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Allergens & Bacteria Testing

Allergen Testing

The AIM Environmental Group is trained and certified in the testing of and for allergens.

WHAT’S LIVING IN YOUR HOUSE???
Allergen:
A substance that is foreign to the human body and can cause an allergic reaction.
Allergic reaction:
The hypersensitive response of the immune system of an allergic individual to a substance.
Hypersensitivity:

State of reactivity to an antigen that is far greater than the antigenic challenge presented. Hypersensitivity is another term used for an allergic reaction and denotes a deleterious outcome rather than a protective one. There are 6 main types of hypersensitive reactions.

Understanding the nature and location of indoor sources of allergy is fundamental. The key to managing allergies that are caused by indoor allergens involves reducing your level of exposure to them or avoiding them, if at all possible.

Your house may also be home to a variety of animal and plant life, most of which can become a source for allergens, the triggers of allergic reactions. Pollens are the main cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, if your nasal stuffiness, sneezing, watery eyes and constant postnasal drip bother you year round, then you most likely have non-seasonal allergies.

Indoor Allergens At A Glance

Cockroach allergy: Can be a major factor in serious asthma and nasal allergy. It is a condition that manifests as an allergic reaction when one is exposed to tiny particles from cockroaches. Asthma can be due to exposure to cockroach allergens (allergy-provoking substances). These substances are the proteins shed or excreted by the cockroaches. Over the past 20-30 years, cockroaches have become recognized as a powerful indoor allergen. Cockroach allergy can be a major factor in serious asthma and nasal allergy. Cockroaches tend to be very troublesome in inner city areas, multifamily dwellings, and around areas of food preparation. Cockroaches are among the oldest of all living species (about 350 million years old). The three species of cockroaches that are commonly found in the United States are Blatella germania (German), Periploneta americana (American), and Blatella orientalis (Oriental). (The genus name for the American cockroach, periploneta, is derived from the Greek word, planetes, which means wanderer.) Cockroaches are hardy, adaptable creatures that thrive in areas where food and water supplies are plentiful. They may be found around dripping faucets and kitchen areas. They do stray, however, to other areas and can commonly be found in children’s bedrooms where food is often eaten. The major cockroach allergens are found in their digestive enzymes, saliva and body parts. As is the case with dust mite allergens, these microscopic particles become airborne when disturbed by motion in the room.

Dander:
Tiny scales shed from human or animal skin or hair. Dander floats in the air, settles on surfaces and makes up much of household dust. Cat dander is a classic cause of allergic reactions.
Dust mite:
A tiny microscopic organism that is the primary cause of allergies related to house dust. The term “dust mite” allergy is a misnomer because it is the excretion of these mites to which people are allergic. Dust mites can therefore trigger allergic reactions even when dead. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid places like mattresses and rugs.
Hay fever:
Or perennial allergic rhinitis. This condition is typically caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroach parts, mold, household dust and animal dander.
House dust:
House dust is a mixture of components that can cause allergies. House dust is concocted of just about anything you can think of, including dried food particles, mold spores, pollen, fabric fibers, animal dander, and insect parts, especially those of dust mites and cockroaches. As is the case with other allergens, these particles contain proteins that are small enough to become airborne and inhaled. The main culprits in house dust that cause allergy symptoms are dust mite and cockroach particles.
Mold:
A very large group of microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. Most are filamentous organisms and produce spores that can be air, water or insect born, and a common trigger for allergies. Indoor plants, especially those that are kept in damp wicker baskets, are a source of molds.
Bacteria Testing
Your Home May be “Germier” Than You Think

The word, bacteria, is derived from the Greek word, bakterion, meaning a small rod or staff. The term bacteria was devised in the 19th century by the German botanist, Ferdinand Cohn (1828-1898). The definition of the word, bacteria is: A single-celled microorganism which can exist either as an independent (free-living) organism or as a parasite (dependent upon another organism for life).

While infections/bacteria can thrive almost anywhere and does, your own home has plenty of places where bacteria can roost. Top spots for bacteria in the home listed from highest to lowest bacteria counts include, but are not limited to, the following areas tested:

Toilet bowl
Kitchen drain
Sponge or counter-wiping cloth
Bathtub, near drain
Kitchen sink, near drain
Kitchen faucet handle
Bathroom faucet handle
Bathroom sink, near drain
Pet food dish, inside rim
Kitchen floor, in front of sink
Toilet floor, in front of
Kitchen counter tops
Bathroom counter tops
Garbage bin
Dish towel
Toys
Kitchen tabletop
Home office phone or refrigerator door
Toilet seat
Bathroom light switch
Microwave buttons
Kitchen chopping board
Child-training potty
Infant changing mat and infant high chair
Kitchen phone
Bathroom door’s inside handle
Toilet’s flush handle
TV remote control
Home office computer keyboard
Home office computer mouse

This list is the result from a study of Researchers from the Hygiene Council who visited 35 U.S. homes, swabbing for bacteria in 32 locations in each home. The Hygiene Council describes itself as “an international think tank of leading practitioners in the fields of microbiology, virology, infectious diseases and public health, with the aim of providing straightforward guidance to the public to help them improve hygiene standards and overall health.”

The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or more, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available. Keeping your home clean is very important in the battle to control viruses and infections, especially during the cold and flu season or for people with compromised immune systems.

The AIM environmental Group has the certified training, equipment and ability to properly test for bacteria issues and to help you to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

“What’s in your Home?”