Identifying Allergens and Environmental Pathogens that Can Cause or Aggravate Conjunctivitis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children in U.S. public schools miss 3 million schools days each year due to conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye. While some people are under the perception that only children get conjunctivitis, many adults also come down with the condition.
Pink eye is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in the world. It is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. This inflammation makes blood vessels more visible and gives the eye a pink or reddish color. The CDC reports that some of the main causes and types of pink eye include:

• Viral Conjunctivitis – which is caused by a number of different viruses, such as adenoviruses, and can be very contagious.
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis – there are several types of bacteria that can cause this, including Staphylococcus aureus, and some of these can be easily spread.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis – This is not contagious and is a result of the body’s reaction to allergens, such as pollen from trees, plants, grasses and weeds; dust mites; mold; pet dander; medicines; or cosmetics.
• Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritants – This is also not contagious and is caused by irritation from a foreign body in the eye or contact with swimming pool chlorine, smoke, dust, fumes or chemical vapors. The airborne irritants could be from indoor or outdoor pollution.

“While there are additional causes of conjunctivitis, these are some of the most common reasons people come down with the condition,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer indoor environmental quality testing of air, surface and dust samples for a number of these allergens, irritants and microbial pathogens. Our laboratories test for Staphylococcus aureus, mold, pollen, and allergens from cats, dogs and dust mites. EMSL also analyzes air samples for chemical pollutants and vapors. Understanding what people are being exposed to is an important first step in preventing new cases, or reoccurrences, of some forms of pink eye, as well as helping those who suffer from exposure to common allergens and respiratory irritants.”

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about conjunctivitis and some of its most common causes that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/wo3F0OAXF-g.

To learn more about surface, air and indoor environmental quality testing services or other building science, health and safety issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail