Seasonal Allergies and Contributing Allergens Commonly Found in Homes and Offices

Seasonal allergies impact millions of people with symptoms ranging from a runny or stuffy nose to itchy eyes. Commonly referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies begin for many people during the spring months when trees and plants begin to bloom, and outdoor pollen and mold counts begin to climb.

Allergy sufferers know to keep windows and doors closed. Allergy sufferers also know to avoid spending an extended period of time outdoors during days with high pollen and mold counts, or during dry and windy conditions. Far fewer recognize some of the allergens and irritants that can make allergy symptoms worse or trigger a reaction that may already be in many homes and buildings. For many people, they include the following:

• Exposure to fragrances can irritate some people’s eyes and respiratory tract making seasonal allergies symptoms worse.
• Consuming alcohol can aggravate allergies in people sensitive to sulfites.
• Eating some raw produce that contain food proteins similar to pollen allergens can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
• Not washing clothing after it has been worn outdoors can allow allergens to build up on the clothing.
• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke is believed to aggravate allergy symptoms in many people.
• Breathing chlorine and other pool and hot tub chemicals can have a similar effect.

“Dusty indoor environments can aggravate allergies and there are a number of common allergens that are frequently present in homes, schools and office environments,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These include cat, dog, cockroach, dust mite, rodent and latex allergens. If a property has suffered water damage or high humidity levels, it could also have mold growth resulting in elevated levels of airborne mold spores and fragments. These could trigger allergy symptoms or even an asthma attack in some people who suffer from the condition.”

To determine if there are indoor allergens, EMSL offers environmental testing services, sampling supplies and test kits. If allergens are present, test results will identify the allergen(s) so that corrective actions can be taken to eliminate or reduce exposure. EMSL has recently sponsored a video about seasonal allergies and things to avoid indoors that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/4Z0XgzEfs-g.

To learn more about indoor allergens or other environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access and more information about test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail