the most powerful allergens) grow in damp warm environments.
Standing water, water-damaged materials, and wet surfaces serve as breeding grounds for molds, bacteria... and insects.
Coming Up
In the upcoming posts, we'll look at common allergens (like pollen and pet dander) and the specific problems they cause to a home's indoor air quality.
And we'll also look at specific ways to fight the indoor air quality problems.
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