Quantitative measurement of airborne allergens from dust mites, dogs, and cats using an ion‐charging device

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Abstract
Summary: BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that children raised with an animal(s) in the house have a decreased risk of becoming sensitized. However, it is not clear whether this phenomenon is related to airborne exposure.ObjectiveTo estimate airborne exposure to animal dander and dust mite allergens using a device that can sample large volumes of air silently.MethodsThe device, which uses an ion‐charging technique to move air and to collect particles, was run at 1.7 m3/min for 24 h in 44 homes with and without animals. The allergen collected was measured by ELISA for Fel d 1, Can f 1, Der p 1, and Der f 1.ResultsAirborne Fel d 1 was present in all homes with a cat (n=27). The quantities measured, i.e. 0.5–20 μg in 24 h, represent 0.01–0.3 μg Fel d 1 inhaled/day at normal breathing rates (20 L/h). Values for houseswithouta cat were 0.01–0.05 μg inhaled/day. Airborne Fel d 1 correlated significantly with floor Fel d 1 (r=0.58,Pr=0.84,PConclusionExposure to cat or dog allergen airborne in homes with an animal can be up to 100 times higher than exposure to mite allergen. The results are in keeping with a model where immunological tolerance to animal dander allergens results from high exposure.

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