1 in 5 People Have Allergies: Understand the Top 3 Environmental Allergens!
In recent years, allergies have become a health issue worth paying attention to for urban dwellers. With one in every five people experiencing allergic reactions. This indicates that allergies have become a prevalent health problem that impacts our daily lives. To effectively prevent and treat allergies, it is essential to first understand the causes and related knowledge of allergies.
Definition of Allergies
Allergies are not just a disease but also a protective mechanism of the body. When the immune system reacts to potential threats from external substances known as “allergens,” it can lead to severe allergic symptoms such as eczema, gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis. In severe cases, allergies can even result in fatalities.
The Most Common Environmental Allergen – Dust Mites
Dust mites are the most common environmental allergens and are often found in bedding, pillows, blankets, carpets, stuffed animals, and couches. Dust mites rely on absorbing moisture from the air to survive, making indoor temperature and humidity crucial for their growth. When indoor humidity levels reach 55% to 75%, it creates the optimal environment for dust mites to thrive.
The Most Common Environmental Allergen – Mould
Mould, also known as mildew, is a type of fungus. Mould spores can spread through the air and grow rapidly in high-humidity environments, forming green or black mould patches. They often appear in bathrooms, kitchens, and air conditioning units, and can eventually give off a musty smell that affects health over time.
The Most Common Environmental Allergen – Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and benzene are common examples of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). During renovation, building materials, pressed wood furniture, wood floor surfaces, paints, and decorative fabrics can release VOCs over time, with concentrations often exceeding 2-3 times the standard level,and in severe cases, reaching 3-4 ppm, which is approximately 50 times the standard level, posing a threat to individual and family health.
It is common to hear about friends experiencing nasal allergies, asthma, or eczema due to exposure to environmental allergens. If you or your family are affected by allergens in your home and it is affecting your quality of life, consider seeking professional help to conduct allergy testing and identify the allergen sources to address the problem at its root.
Johnson Group – Government-Accredited Indoor Air Quality Consultant
Johnson Group’s Allergy & Allergen Testing Service has been recognized by Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department Indoor Air Quality Information Centre and titled in its lists of “Indoor Air Quality Contractors“, “Indoor Air Quality Control Suppliers” and “Indoor Air Quality Consultants” across three categories.
Johnson Group Allergy & Allergen Testing Service
Johnson Group provides Allergy & Allergen Testing Service to help identify the sources of bacteria, dust mites, mould, formaldehyde and other microbes in specified objects and their surroundings. In addition to receiving test reports, customers will also be provided with improvement suggestions (related services or products) based on the results, aiming to solve problems at their source.
If you are facing the above-mentioned allergy problems, contact us immediately for inquiries!
