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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.

Also, some information was compiled from the American Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/425.html

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 dust, dust mites, cockroaches, droppings and body parts from cockroaches, rodents and other pests or insects, and 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 - 52 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 dust 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 immediately 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

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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.

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

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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.

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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  -

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

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

~  Asthma Triggers -  www.epa.gov/asthma

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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

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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:               Homeroom Teacher:           Parent/Guardian Name:     Address:     Parent/Guardian Name:    Address:     Emergency Phone Contact #1    Name  Emergency Phone Contact #                 2ID Photo            Name Physician Treating Student for Asthma:            Other Physician:          Grade:           Age:         Room:          Ph: (h):      Ph: (w):      Ph: (h):         Ph: (w):   Relationship     Phone                           Relationship     Phone Ph:            Ph:

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.    3. Contact parent/guardian if    4. Re-check peak flow.      5. Seek emergency medical care if the student has any of the following:✔ Coughs constantly✔ No improvement 15-20 minutes after initial treatment  with medication and a relative cannot be reached.         ✔ Peak flow of ______________________✔ Hard time breathing with: _{IF THIS HAPPENS, GET}

                                                                                                                                     _{Emergency Asthma Medications Name                    Amount                    When to Use}  

_{DAILY ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PLAN}  

• Identify the things which start an asthma episode (Check each that applies to the student.) !Exercise	Strong odors or fumes	Other
!Respiratory infections	Chalk dust / dust
!Change in temperature	Carpets in the room
! Animals	Pollens
!Food _______________________	Molds
Comments
• Control of School Environment