Winter Allergies & IAQ Concerns Impact Many Texas & Gulf Coast Residents

AUSTIN, Texas - Feb. 16, 2015 - PRLog -- The weather across Texas has fluctuated from balmy to extreme cold this winter season.  During this time of year, some people who suffer from allergies due to pollen get a break from their symptoms.  Unfortunately, the winter weather’s impact on pollen in the air doesn’t mean other people still aren’t suffering from exposure to indoor allergens in their home, school or work environment.

Although indoor allergies are sometimes confused with the common cold, if the condition lasts for more than 10 days the cause is likely due to allergies and not a cold. Winter allergy sufferers may feel tired and experience itchy eyes and throat, along with watery and clear nasal secretions that may last for weeks or more and can be intermittent.  Those who have instead caught a common winter cold may develop body aches, fever, chills and discolored nasal secretions that are usually gone within a week.

During the cold winter months, homes and buildings typically have their windows shut and the heating system turned on.  These conditions can allow for the accumulation of a number of common indoor allergens and forced indoor heating can help to spread these pollutants from room to room.  Common indoor allergens often include:

·         Mold – Mold can begin to grow indoors when moisture is present.  This can be caused by plumbing and structural leaks, flooding, elevated humidity levels and condensation on walls, windows and cold pipes during the winter months.

·         Dust Mites – These microscopic bugs and their waste cause allergic symptoms for many and are frequently found in areas where people sleep.

·         Pet Allergens – The fur, dander, saliva and urine of common household pets and rodents can cause problems for many allergy sufferers.

“Indoor allergens are quite common, but there are steps people can take to minimize their exposure once they have been identified,” said Hollis L. Horner, President, Indoor Environmental Consultants, Inc.  “At IEC, our indoor air quality experts are trained to identify a wide range of indoor allergens and contaminants.  With this information, solutions can be implemented to address the allergen source and provide relief for those with winter allergies.”

To learn more about IEC’s indoor air quality (IAQ) testing and consulting services, please visit www.iecinc.net, email ncancino@iecinc.net or call (877) 432-8378.

About Indoor Environmental Consultants, Inc.

IEC began operations in 2001 with some of the nation’s most seasoned professional indoor air quality consultants who already had over 70 years of combined experience.  The indoor environmental quality firm specializes in field investigations and assessments of commercial, institutional and residential buildings.  Their services, related to fungal (mold), chemical, bacterial, asbestos and particulate pollutants, are offered throughout Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southwest. IEC is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a mold assessment company (ACO0114) and an asbestos consultant agency (100329).