Allergen Testing
Sensitivity to indoor allergens can cause numerous health problems to millions of people across the globe. In the United States, more than 60 million people suffer from Asthma, Hay Fever and other allergic diseases mostly caused by exposure to allergens in indoor environments. And it can be something they are exposed to at their workplace and not just in their home.
Sources of Allergens
Some sources of allergens include dust, pets (dogs, cats) pests (dust mites, cockroaches, rats, and mice) and mold spores. Some chemical exposure from cleaning products and personal care products can also be triggers for allergies and asthma.
Why Testing is Important and what can it tell you?
If you or a family member suffers from allergies, an allergen screening can determine what types of allergens are causing you or your family to get sick. If you are experiencing issues while you are at work, or a co-worker is experiencing symptoms, an allergen screening can also provide some answers.
Reducing exposure to indoor allergens is important in order to reduce the severity and frequency of allergy and asthma attacks, and to reduce the changes of you or your family member developing asthma or allergies down the road.
Dust Mites/Cockroaches/Cats/Dogs
Dust mites are very common in every home across the globe. Dust mites prefer warm, moist surroundings and thrive in beddings and in floor dust when humidity is high. Cockroach allergens come from several sources such as fecal matter, secretions, cast skins, dead bodies and saliva. To reduce exposure to cockroach allergens, make sure to seal all non-perishable items in plastic containers or sealable bags and make sure to keep a secure lid on your trash cans too.
Cat Allergens can be found in high levels on walls and other surfaces within homes as they are very sticky. Whereas dog allergens are mostly prompted by skin shedding.
How we can determine what types of allergens you are being exposed to?
A simple allergen screening can be done my collecting a carpet dust sample or a bulk piece of carpeting from your home.
VOC Testing
Volatile organic compounds are a topic that everyone needs to learn about, as they are found in many household products, and are generally harmful to your health. Volatile organic compounds, more commonly known as VOC’s, include a variety of chemicals found in many common products. VOC’s are emitted as gases from liquids or solids and can have short and long-term adverse health effects on respiratory systems.
What Products Contain Volatile organic compounds?
- Household Cleaning supplies
- Paint strippers
- Paints and lacquers
- Copiers and printers
- Glues and adhesives
- Air fresheners
- Photographic solutions
- Permanent markers
- Correction fluids
- Pesticides
- New furniture with sealants
- Carpet and rugs
Possible Symptoms of VOC Exposure
Most of us do realize that paint and varnish fumes usually produce strong odors and can often give you headaches but there are other health concerns you may not be aware of that are often caused by VOC exposure. Some common symptoms of VOC exposure.
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Cancer
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Allergic skin reaction
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Damage to kidneys, liver, and the central nervous system
RDS offers a wide range of allergen testing and VOC testing services for your home and business. If you believe that you may be suffering from allergies, performing allergen testing can not only determine the source causing you discomfort but can also help in the treatment of your allergies.