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Here readers will find photographs of various indoor allergens like mold, cat allergens, dog allergens, mouse or rodent allergens, dust mites, cockroach and other insect fragments, mite fecals, and other help in identification of indoor allergens such as cockroaches, dust mites, fleas, house dust, mold, mildew, pet dander, pollen. Our page top photo shows insect jaws collected during a survey for dust containing cockroach parts and allergens. At ALLERGEN TESTS for BUILDINGS we discuss procedures for screening buildings for high levels of various allergens and irritants. Also see Biological Pollutants for information about recognizing and removing these indoor contaminants. Where toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic mold is a concern in buildings, see MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION GUIDE and MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE.

At ALLERGY TESTS for PEOPLE we discuss the types of allergy and allergy exposure tests used for humans. At ALLERGY TEST ACCURACY we discuss the accuracy and limitations of these tests.

© Copyright 2009 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

Photographs of Indoor Allergens and Allergenic Particles

Cat Dander and Cat Hair in Buildings

Cat dander (the black kitten Pippin at above left) is for many people a more serious allergen (and asthma aggravator) than dog dander (the dog katie, above left).

Cat dander is widespread and we even find it present, usually at lower levels, in offices and homes where no cats reside. Animal dander may be brought in by dust and clothing on visitors. Our second photo (above left) shows cat hair in the microscope.

Details about finding and removing animal dander in buildings are provided at CAT DANDER in BUILDINGS.

Dog Dander and Dog Hair in Buildings

Our photos above show dog dander (along with human skin cells) stained pink with acid fuchsin to aid visibility for the photograph). Our photo at right shows dog hair collected in an indoor dust sample, in this case the hair is further identified as from a golden retriever.

Testing people for exposure to allergens is a different activity from testing buildings for the presence of animal or other allergens. When human tests, such as the ELISA and RAST tests for exposure to allergens, indicate that someone has been exposed to problematic levels of animal allergens, there may still be confusion about just where the exposure is occurring. We discuss testing buildings for presence of allergenic particles such as dog dander, cat dander, insect or roach fragments, etc. at ALLERGEN TESTS for BUILDINGS.

ELISA and RAST tests for Allergen Exposure - The Basics

ELISA "enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay" is a rapid immunochemical test procedure that involves an enzyme (a protein that catalyzes a biochemical reaction) that tests for hormones, bacterial antigens, and antibodies. ELISA testing also involves an antibody or antigen (immunologic molecules).

RAST is an older allergen test (exposure detection) in popular use for testing humans, radioallergosorbent test, an IgE test: In this test, a sample of blood is taken, mixed with the suspected allergen, and the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) is measured. IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system that indicates an allergic reaction.

The ELISA and RAST allergen exposure tests, their accuracy and their usefulness are discussed at ALLERGEN TESTS for BUILDINGS.

Cockroach Fecals, Fragments, Hairs as Indoor Allergens and Causes of Asthma

Cockroaches (also see photo at page top) - are the source one of the most common insect allergens found indoors in urban areas. Cockroach fecal pellets, insect hairs, and insect fragments are often identified in house dust where roaches are present. Our photo, left, shows cockroach carapace parts and hairs from an indoor dust sample.

Photos and Examples of Dust Mites and Dust Mite Fecals in Buildings

Dust mite fecal pellets: Our photo (left) shows a mix of dust mite fecal pellets and Penicillium/Aspergillus spores collected in a surface dust sample from a building. The dust mite fecal pellets can assist in a building investigation for allergens by telling us what the dust mite or other insect was eating - in this case mold spores.

Dust mite surrounded by other house dust particulate debris

Here is a mite found among pollen in the flower of a Tulip Poplar. You won't see dust mites without a microscope, but if your home has any or all of dampness, wet areas, pets, lots of dust and organic debris, old mattresses and pillows, couches, carpets, heavy curtains, or if you go to sleep with wet hair on your pillow, you're likely to have a high dust mite population. Mites, mite parts, and mite fecals show up in indoor dust samples examined by microscope. Dust mites are present wherever people and animals live. But high levels of mite fecals raises the level of allergens in the Building and may be a problem.

Fiberglass Insulation Mold comments about a field study in process, & more about health hazards from fiberglass insulation - DJF

Fleas and Bedbugs as serious building pests also may produce allergens.

Pollen Allergens in Building Air and Dust Samples

Mice and Rats in Buildings as Allergen Sources

Mold Allergens and Toxins in Buildings

Check With Your Doctor About Allergens and About Whether or Not Building Tests for Allergens or Mold are Recommended

Of course since individual sensitivity to allergens varies, we suggest that anyone suffering from allergies and considering steps to further clean their home should also consult with their allergist and their general physician.

