Facts:
(1) Animal dander is widespread in most human environments, even those without any animal present.
(2) A person who does not have a pet may be sensitized to that animal's dander.
(3) A person who is constantly exposed to animal allergens may develop a level of tolerance.
A person to target for pet dander mitigation should have both of the following:
(1) be symptomatic when around the implicated animal
(2) have a positive skin test or other evidence of allergy to the animal antigen
Steps that can be taken to reduce exposure to the pet dander:
(1) frequent bathing of the animal (every 2-3 days)
(2) removal of the animal or other form of distancing
(3) reducing allergen in the environment
(3a) use a HEPA sweeper
(3b) remove carpets
(3c) remove drapes on windows
(3d) cover cloth covered furniture or replace with wooden or leather furniture
(3e) place allergen covers on bedding and pillows
(4) once the amount of antigen in the environment has been controlled and reduced, continuous use of a high efficiency air cleaner large enough for the room
where:
• Air cleaners can make dispersal of small antigens like dander worse. It is important to reduce allergen in the environment before using and to use them continuously.
• Covers on bedding and furniture make cleaning easier.
• An allergic reaction can be triggered by exposure to a minute amount of allergen. Removal of animal antigens from an environment must be done rigorously or it will have limited benefit.
