Most Common Indoor Allergens Found in Homes | Billy.com

Allergies affect millions of people around the globe. Some allergens, like animal dander, are more common than others, such as sunlight or certain foods. However, many people unknowingly face allergens in their homes. Here’s a list of some of the most common indoor allergens found in homes you’ll want to know.

Pet Dander

Pet dander remains one of the most common asthmatic triggers for homeowners—many of whom aren’t aware they even have this allergy. Dander refers to an animal’s skin flakes or hair. Cats and dogs are the two most common animals to impose allergic reactions upon homeowners. This may be due to them being the two most common animals to shelter as pets. However, other animals, including horses, birds, and rodents, can trigger allergic reactions as well.

Pollen

Pollen is another common allergen. Although pollen is a common outdoor allergen, it has various ways of traveling within the house. Commonly, pollen sticks to clothes and shoes. After a brisk walk around the neighborhood or a return from running errands, it’s highly likely you’ll track pollen inside your home. Indoor plants also contribute pollen that can exacerbate symptoms of this allergy.

Mold

There are about ten types of mold spores found in homes, many of which are allergenic. Some can even be toxic. Regardless, mold is another one of the most common indoor allergens in homes. Mold spores grow due to excess moisture in dank, dark spaces. Basements, crawlspaces, closets, and bathrooms are the most common areas for mold to grow. Mold targets the respiratory system, which can cause troubled breathing and fatigue. Some molds, like black molds, are removable with a little water and baking soda, while others may require fumigation or professional cleaning.

Dust Mites

Finally, don’t be alarmed if dust mites trigger allergenic symptoms as well. These microorganisms drop feces that are responsible for causing allergenic reactions. Symptoms include eczema, itching, and asthma. Extreme dust mite infestations can also cause atopic dermatitis. Interestingly, the same allergen in dust mites—tropomyosin—is also found in shellfish allergies.