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Some information on allergens |
An allergen is a nonparasitic antigen capable of stimulating a type-I hypersensitivity reaction in atopic individuals.[1] Most humans mount significant Immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses only as a defense against parasitic infections. However, some individuals mount an IgE response against common environmental antigens. This hereditory predisposition is called atopy. In atopic individuals, non-parasitic antigens stimulate inappropriate IgE production, leading to type I hypersensitivity. Sensitivities vary from one person to another and it is possible to be allergic to an extraordinary range of substances. |
ALLERGEN |
Types of Allergens |
Dust mite excretion, pollen and pet dander are all common allergens, but it is possible to be allergic to anything from chlorine to perfume. Food allergies are not as common as food sensitivity, but some foods such as peanuts (really a legume), nuts, seafood and shellfish are the cause of serious allergies in many people. Officially, the Food and Drug Administration does recognize 8 foods as being common for allergic reactions in a large segment of the sensitive population, which includes, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, shellfish, fish, wheat and their derivatives, soy and their derivatives, and sulphites (chemical based, often found in flavors and colors in foods) at 10ppm and over. See the FDA website for complete details. It should be noted that other countries, due to differences in genetic profiles of its citizens and different levels of exposure to different foods, the "official" allergen list will change. Canada recognizes all eight of the allergens recognized by the US, and also recognizes sesame seeds.[2] A few people have been recorded to be allergic to certain chemicals found in almost all water,[citation needed] and even water itself (see Aquagenic pruritus). Another type of allergen is urushiol, a resin produced by poison ivy and poison oak. It causes the skin rash condition known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis by changing a skin cell's configuration so that it is no longer recognized by the immune system as part of the body. A little over half of North Americans are known to be allergic to urushiol and repeated exposure can increase one's sensitivity to the allergen. An allergic reaction can be caused by any form of direct contact with the allergen—eating or drinking a food you are sensitive to (ingestion), breathing in pollen, perfume or pet dander (inhalation), or brushing your body against an allergy-causing plant (direct contact, generally resulting in hives). Other common causes of serious allergy are wasp, fire ant and bee stings, penicillin, and latex. An extremely serious form of an allergic reaction, which can kill in mere minutes, is called anaphylaxis. One form of treatment is the administration of sterile epinephrine (via "Epi-Pen") to the person experiencing anaphylaxis, which suppresses the body's overreaction to the food ingested, and allows for time to be transported to a medical facility (it does not "cure" the allergic reaction). |
Some Common Allergens |
Feline (FEL d 1 - Cat Allergy) Fur and Dander Cockroch calyx Wool Dust Mite Excretion grass Weeds Pollens |
Information taken from wikipedia |
miscellaneous plant pollens. Pollens are very common allergens |
Common household Dust Mite |
What can you do to lessen the impact of these airborne critters ??? |
First and formost is to keep your living quarters clean, This includes regular scrubbing of floors, walls, ceiling and furniture / fixtures. Set up a regular scedule of replacing your bedding with clean sheets, spreads and blankets. Consider placing a non allergenic plastic or other type of protective cover between your bed sheet and your mattress. When spring cleaning time arrives take your mattress outside in the sunshine and give it a good old fashion beating to help remove any mites and dead sluffed off skin that may have collected on the surface of the mattress, then let the mattress soak up that sun for a couple of hours or more (be sure to turn the mattress over to let the sun shine on the other side). Set up a regular schedule to vacum and turn your mattress. If you have carpets in the house clean at regular intervals with a vacum cleaner that has a HEPA equipped filter built into the vacum. In some extreme allergy cases you may have to get rid of the carpet and replace with a non allergenic floor covering such as hardwood or vinyl. For those of you that want to go a step futher we reccommend the following: If you have central heating and air conditioning (forced Air). Have a qualified heating and cooling technician seal your ductwork to keep air leaks to a minimum. Have the technician check your system to see if it will handle a Pleated MERV 8 or 11 Rated filter. If so replace your filter with the pleated type. Also check to see if your HVAC tech can install an outside makeup air system (Filtered Air) to keep a slight positive pressure in your house. If a slight positive pressure within the living area can be obtained this will help to keep out dust, pollen etc. that will infiltrate through small openings to the outside. Another step we reccommend is to place a UV light within your duct work to help purify the air you breath. Also consider a second UV light that will bath your cooling coil in uv light to keep it clear of spores, bacteria etc. Remember for those who live in the South in the high humidity areas your cooling coil is a damp place where these little critters thrive. UV LIGHTS DO WORK!!! Think of the most powerful killer of most Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, Mold etc. are the Ultraviolet rays of the SUN. You know that almost anything that is left out in the bright sunlight will be effected one way or another. Remember that black plastic trash bag you left out in the weather for several weeks! Almost disappeared (destroyed by the suns rays ) right? How about the time you stayed outside in the sunlight on one of those warm summer days without the UV blocker and you turned red as a beet. This is what ULTRAVIOLET light does to most of those pesky little critters that invade our bodies and make us sick. Take a look at Installing a HEPA Filteration unit in your home. (Checkout our HEPA Filteration Information) UV lights properly used / installed are just another great tool for insuring a better quality of life with cleaner air. We strongly recommend that you take a look at the Sanuvox Company UV brochure, it will be worth your while. Click on the link below. The above listed steps will go a long way to alleviating those pesky allergy symptons. |
www.razorbackairfilters.com |