What Are The Most Common Household Allergens?
It’s estimated that in the United States alone, 80 to 100 million people have allergies. This is close to a third of the population, and these allergies come from many places, including inside the home. So, what are the most common household allergens?
The most common allergens found inside a home are pollen and dust mites, as they can be almost anywhere. You can find dust mites at home if it has high humidity and you don’t dust frequently enough. When left untreated, other allergens, like mold, mildew, and pet dander, can make living in your home uncomfortable.
It may take some time before you discover what’s been making you feel sick and uncomfortable at home. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how everything affects you. Follow along as we highlight the most common household allergens and explore some key solutions.
Six Common Indoor Allergens
1. Pollen
Pollen allergies, which affect millions of people, is hard to escape because it's everywhere during the spring and summer. This can make life at home quite difficult when the pollen count is high. Outdoor pollen can affect you indoors, especially if your doors and windows have gaps and cracks. Airborne pollen, along with bugs, can sneak in through the gaps beneath your doors.
Your pets can also track pollen into your home after they walk or play near seed plants. The best way to minimize indoor pollen is to use a high-rated air purifier with a HEPA filter. It’s also important to replace the air filter every one to three months during the spring and summer. Otherwise, the air filter and ductwork will retain lots of pollen and spread it throughout your home.
2. Dust Mites
Dust mites are more than just creepy arachnids; they can be brutal allergens. They produce waste that triggers uncomfortable allergic reactions in many people. A dust mite allergy can be dangerous for someone with asthma and other respiratory problems. Dust isn’t the only thing that attracts dust mites in your home. They love clutter, warmth, and humidity, all of which can create a perfect storm during spring and summer.
That’s especially true if the moisture in your home exceeds 50% humidity, which can attract dust mites and other pests, like spiders. Run a dehumidifier to keep your home’s humidity between 30% and 50%, which should help deter dust mites. However, you may still struggle with dust mites and other allergens if you don’t dust your home at least a few times per month. It’s also important to wash your bedding weekly, as dust mites also feed on dead skin cells.
3. Cockroaches
As if having cockroaches weren’t bad enough, they’re also common allergens that affect many people. Much like dust mites, cockroaches produce droppings that can trigger allergies. Cockroaches frequently shed their body parts, which can also trigger uncomfortable allergic responses. Their saliva is another trigger. Roughly 17% to 41% of the U.S. population suffers from cockroach allergies, but the true percentage is tough to gauge.
Many things attract cockroaches, so deterring them is harder than it is with some other household pests. Everything from humidity and warmth to food scraps and clutter can attract cockroaches to your home. Quickly clean up after each meal, run a dehumidifier, declutter your home, and clean your sink drains to keep cockroaches out of your home. Cockroaches often come back after DIY eradication, so it’s worth hiring a professional pest control service.
4. Mold And Mildew
Mold and mildew are a concern, even if you aren’t allergic to them. However, people who are allergic to mold and mildew may struggle to get comfortable until it's been eradicated. Some people may not realize that mildew is a type of mold, although somewhat less serious. That’s because mildew typically stays on the surface, whereas black mold can run deep. This is partially why black mold is so dangerous, as it can soak deep within porous surfaces.
For example, you may not realize black mold is embedded in the drywall and spreading behind the walls. Mold relies on humidity and stagnant air to grow, so improving ventilation can help prevent it. It’s less likely to thrive in homes with 30% to 50% humidity, so using a humidifier is a must. Repair leaky pipes, run a fan while showering, and clean up after spills as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
5. Pet Saliva And Dander
If you’re an animal lover, the thought of your pet triggering your allergies is upsetting. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for many people, because pet dander is one of the most common allergens. Pet dander is the small dead skin cells that animals shed. In most households, pet dander comes from cats and dogs who naturally shed skin as they move around the house. Pet saliva is just as bad as dander when it comes to triggering allergies.
Some people are not aware that pet dander and saliva affect them so strongly until they’ve had a pet for a while. This doesn’t mean you should get rid of your pet, unless the allergy is serious. You can treat your pets with special shampoo and feed them special food to prevent allergies.
6. Tobacco Smoke
While tobacco smoke isn’t an allergen in the literal sense, it can produce allergy symptoms. This should come as no surprise, since there are over 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke. Smoking indoors is even worse, as the chemical irritants from smoke can linger for a long time. The resin that settles on surfaces is called “third-hand smoke”, and that may be what triggers your allergy-like reaction.
For example, you may move into a house that smells vaguely smoky and start experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. These toxins can re-enter the air long after the last time someone smoked in the house. If you smoked indoors but recently quit, wash all your bedding and clothes. This can significantly help reduce the residual toxins and irritants in your home.
Summing It Up
Common household allergens, like mold, mildew, and pollen, can trigger uncomfortable respiratory issues and other symptoms. Pet saliva and pet dander are common allergens as well, which you can minimize by regularly bathing your pets. If you discover that you’re allergic to cockroaches, the only solution is to call a pest control service right away.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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