California Residents with Pets Have a Simple Way to Test for Allergens in their Home

Over 50% of households in California have at least one pet in their home.  For most pet owners, having an animal companion as part of the family adds to their quality of life, but their presence can also create unique indoor environmental quality issues that can trigger allergies or an asthma attack in some people.  

Pet dander and proteins found in pet saliva, urine and feces can all act as allergy triggers for sensitive individuals. These allergens can easily become airborne and due to their small size, remain in the air for extended periods of time. Eventually, pet allergens will settle on surfaces and fabrics throughout the home.  

These allergens, and generally not the animal’s fur, cause the allergic reactions. Although fur does collect these pet allergens, as well as other allergens found in typical household dust that can also trigger reactions.  Allergic reactions may be immediate or delayed and common symptoms often include itchy, swollen and inflamed eyes, as well as runny nose, congestion and wheezing.   

“Fortunately, allergy and asthma sufferers can easily determine if common pet allergens are present in their home,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “LA Testing, through its parent company EMSL Analytical, offers an Allergen Test Kit that collects a dust sample that is then analyzed for dog, cat, rat and mouse allergens. The kit also provides results for dust mite, cockroach and latex allergens. It’s quick and easy to use and provides homeowners and tenants with important information. If these allergens are found, people can then take steps to mitigate their presence.”  

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about pets and indoor air quality (IAQ) that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/mudykFalfSU.  

To learn more about indoor allergen testing services or other environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access and more information about the Allergen Test Kit, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other substances.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 8563032503

Contact via E-mail