The epidermal derivatives of pets are released from saliva, dander and urine of dogs and cats, but also from birds and cockroaches. Once dried and fragmented, they remain suspended in the air in dust.
In Italy, an important source of indoor allergens is represented by pets, and in particular by cats. Cats are a risk factor for allergies not only in the home, but also in offices, schools and probably in all community environments.
The most important allergen is identified as Fel d 1 and is localised mainly in the hair and to a lesser extent in the saliva. In contrast to dust mites, cat allergens are associated with very small particles, with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less. As they are very light, the particles remain suspended in the air in very large quantities for a long time and, when they precipitate, they accumulate in, for example, upholstery, curtains, carpets or upholstery, where they remain for a long time even after the animal has been removed. In environments where animals have lived, it takes at least six months after removal for concentration levels to return to values where the animal is not present.
Allergens can also be transported through clothing and can be found even in environments where animals have never been present.
The presence of cat allergens can lead to sensitisation of non-sensitised individuals and, above all, induce or aggravate symptoms (rhinoconjunctivitis and asthmatic attacks) in allergic individuals.
Finally, allergic problems caused by dog dander, hair and saliva seem to be less common in Italy than those caused by cats, but there are concerns about this.
The presence of cat allergens can lead to sensitisation of non-sensitised individuals and, above all, induce or aggravate symptoms (rhinoconjunctivitis and asthmatic attacks) in allergic individuals.
Finally, allergic problems caused by dog dander, hair and saliva seem to be less common in Italy than those caused by cats, but there are concerns about this.
Proper cleaning of the pet's living quarters
Air exchange and proper expulsion of pollutants to the outside.
Clothes carry allergens within the confined environment.
Proper cleaning of the pet's living quarters
Air exchange and proper expulsion of pollutants to the outside.
Clothes carry allergens within the confined environment.
It was a Friday of encounters and mutual growth organised by Fondazione Green and Sistem Air for the students enrolled in the ITS "Energy-efficient heating systems" course.
The students, enrolled in the ITS Sustainable Digital Factory 4.0 Specialist course promoted by Fondazione Green, visited Sistem Air for a day dedicated to discovering the central vacuum system.
Lorenzo Valerio owns a paint factory, where he treats both wood and metal, and in his business the difficult relationship with dust and waste is a constant.
As we spend 90% of our time indoors, this is where we breathe in most pollutants.
Winter seems to be coming to an end for real, but not everyone is happy about the arrival of spring.
Wood, cork, straw and hemp are just some of the main natural materials that can be used to build in an environmentally friendly way.