Testing Your Air for Allergens and Pollutants
You sneeze, cough, maybe even wheeze, but you aren’t sure why. Your house seems clean and you don’t see any would-be culprits in the air. So, what then could be causing your allergy attacks? Many people want to know the answer to this very question, and it can be found with a simple do-it-yourself allergen testing kit.
Testing kits are relatively new items on the market, because for many years you had to have a high-cost professional come out to your home, take numerous samples, send you a bill, and then wait for the results to arrive in the mail. The advent of testing kits allow people to take control of their own environment. Now, all you haev to do is complete a simple and user-friendly test, send the kit into an expert review panel, and get accurate, timely, and understandable results back.
What You Can Test For
Not only has the process become streamlined and much less expensive, but you can test for specific agents, such as
- Allergens (the six most common)
- Pollen
- Fibers
- Dust Mites
- Mold
- Insect Biodetritus (insect remains)
- Skin Cell Fragments
- Mold
- Toxic Mold
- Formaldehyde
All of these agents can trigger allergic reactions and cause respiratory distress.
How Test Kits Work
The latest testing kits are simple to use and are backed by extensive studies. In short, here is the process:
- After you purchase a testing kit, you use it to collect a sample from your home. Step-by-step instructions included in the kit contain a detailed explanation of how to take the sample.
- Once the sampling is complete, you mail it back to the laboratory (in a pre-addressed envelope that is included in the kit).
- Results are returned within 7 to 10 business days after the sample is received by the lab.
Expert Results
High-quality testing kits offer peace of mind, as a team of scientific experts will review your sample thoroughly and accurately.
Once the sample is mailed off, received at the lab, and analyzed, a report of findings will then be generated and mailed back to you. These results will identify what pollutants were present in your sample and at what concentration (cts/cm2). These pollutants will be identified at both the genus and species level. In addition, the report will also contain recommended action based on the findings. A toll-free number is provided by the lab for any questions you may have about your results.
Key Benefits of Allergy Testing
One of the key benefits of allergy testing is simply the knowledge gained from testing your indoor environment. Knowledge provides the information you need to make more educated decisions on how to address the allergens in your home. Testing kits are a one-time, affordable, do-it-yourself method to eliminating the allergens around you.
Full-Time Air Monitoring
Once you’ve tested your air and you understand which allergens you are dealing with, you may want to consider a full-time air quality monitoring system, such as a laser particle counter. Laser particle counters are sophisticated monitors used for the quick and accurate measurement of airborne particle concentrations. These units have been used in hospitals, laboratories, and clean room facilities for years. Up until recently, they were priced high and not readily available to the public. However, technology has advanced greatly, and now it is easy to have this equipment in your home. These new residential models use the same laser technology as the traditional units, thus giving you the same accurate readings.
How Laser Particle Counters Work
Laser particle counters cycle air through the unit, where small and large particles are counted and displayed. These machines are small and lightweight, allowing you to easily test any area of your home.
The types of small particles counted include:
- Fine Dust
- Bacteria
- Mold
- Smoke
- Smog
The types of large particles counted include:
- Coarse Dust
- Pollens
- Larger Bacteria
- Plant Spores
- Pet Dander
- Dust Mite Feces
This information is extremely beneficial to individuals with allergies or asthma because they can specifically monitor their trouble areas. For example, someone with an allergy to pollen will be especially interested in their air’s large particle count. Like allergen testing kits, laser particle counters allow you to accurately assess your indoor air quality and make knowledgeable choices about how best to address any issues that arise.
Still Got Questions?
For more information on specific products and ways to improve your indoor environment, review our extensive product listings and other educational materials. Not sure what's best for you? We can take the guess work out of decision-making. Contact our product experts toll free at 1 (800) 934-9194 for a detailed consultation. Our goal is to make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
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