Airborne Allergens

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A. Common Household Allergens

The most common allergens found within the average home are those related to house-dust mites, moulds, cockroaches, and domestic pets. Pollens, although a widespread problem within the general population, normally represent only a minor component of the total allergen load found within the average home. In addition, cigarette smoke, gases from combustion, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a wide range of home products may trigger allergic reactions for some people.

Dust Mites		Mould		Pollens		Cockroach
Animal Dander		Smoke and Combustion Gas		Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

B. Common Office Allergens

Dust mites and moulds in the carpet, fabric chairs, and air-conditioning systems are the common office allergens. In addition, gas emissions and toner dust from printers and photo-copiers may trigger allergic reactions. These printing equipments should be put in a separate well-ventilated room away from the working cubicles. Hazardous gas emissions also result from carpets, fabricated wood furniture and varnishes, and office equipments with printed circuit boards (e.g. computers, telephone, fax, printers, photocopiers etc.).

Dust Mites in carpet & chairs		Mould in carpet, charis & air-con system		Toner Dust & VOC from printer and copier		VOCs from carpet, office equipment, & furniture

C. External Air Pollution and others

1. Particulate Matter (Smoke and Fumes)

External air pollution comes from particulate matter (e.g. dust, dirt and smoke), which is a complex and varying mixture of substances. Sources include motor-vehicle emissions, factory and utility smokestacks, residential wood burning, construction activity, mining, agricultural tilling, open burning, wind-blown dust, and fire. The major gaseous allergens derived form burning fossil fuels include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), acid aerosols, and ozone (O3).

2. Chlorinated Swimming Pools : increases the rates of asthma and hay fever

Particulate Matter		Chlorinated Pools