Indoor Air Quality Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, August 24, 2024

In the United States, approximately 2/3 of all households have at least one pet. Unfortunately, some of these same homes also have indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues due to pet odors and allergens.

Allergies to pets are indeed quite common, and both furry pets and those with feathers can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Pet dander is a significant source of pet allergens and is composed of proteins from flecks of skin shed by pets. People can come in contact with pet allergens by touching animals and contaminated surfaces, and by breathing air laced with allergens. Pet allergens can even act as asthma triggers for some asthmatics.

Cat allergies are thought to be about twice as common as dog allergies. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reports that cat allergens are found in cat saliva, which sticks to fur when cats lick themselves. They are also released by glands in the skin, and shed as dander or secreted in the urine of male cats. For dogs, the institute states that their allergens are also present in dander, as well as saliva, urine, and even blood.

“The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences warns that pet allergens are easily spread because they can circulate in air and remain on carpets and furniture for months,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Pet allergens may also be carried on clothing into areas where there are no pets. In fact, NIEHS shares that nationwide studies have shown that dog and cat allergens are present in almost all U.S. homes, even those without pets.”

EMSL Analytical, with laboratories across North America, offers indoor environmental quality testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and air monitoring instruments to identify a wide range of allergens, respiratory irritants, and asthma triggers. If elevated levels of any of these are detected, steps can then be taken to mitigate or eliminate exposure. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about pet allergens and indoor air quality that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/9pFX8IYAET4

To learn more about pet allergen and other indoor environmental quality testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.