Testing for Indoor Allergens and Simple Tips to Keep Them Out of Your Home

For the millions of people with respiratory allergies, asthma or COPD, their home can sometimes be the source of respiratory irritants and allergens that can trigger or aggravate their condition. Some of the most common indoor allergens are associated with mold, dust mites, latex, pollen, pets, rodents and cockroaches.  

Fortunately, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce allergen and respiratory irritant levels in a typical home. They include the following:

• Use exterior and interior doormats and remove shoes before entering the home.
• Dust frequently, but do not simply aerosolize the dust during cleaning.
• When cleaning, use products that do not emit harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Vacuum frequently using a machine with a HEPA filter.
• Regularly wash bedding and children’s stuffed animals in hot water to control dust mite concentrations and to remove other allergens.
• Don’t forget to have drapes and window blinds cleaned on a regular basis.
• Install quality furnace filters and regularly change them. Consider using a portable air filtration device, but steer clear of machines that produce ozone.
• Be sure the home is properly ventilated so that pollutant concentrations do not build up indoors and that humidity in bathrooms can exit the home.
• Keep the home cool and the relative humidity low to decrease dust mite populations and the possibility of mold growth.
• If allergic to outdoor pollen, keep windows and doors closed during periods with high pollen counts.
• Check for signs of leaks and water damage throughout the entire home, including attics, basements and crawlspaces.
• Don’t allow smoking indoors.
• Minimize or eliminate the use of candles and air fresheners.
• Don’t leave food out that could attract cockroaches or rodents into the home.
• Keep indoor plants to a minimum if people are allergic to pollen or mold that can grow on plants or in their containers.
• Bathe pets regularly and keep them out of bedrooms.

“Indoor allergens come in many shapes and forms, but testing services and even home test kits can be instrumental in pinpointing their presence,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Test results provide details of specific allergens so that corrective actions can be taken to eliminate or reduce allergy sufferers’ exposure to these substances.”  

EMSL Analytical offers a Mold and an Allergen Test Kit that collects a dust sample from the home that is then analyzed. These tests will identify allergens due to mold, dogs, cats, dust mites, cockroaches, latex, rats and mice. EMSL also recently sponsored a video about allergens and simple steps that homeowners can take for a healthier home that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/hfKSZOOu_E0.  

To learn more about indoor allergen or other air quality testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access and more information about home test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.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) 8563032503

Contact via E-mail