Identifying and Mitigating Pet Allergen Exposures in the Built Environment

According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, 82 million households in the United States own a pet. For many, their pet is a part of the family, but unfortunately, many homes with pets also suffer from indoor environmental quality issues associated with pet odors and allergens.

Both furry pets and those with feathers can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Pet dander is a significant source of pet allergens and is composed of proteins from flecks of skin shed by pets. People can come in contact with pet allergens by touching animals and contaminated surfaces, and by breathing air laced with allergens. Pet allergens can even act as asthma triggers for some people with the condition.

Unfortunately, allergies to pets are quite common. One of the most common allergies is to cats. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reports that cat allergens are found in cat saliva, which sticks to fur when cats lick themselves. They are also released by glands in the skin and shed as dander, or secreted in the urine of male cats. For dogs, the institute states that their allergens are also present in dander, as well as saliva, urine, and even blood. People can also be allergic to pet birds, hamsters, and numerous other types of animals.

NIEHS warns that pet allergens are easily spread because they can circulate in air and remain on carpets and furniture for months. In fact, they share that nationwide studies have shown that dog and cat allergens are present in almost all U.S. homes, even those without pets.

Those concerned about the possible presence of environmental allergens in their home, or potential future home or business, can turn to the indoor environmental quality experts at CSC. They offer testing for not only pet allergens, but also for dust mite, rodent, cockroach, mold, latex, and other allergens, respiratory irritants, and asthma triggers. They have even sponsored an educational video about pet allergens and indoor air quality that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/9pFX8IYAET4

To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com, or call 800-807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)
CSC was established in 1996 to help clients in both public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.

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Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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