Monday December 7, 13:06

Indoor air pollution, sources of allergens

People with respiratory allergy seem to be little aware of the risks associated with exposure to indoor air pollution

The largest global meeting "The Fight Against Global Warming" has been started on Monday in Copenhagen. Since questions concerning pollution are also given much attention, an interesting survey on the occasion of indoor pollution has been recently conducted by telephone, with a thousand people aged 15 years and over.

Funded by a pharmaceutical company, it shows that poor air quality at home is not only an aggravating factor, but also triggers respiratory allergies. But the people still are not sufficiently aware.

Third of the population born after 1980 is allergic. Despite the frequency of this problem and its constant increase, people with respiratory allergy seem to be little aware of the risks associated with exposure to indoor air pollution. Even if they are already allergic to dust mites, responsible for 50% of respiratory allergies and asthma in adults and 80% of cases in children.

Some live with pets, including cats, while their hairs can cause respiratory allergies. They are not afraid enough of moulds that cause 10% of allergies and can release allergens and toxic substances (mycotoxines) and volatile organic compounds.

Finally, the more of the responders are allergic the more they fear supermarkets, public transport or even their car. Wrong. They also feel more exposed at their workplace or school, in the cinema or theater or when they are away. Again, wrong.

It should be noted nevertheless that the allergy is more severe if people are not concerned about their indoor environment. To fight against domestic pollution, you should ventilate your home at morning and evening, wash the sheets and pillows frequently, and schedule regular "spring-cleaning" and replace the carpet with another type of surface.

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