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Allergens and Asthma Trigger Screening

(ref. www.epa.gov )

Allergens and Asthma Trigger Screening  may detect  unhealthy  indoor air quality conditions that may be causing or contributing to

many health issues relating  to children as well as adults.

There is a multitude of information available pertaining to unhealthy indoor air quality and how it affects our everyday lives.

The Federal Government has available many electronic and printed publications pertaining to the subject.

Also, there are many publications available from companies, foundations and individuals.

The information on this web page is a brief synopsis of the Federal Government's www.epa.gov  web site information pertaining to Allergens

and  Asthma Triggers.

Some information was compiled from the American Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/425.html

Some symptoms of Allergen and Asthma may include:           ( per the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Guide / Foundation

Research  Series)    803 West Broad St.., Ste 600,         Falls Church, Va.  22046

A. Respiratory distress and/or infection

B. Chronic Headaches

C. Inflammation, rashes on the face, eyes and throat

D. Compromised Immune Systems

E. Tintinitus ( ringing in the ears )

F.  Episodic Vertigo

G. Lethargy

H. Depression / Malaise / "Fog"

Note: To help prevent Allergen and Asthma Triggers, it is mandatory that all building materials ( new or existing ) be kept dry

during new construction or remodeling. This includes framing lumber, sheathing, drywall and other building materials.

The following categories are a brief  description of some of the known Allergen and Asthma Triggers as described by the EPA.

Biological Pollutants

Biological contaminants as reviewed here are limited to known Allergen and Asthma Triggers including animal dander and cat saliva, house

and mites, dust, cockroaches, droppings and body parts from cockroaches, rodents and other pests or insects, pollen (see more about Asthma

triggers at www.epa.gov/asthma). Biological contaminants are, or are produced by, living things. There are many sources of these pollutants.

Pollens originate from plants; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and

animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated Central

Air Handling Systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute

these contaminants through the home. Many of these biological contaminants are small enough to be inhaled.

Draperies, bedding, carpet, and other areas where dust collects may accumulate biological contaminants.

By controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized. A relative humidity of  35 - 51

percent is generally recommended for homes.

Standing water, water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces also serve as a breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria, and insects.

House mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens, grow in damp, warm environments.

Health Effects From Biological Contaminants

Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of  Asthma.

Infectious illnesses, such as influenza, measles, and chicken pox are transmitted through the air. Symptoms of health problems caused by

biological pollutants include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems.

Allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. However, that reaction may occur immed-

iately  upon re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time. As a result, people who have noticed only mild allergic reactions,

or no reactions at all, may suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular allergens.

Some diseases, like humidifier fever, are associated with exposure to toxins from microorganisms that can grow in large building ventilation

systems. However, these diseases can also be traced to microorganisms that grow in home heating and cooling systems and humidifiers.

Children, elderly people, and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-causing

biological agents in the indoor air.

Mold, dust mites, pet dander, and pest droppings or body parts can trigger asthma. Biological contaminants including pollens can cause

allergic  reactions for a significant portion of the population. Tuberculosis, measles, staphylococcus infections, Legionella and influenza are

known to be  transmitted by air.

Animals, Pets and Asthma

Your pet's dead skin flakes, urine, feces, saliva and hair can trigger asthma. Dogs, cats, rodents (including hamsters and guinea pigs) and

other mammals can trigger asthma in individuals with an allergic reaction to animal dander. Proteins in the dander, urine or saliva of warm-

blooded  animals (e.g., cats, dogs, mice, rats, gerbils, birds, etc.) have been reported to sensitize individuals and cause allergic reactions or

trigger asthma  episodes in individuals sensitive to animal allergens.

The most effective method to control animal allergens in the home is to not allow animals in the home. If you remove an animal from the home,

it is  important to clean the home (including floors and walls, but especially carpets and upholstered furniture) thoroughly

Pet allergen levels are reported to stay in the home for several months after the pet is removed even with cleaning. Isolation methods to reduce

animal allergen in the home have also been suggested by reputable health authorities (e.g., keeping the animal in only one area of the home,

keeping the animal outside or ensuring that people with allergies or asthma stay away from the animal) but the effectiveness of these methods

has not been determined.

Several reports in the literature indicate that animal allergen is carried in the air and by residents of the home on their clothing to all parts of

the home, even when the animal is isolated. In fact, animal allergen is often detected in locations where no animals were housed.

Often, people sensitive to animal allergens are advised to wash their pets regularly. Recent research indicates that washing pets may only

provide temporary reductions in allergen levels. There is no evidence that this short term reduction is effective in reducing symptoms and it

has been suggested that during the washing of the animal the sensitive individual may be initially exposed to higher levels of allergens.

Thus, the most effective method to control exposure to animal allergens is to keep your home pet free. However, some individuals may find

isolation measures to be sufficiently effective. Isolation measures that have been suggested include keeping pets out of the sleeping areas,

keeping pets away from upholstered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys, keeping the pet outdoors as much as possible and isolating sensitive

individuals from the pet as much as possible.

Actions You Can Take

~	If pets are one of your asthma triggers, strongly consider finding a new home for your pets.

~	Keep pets out of the bedroom and other sleeping areas at all times and keep the door closed.

~	Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets and stuffed toys.

~	Vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture two or more times per week.

Reducing Exposure to Biological Contaminants

~	General good housekeeping, and maintenance of heating and air conditioning equipment, are very important.

~	Adequate ventilation and good air distribution also help.

~	Maintaining the relative humidity between 35% - 52% will help control mold, dust mites, and cockroaches. Employ integrated pest

management to  control insect and animal allergens.

