Cold Weather Brings Out Indoor Allergies in Many

Extreme winter weather has hit many parts of the United States resulting in some of the coldest temperatures seen in those areas in close to 20 years.  The historic deep freeze closed schools, businesses and numerous institutions across dozens of states.
 
The severe cold temperatures have kept millions of Americans in their homes for days.  For those who suffer from winter allergies, spending so much time indoors can cause their conditions to worsen.  Although these indoor allergies are sometimes confused with the common cold, if the condition lasts for more than 10 days the cause is likely due to allergies and not a cold.
 
During the winter months, homes and buildings typically have their windows shut and the structures heating system working overtime.  These conditions can allow for the accumulation of a number of common indoor allergens and forced indoor heating can help to spread these pollutants from room to room.  Common indoor allergens include:
 
·         Mold can begin to grow indoors due to water leaks, elevated humidity levels and condensation on walls, windows and cold pipes during the winter months.
 
·         Dust mites, these microscopic bugs and their waste cause allergic symptoms for many and are frequently found in areas where people sleep.
 
·         Pet allergens such as fur, dander, saliva and urine can cause allergies.
 
·         Rodents and cockroaches found indoors can cause a host of allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
 
“Winter allergy sufferers may feel tired and experience itchy eyes and throat, along with watery and clear nasal secretions that may last for weeks or more,” said Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark.  “Those who have instead caught a common winter cold usually develop body aches, fever, chills and discolored nasal secretions that are usually gone within a week. At CSC, our indoor air quality experts are trained to identify a wide range of indoor allergens so that solutions can be implemented and those who suffer from indoor allergies can finally find relief.”
 
CSC recently sponsored a video about winter allergies and indoor air quality (IAQ) that can be seen at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s_hwuk30ac

To learn more about allergens and indoor air quality testing services or other health and safety issues, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and 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.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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