EPIDERMAL DERIVATIVES OF PETS
The epidermal derivatives of pets are released from saliva, dander and urine of dogs and cats, but also of birds and cockroaches. Once dried and fragmented, they remain suspended in airborne dust.
In Italy, a significant source of allergens in indoor environments is represented by domestic animals, in particular by the cat. The cat is a risk factor for allergies not only in the home, but also in offices, schools and probably in all community environments.
The most significant allergen is identified with the abbreviation Fel d 1 and is located mainly on the hair and to a lesser extent in saliva. Unlike mites, cat allergens are associated with very small particles of 2.5 μm or less in diameter. Being very light, the particles remain suspended in the air in very high quantities for a long time and when they fall, they accumulate on the upholstery, curtains, carpets and rugs, where they remain for a long time even after the animal has been removed. In environments in which animals lived, it takes at least six months from their removal to bring the concentration levels back to the values of those in which the animal is not present.
Allergens can be transported by means of clothes and can also be found in environments where animals have never been present.
Health effects
The presence of cat allergens can cause sensitization of non-sensitized subjects and above all, induce or aggravate the symptomatology (rhinoconjunctivitis and asthmatic attacks) in allergic subjects.
The problems of allergic origin caused by dander, hair and saliva of dogs seem to be less common in Italy than those caused by cats, but doubts exist in this regard.
Norm:
- Ministerial Decree of 06/26/2015 which requires the calculation based on the UNI EN ISO 13788 standard.
Agreement of 27 September 2001, on “Guidelines for the protection and promotion of health in confined spaces” (Official Journal of 27 November 2001, No. 276 S.G., S.O. n. 252) - State-Regions Agreement of November 18, 2010, on “Guidelines for the prevention of indoor risk factors for allergies and asthma in schools” (GU dated January 13, 2011, No. 9 SG).
- Monitoring strategies for pollution of biological origin in indoor air (ISTISAN Reports 13/37)
Health effects
The presence of cat allergens can cause sensitization of non-sensitized subjects and above all, induce or aggravate the symptomatology (rhinoconjunctivitis and asthmatic attacks) in allergic subjects.
The problems of allergic origin caused by dander, hair and saliva of dogs seem to be less common in Italy than those caused by cats, but doubts exist in this regard.
Norm:
- Ministerial Decree of 06/26/2015 which requires the calculation based on the UNI EN ISO 13788 standard.
Agreement of 27 September 2001, on “Guidelines for the protection and promotion of health in confined spaces” (Official Journal of 27 November 2001, No. 276 S.G., S.O. n. 252) - State-Regions Agreement of November 18, 2010, on “Guidelines for the prevention of indoor risk factors for allergies and asthma in schools” (GU dated January 13, 2011, No. 9 SG).
- Monitoring strategies for pollution of biological origin in indoor air (ISTISAN Reports 13/37)
Measures to reduce exposure
Cleaning
Correct cleaning of the rooms where the pet lives.
Air
Replacement of air and correct expulsion of pollutants outside.
Clothing
Clothes transport allergens inside confined spaces.
THE SOLUTION
Integrated vacuum cleaning system
A simple and durable integrated system. The only one in the world that expels micro-dust, mites, allergens, pollutants, bacteria and viruses with ordinary cleaning.
