Most Common Allergens in the Home

Spring is allergy season, but it’s not just the outdoors you have to worry about. Often times, the worst allergy triggers could be hiding right under your nose.

Here are six of the most common allergens you might find in your home:

• Dust. The average three-bedroom household generates about 40 pounds of dust every year. Much of this dust can collect in your air ducts, where it can quickly circulate throughout the home.

• Dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic insects which thrive on dust. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, dust mites are the most common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms. They are most frequently found in pillows, bed sheets, and carpets.

• Pet dander. Pet dander is tiny flakes of skin shed by animals. Pet dander can come from virtually any pet with fur or feathers, including dogs, cats, rodents, and birds. It is estimated that up to 30% of people with allergies can be triggered by pet dander.

• Pollen. You probably already know that pollen is a common allergen, but you may not realize its prevalence indoors. Pollen can enter the home through open windows and doors, or by sticking to your clothing, shoes, or pets.

• Mold. Mold can grow virtually anywhere moisture is present, making it a common allergen in the home. Mold is most commonly found in damp, humid areas such as the bathroom, basements, attics, crawl spaces, and air ducts.

• Cigarette smoke. Though not a traditional allergen, the chemicals found in cigarette smoke are known to trigger asthma and allergies. These chemicals can linger around the home for weeks after the smoking has ceased, a phenomenon known as thirdhand smoke.

Is your Long Island home harboring any of these allergens? Let GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration remove them. We offer professional air duct cleaning, attic and crawl space cleaning, and mold removal services to homes in Nassau and Suffolk County. Visit our website to learn more, or call (631) 940-8100.