For Immediate Release Contact: Jo Ann Faber at (847) 427-1200
June 29, 2004 joannfaber@acaai.org
Common Household Mold & Other Indoor Allergens Can Trigger Allergies
Importance of Indoor Air Quality Management
NEW YORK, N.Y. – For the more than 40 to 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, avoiding exposure to the usual suspects such as ragweed and pollen can mean hiding indoors. Staying inside, however, could be causing more harm than good according to allergists.
Since most people are unaware that common household mold, pets, dust mites and cockroaches may be triggering their allergy symptoms, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) launched a public education program on the importance of managing indoor allergens and learning what triggers allergy symptoms.
“Over the past several years, a growing body of evidence suggests that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Research also indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Allergy testing can determine what causes allergic reactions, so triggers can be avoided both indoors and outside,” said Dr. Clifford Bassett, medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York and attending physician at New York University (NYU) Medical Center.
Allergens are always present in the air that we breathe, and the home is no exception. Long-term exposure to household allergens including mold spores, dust mites, pet dander and cockroaches may trigger allergy symptoms. Exposure to these indoor pollutants, either by direct contact or by inhalation, may cause asthma episodes, nasal congestion and upper respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
The challenge to physicians is to give appropriate advice on how to maintain a low-allergen home using methods that are practical and cost-effective. Studies suggest that a major reduction in allergen levels is required to achieve a clinical benefit.
The most efficient way to reduce exposure to household mold and other allergens is to prevent them from gaining entry indoors and to clean effectively and often.
The ACAAI recommends the following tips to combat indoor allergens:
• Disinfect with a bleach-based product as needed to kill mold and mildew
• Repair leaks and water damage
• Install and maintain heating/AC filters and dehumidifiers
• Clean with a HEPA vacuum regularly
• Exterminate cockroaches
• Control dust mite exposure with regular cleaning and use of pillow and mattress casings
• Remove pets and their dander if you are allergic to pets
An allergist can take a careful history and then establish what allergens are triggering the symptoms. Allergy testing is interpreted in the context of the patient's history, and indoor allergen control measures can then be tailored to their individual needs.
“If not treated properly, indoor allergies can pose other health risks, such as asthma episodes,” said Dr. Bassett. “Its important to properly manage common allergens inside the home in order to eliminate unnecessary health risks to sensitive family members.”
Patient information on allergic diseases is available by calling the ACAAI toll free number at (800) 842-7777 or visiting its Web site at www.acaai.org.
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization comprising 4,900 qualified allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals. The College is dedicated to the clinical practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through education and research to promote the highest quality of patient care.