Are Your Fall Allergies Due to Indoor or Outdoor Allergens?

During the fall, cooler temperatures have many people spending additional time outdoors. Fall is also ragweed season, which causes misery for millions of people who are allergic to its pollen. In fact, ragweed is considered to be the most significant allergy trigger in the fall, although there are other plants that also release pollen during this time of year.  Depending on where a person lives, ragweed pollen may be present from August through November. 

Mold is another common outdoor allergen during the fall.  Piles of damp leaves or other organic material make for an ideal place for mold to grow and release spores into the air.
 
When people who are allergic to these substances come into contact with them, their immune system releases antibodies that attack the allergens.  Histamines are released into the body and trigger the allergic reactions common to so many people.  In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, “Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.”
 
These outdoor air quality contaminants can be a concern to both people spending time both outdoors and indoors as these allergens can enter homes and buildings through open doors and windows, on people’s clothes and through air intakes in HVAC systems.  For some people, these same airborne allergens could even trigger an asthma attack. 
 
“For those who experience allergies all year long, they should also consider possible indoor allergens that they may be exposed to on a regular basis,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Common indoor contaminants include mold, dust mites, pet dander, latex, insect and rodent allergens.  To help people identify the allergens they are being exposed to, EMSL offers test kits and analytical services.  Test results allow people to take corrective actions to minimize their exposure or to eliminate the source of the allergen from their home.”
 
To purchase the allergen test kit, please visit: http://www.emsl.com/ProductCatalogDetails.aspx?Name=Allergen-Test-Kit---Retail&ProductID=ALRGN-RETAIL.
 
EMSL also recently sponsored a video about fall allergies and the indoor and outdoor allergens people may be exposed to during this time of year.  It can be seen at: http://youtu.be/1EAkzB6jU_E.
 
To learn more about environmental allergen testing services or other indoor air quality, health and safety issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail