Ever woken up in the morning still tired, or with raspy irritation in your throat? Do you sneeze or cough regularly? There's an air battle going on in your home! Here are some of the opponents you're fighting as you rest:
POLLEN
Pollen from plants and trees is one of the top sources of seasonal allergies. In summer and spring, pollen granules are expelled into the environment and the air we breathe, causing recurrent rhinitis, commonly also known as hay fever (sinus/nasal allergies). A single plant or tree may expel millions of pollen particles per day. People with allergic reactions to pollen can develop sensitivities to other allergens such as mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites.
MOLD
Mold spores are a top cause of recurrent allergic rhinitis. There are thousands of varieties of mold types, both indoor and outdoor. A single mold growth can produce millions of additional spores!
Molds can be found anywhere with oxygen and moisture. In your home, molds can originate in bathrooms, humidifiers, air conditioning, basements, and even carpet or walls.
DUST MITES AND HOUSE DUST
The most significant cause of allergies in the home is dust mites. These critters are microscopic cousins of spiders and ticks that do well in warm, moist areas. Dust mites primarily feed on dead skin cells that are regularly shed from humans and animals.
The most problematic part of dust mites is their fecal matter--these allergens are easily inhaled into the lungs and respiratory system.
Dust mites thrive in carpets, upholstery, and mattresses. The average bedroom is contaminated with millions of dust mites!
PET DANDER
Watery and itching eyes? Sneezing? Hives? Stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, or post-nasal drip? You may have pet allergies.
Most pet allergies are caused not by the actual pet hair, but by proteins from glands in the animal's skin. These proteins are deposited in skin particles, which flake off to become dander. This dander sloughs off into the air, and from there into the lungs, triggering allergies.
You can also learn more about indoor air quality at the EPA's website.
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