Dog and Cat Allergen Present in 100% of U.S. Homes

[PfcHammer]

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-06-2004/0002205470&EDATE=

Dog and Cat Allergen Present in 100% of U.S. Homes,
From Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

MILWAUKEE, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Dog and cat allergen is found in all homes in the United States, according to a study featured in the July 2004 Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

Samuel J. Arbes, Jr. DDS, MPH, PhD, and colleagues from Durham and Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, gathered data from the first National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing (NSLAH1). The data was gathered from 1998 to 1999 by the National Institute of environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The NSLAH1 was a cross-sectional survey of 831 housing units containing 2,456 individuals in a total of 75 locations across the United States. Questionnaires were administered, environmental samples were collected from various rooms and observations were recorded at each household.

The study found that although a dog or cat had lived in only 49.1% of the homes, dog and cat allergen was detected in 100% and 99.9% respectively. The study also found that the majority of U.S. homes have levels that exceed the proposed thresholds for sensitization to these allergens.

The highest concentrations of dog and cat allergen were found on the sofa. In homes with pets, the higher level on sofas could reflect where pets prefer to spend time. However, it could also reflect the site most likely to come in contact with clothing worn outside the home.

[DenverDem]

1. Though I am allergic to them, I still love my cats unreservedly.

That's why God invented Affrin.

[demoman123]

4. My calico is my best friend.

[InkAddict]

2. LOL - It's more like it's present in 100% of my house!

2 cats - 1 dog
visiting daughter1 - 2 cats
visiting daughter2 - 2 cats 2 dogs

[Don_G]

3. OMG...My Down Pillow Is Stuffed With Cats?

Or is it that CD-ROM's and DVDs are made out of shiny hairballs.

My fat, furry friend says "no."

[leftofthedial]

5. toxic republican cooties found in 45% of Murkan homes

most often found on or near the toilet, the garbage can, and near any sewer drains.