Beware of the Allergens

Anything can be an allergen. Some substances, because of their chemical make-up, are more apt to generate an allergic response in humans. Foods, pollens, mold, dust, feathers, animal dander, chemicals, drugs (such as penicillin), and environmental pollutants commonly cause many to suffer an allergic reaction.

 

Common Inhalant Allergens are as follows:

SEASONAL INHALANTS

POLLENS - Plants reproduce via the production of pollen. Most flowering plants produce a very heavy and sticky pollen which is spread by insects and birds. This pollen is not easily airborne and is seldom a cause of allergy. However, non-flowering plants produce large amounts of lightweight pollen which are primarily wind-borne and most frequently the cause of allergic irritation. Factors such as wind velocity, temperature and humidity affect the amount of pollen in the air.

TREES - Most trees pollinate from March to June with April and May being the peak season. Trees in your yard may be particularly allergenic to you because of the proximity.

GRASSES - Most grasses pollinate from April to September. The peak of the grass season on the eastern shore is in May and June.

WEEDS - Most weeds pollinate from August through October. Weeds are found in uncultivated fields, vacant lots, coastal plains, roadsides, and along streams.

PERENNIAL INHALANTS

HOUSE DUST & DUST MITES - Decomposed plant and animal particles, pet hair, and animal fibers contained in household furnishings make up house dust. The dust mite is a microscopic insect that feeds on human hair, skin flakes, and dander. The mite is most often found in the bedroom and in upholstered furniture. House dust is a year-round offender which tends to be worse in the colder months when the heat is turned on and the humidity is much lower.

MOLDS - Molds and fungi are forms of living plant life which feed on organic matter such as wood, paper, leather, and paint. They grow best where there is dampness, lack of air movement and poor light. Their microscopic spores are easily distributed by wind or air currents. Outdoors, molds grow best on vegetation, in the soil, or around swimming pools. Indoors, they flourish in basements, stuffed furniture, bedding, bathrooms, foam rubber, painted or papered walls, and humidifiers.

ANIMAL DANDERS, FEATHERS - Animals constantly shed their hair and skin (dander). This dander pervades the entire house and becomes a part of house dust. Dander can remain in the carpet and upholstery indefinitely, even after the pet is removed. Pets also bring in pollen and molds from outdoors. Feathers are organic materials which become a part of house dust and are excellent food for molds.