• SAFETY WARNING: if indoor air quality complaints include respiratory distress, headaches, nausea, and similar symptoms, it is important to immediately rule out unsafe heating equipment, chimneys, flues, or carbon monoxide hazards. See CARBON MONOXIDE & GAS HEAT ODORS.
• The types, accuracy, and variability of human tests for allergy sensitivity and allergy or mold exposure are discussed further at ALLERGY TESTS.
• The combination of allergy testing limitations and occupant complaints that may in some cases justify a building survey for physical particles or other evidence of significant levels of problem allergens, molds, or other conditions is discussed at ALLERGY TEST LIMITATIONS.
• See MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE for advice on determining when it is appropriate and justified to order inspections and tests of a building for mold or allergens.
• See Biological Pollutants for information about recognizing and removing these indoor contaminants.
• See ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY for our full list of environmental hazard identification and remedy related to buildings.

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MOLD INFORMATION CENTER
ACCEPTABLE MOLD LEVEL
AFTER THE MOLD CLEANUP
  Cat Dander
  Cockroaches
  Dog dander
  Dust Mites
  Fleas & Bedbugs
  Mold
  Mice & Rats
  Pollen
ATTIC MOLD
BASEMENT MOLD
BASICS YOU NEED to FIND, TEST, REMOVE MOLD
Basketball Mold Syndrome - BBMS
BOOKSTORE - ENVIRONMENTAL
BUYERS GUIDE - home inspections for mold
CARPET MOLD
DO IT YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP
ENERGY SAVINGS in BUILDINGS
ENERGY SAVINGS PRIORITIES
ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT CASE STUDY
ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT LEAK SEALING GUIDE
ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT OPTIONS
FIND MOLD in BUILDINGS, HOW TO
INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
INDOOR AIR QUALITY METHODS COMPARED
INSULATION MOLD
ITCHY FABRICS
MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO
MOLD APPEARANCE LOOKS LIKE
MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS
MOLD REMEDIATION CLEARANCE INSPECTION
MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE
MOLD EXPOSURE RISK LEVELS
MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS
MOLD INSPECTORS & MOLD TESTERS
MOLD TEST KITS

• Toxic Gas Indoor Exposure Hazards - list of common indoor gases, tests, allowable exposure levels
• Carbon Dioxide Gas - C02 as a guess at air freshness.
• Insulation & venting: general air quality, makeup air, carbon dioxide as indicator of air exchanges
• Is Indoor Air Quality a Problem in our Home? industrial hygienists view
• MedicineNet.com provides a detailed definition of ELISA at www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9099
• ELISA testing accuracy: Here's a critique of ELISA http://www.betterhealthusa.com/public/282.cfm - Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
  The critique included in that article raises compelling questions about IgG testing assays, which prompted my interest in actually screening for the particles that could carry allergens - dog dander or cat dander in the case at hand.
  http://www.tldp.com/issue/174/IgG%20Food%20Allergy.html contains similar criticism in another venue butinterestingly by the same author, Sheryl Miller. Sheryl Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, is an Immunologist and Associate Professor of Basic and Medical Sciences at Bastyr University in Bothell, Washington. She is also the Laboratory Director of the Bastyr Natural Health Clinic Laboratory.
• Testing for the level of exposure to animal allergens is discussed at http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/animalallergy/diagnosis.shtml (lab animal exposure study is interesting because it involves a higher exposure level in some cases)

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

• Our recommended books about building design, inspection, and repair, and about indoor environment testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
• Environmental Health & Investigation Bibliography - our own technical library on indoor air quality inspection, testing, laboratory procedures, forensic microscopy, etc.
• ...

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

• How to Find and Test For Mold in Buildings - Looking for Mold - A 'how to' photo and text primer on finding and testing for mold in buildings
• Recognizing Mold: What mold looks like mold identification photos to help identify mold - choosing what to sample in buildings
• Recognizing Allergens: What various indoor allergens look like - identification photos to help identify pollen, dust mites, animal dander, toxic or allergenic mold - Common Mold and other Allergens, Irritants, Remedies & Advice
• Stuff that is not mold but is often mistaken for it - things you may not want to test. Also, not all "black mold" is toxic - here are examples of harmless black mold.
• Mold Action Guide: an easy step by step outline of what to do about mold
how to find mold, then
• Associations: Sick House, Sick Building, SBS - Air Quality, Government, Private Associations and Information Resources
• How to find a mold inspector or test consultant: Directory of IAQ,Sick Building, Mold Allergen Testing, Building Investigation Service Providers
• Meruliporia: the house eating fungus or "poria"
• Mold Investigation Tips for Home Inspectors how to find mold, where to look, what is likely to be important. Advice to building inspectors intending to inspect or test for toxic or problematic mold indoors, mold inspection methods, and mold test methods which are valid or invalid
• Mold Risk Levels in Buildings Based on Visual Inspection - simple visual clues help decide on action
• Mold in Fiberglass Insulation© 2005 comments about a field study in process, & more about health hazards from fiberglass insulation - DJF
• Frequently Asked Questions About Mold -- check this FAQ list & IAQ Site Map to see if you can find a quick answer to your mold concern
• When to hire a professional to inspect for toxic mold or other allergens
• Contact Us to arrange mold/IAQ building on site inspection and testing.

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The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems

Use this simple, economical mold test kit by following our instructions on how to collect and mail mold samples to our lab

Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence.

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