Home Allergens: Myths and Misperceptions

I thought mold and pollen allergens were only a problem outdoors?

While we can be exposed to mold and pollen allergens when outside, one can still suffer from respiratory allergies and asthma triggered by these allergens when indoors. One reason for this is that many allergens that originate outdoors can accumulate in your home through open windows, doors, or your HVAC system, where they can continue to trigger allergies and other health problems. In addition, some molds can grow in your home, particularly after flooding, water damage, or in areas with high humidity. Even when mold growth may not be visible, molds could be hidden in your home and release spores over time that trigger health problems when breathing indoors. Since most of us spend more than 90% of our time indoors, the allergens found inside your home can cause persistent health problems throughout the year.

Should I only worry about molds if my home has evidence of water damage?

Water damage, whether from flooding events that may have occurred in the past, plumbing problems, or a leaky roof, can certainly accelerate mold growth in your home and increase your exposure to allergens. Likewise, you can have elevated mold growth in places in your home that are humid with inadequate ventilation, including bathrooms and basements. However, mold growth may not be readily visible, as molds can grow in your walls, in carpeting, sub-flooring, or behind appliances. Nearly all homes have places conducive to mold growth, and those molds can trigger allergies and asthma. We also know that many allergens come from outside the home, originating on leaves, soil, litter, and mulch surrounding your home, where they could enter through open doors, windows, or HVAC systems.

I thought allergies were seasonal and only bad during certain times of the year?

Allergy sufferers are acutely aware that allergies are often worse during particular times of the year -- the dreaded "allergy season." However, the timing of allergy season can vary considerably across the U.S. and from year to year within individual locations. Even the types of allergens found inside or outside your home can vary dramatically from month to month. For example, mold allergens could be problematic in the fall while pollen allergens are typically most prevalent in the spring and summer months.

Perhaps more importantly, you can be exposed to allergens throughout the year and suffer from the symptoms of allergies for extended periods of time, even in winter. This is particularly apparent indoors, where allergens can persist for many months and you can be continually exposed to pollen and mold allergens in indoor air.

Don't cheap mold tests suffice for diagnosing indoor air problems?

No. While you can purchase cheap mold tests online or in hardware stores, those tests do not differentiate molds that can trigger allergies and asthma from molds that are harmless. Plus, knowing what specific mold allergens might be in your home can help you solve the problem. Some of the molds might be growing inside your home, while others could be coming from outside.

Boulder Blue uses a DNA sequencing approach to determine if you have high allergen loads inside your home. Our approach has been well-validated and makes it possible to reliably screen for all known pollen and mold allergens, quantify the amounts of these allergens you are exposed to inside your home, and provide you with the insights needed to solve the problem if one does exist.

I thought allergies were unavoidable and there was nothing that could be done to reduce allergen exposures?

We spend most of our time indoors and, fortunately, there are a range of strategies you can use to reduce the amounts of allergens you are inhaling at home. First you need to identify if you even have a problem, and then you need to know what types of allergens are found inside your home to determine what strategy will be most effective. These strategies can range from those that are reasonably low cost -- cleaning surfaces more frequently, replacing old carpeting with bare floors, closing windows, getting new HVAC filters, using a dehumidifier -- to those that are higher cost, such as getting rid of water-damaged building materials or replacing HVAC systems. Strategies to remove allergenic pollens or outdoor molds from your home are distinct from those needed to reduce mold allergens originating from inside your home. At Boulder Blue, we provide you with the science-based insights you need to make your home a healthy place for you and your family.

Should I share my Boulder Blue results with my allergist?

Definitely. If you suffer from respiratory allergies and regularly see an allergist to help with your symptoms, Boulder Blue results can help you identify the most effective treatment options. Allergy shots can reduce symptoms in about 85% of people with respiratory allergies. However, such shots are most effective if you and your allergist know what allergens are most common inside your home or work environment, where you likely spend most of your time. The Boulder Blue test provides exactly those data.