Other Steps that cam be taken

~	Install and use exhaust fans  that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors. This

equipment can eliminate much of the moisture that builds up from everyday activities. There are exhaust fans on the market that produce

little noise, an important consideration for some people. Another benefit to using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans is that they can

reduce levels of organic pollutants that vaporize from hot water used in showers and dishwashers.

~	Ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up. Keeping humidity levels in these areas below 50 percent can prevent water

condensation on building materials.

~	If using cool mist or ultrasonic humidifiers, clean appliances according to manufacturer's instructions and refill with fresh water daily.

Because these humidifiers can become breeding grounds for biological contaminants, they have the potential for causing diseases such

as  hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever. Evaporation trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators should also be

cleaned frequently.

~	Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials (within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and replace-

ment.  Water-damaged carpets and building materials can harbor mold and bacteria.  It is very difficult to completely rid such materials of

biological contaminants.

~	Keep the house clean. House dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced, although not

eliminated, through regular cleaning.                        People who are allergic to these pollutants should use allergen-proof mattress encasements, wash bedding in hot (130° F) water, and

avoid  room furnishings that accumulate dust, especially if they cannot be washed in hot water. Allergic individuals should also leave the

house while it is being vacuumed because vacuuming can actually increase airborne levels of mite allergens and other biological

contaminants. Using central vacuum systems that are vented to the outdoors or vacuums with high efficiency filters may also be of help.

~	Take steps to minimize biological pollutants in basements.   Clean and disinfect the basement floor drain regularly. Do not finish a basement below ground level unless all water leaks are patched

and outdoor ventilation and adequate heat to prevent condensation are provided. Operate a dehumidifier in the basement if needed to

keep relative humidity levels between 35 - 52 percent.

Additional Resources  -

~  Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry

~	Indoor Air Quality Publications - www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs

~	Biological Pollutants - www.epa.gov/iaq/biologic.html

~  Asthma Triggers -  www.epa.gov/asthma

~	Indoor Allergens: Assessing and Controlling Adverse Health Effects, Andrew M. Pope, Roy Patterson, and Harriet Burge,

editors; Committee on the Health Effects of Indoor Allergens, Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Institute of

Medicine. National Academy Press, 1993. 308 pages. ISBN 0-309-04831-1.

~	An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality  ~ Pollutants and Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Asbestos  /  Pesticides  / Respirable Particles /   Radon / Secondhand Smoke/Environmental Tobacco Smoke / Carbon Monoxide  /  Lead

Household Cleaning and Maintenance, Personal Care, or Hobbies / Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys /    Biological Pollutants

Formaldehyde/Pressed Wood Products  /      Nitrogen Dioxide /  Read "The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality"

~	Additional Materials  - Sources  / Additional Resources  / Standards or Guidelines  / Health Effects from Biological Contaminants

Reducing Exposure to Biological Contaminant  /  Publications/Fact Sheets

~	Environmental Protection Agency,  National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Copies of their book are available from the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., Box 285, Washington, DC 20055.

Call 1-800-624-6242 or 202-334-3313 (in the Washington DC metro area).

This is a brief outline of the   STUDENT ASTHMA ACTION CARD --

Student Asthma Action Card  -  Emergency Report Form  -  go to:  www.epa.gov  - type in Student Asthma Action Card @ the top of the page in the right hand corner

Name:  _______________________________________________,  Address:  ______________________________________________,

ID Photo: _______________,   Age: _________________________,     Grade:  _____________________________,

Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________________, Address: ____________________________________________,

Emergency Phone Contact  #1: __________________________,   Emergency Phone Contact  #2 : _____________________________,

Name Physician Treating Student for Asthma: ______________________________________________,   Ph: _______________________,

Other Physician: ___________________________________________________________________,     Ph: _______________________,

HomeRoom Teacher: _________________________________________________________, Room #:  ___________________________,

EMERGENCY PLAN

Emergency action is necessary when the student has symptoms such as, _________________________________________ , ______________________________________, _____________________________________ , _______________________________________,     or has a peak flow reading of ____________________________________.

• Steps to take during an asthma episode:

1. Check peak flow.

2. Give medications as listed below   ~~   Student should respond to treatment in 15-20 minutes.

Medications: _________________, _________________________, _______________________, ______________________,

3. Contact parent/guardian if: _________________________________________________________________________________,

4. Re-check peak flow.

5. Seek emergency medical care if the student has any of the following:

A. Coughs constantly  ~  Hard time breathing:

B.  No improvement 15-20 minutes after initial treatment  with medication and a relative cannot be reached.

C.  Peak flow of ______________________

Emergency Asthma Medications

Name                                                                       Amount                                                                                    When to Use

______________________________    __________________________      _____________________________________________________

______________________________    __________________________      _____________________________________________________

______________________________    __________________________      _____________________________________________________

______________________________    __________________________      _____________________________________________________

DAILY ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. Identify the things which start an ASTHMA Episode:

*   Strong Odors or fumes:   _________________________________ *  Other:  ____________________________________________,

*   Exercise:  ________________________________________________,

*   Respiratory Infections: __________________________________,  *  Chalk dust / Other Dust: ________________________________,

*   Change in temperature :  ________________________________,

*   Carpets in the Room:  __________________________________,

*   Animals:  ____________________________________________,

*   Pollens:  _____________________________________________,

*  Food:  ______________________________________________,

*  Allergens or Mold:  ____________________________________,

*** Control of School Environment:  ________________________________________________________________________________,

*  Comments:  ______________________________________________________________________________________________,