Total Particulate Testing

Allergy-Causing Nuisance Dusts

Not all allergy-like symptoms are caused by mold growth. There are many different materials and biological matter that can affect the health of our breathing and skin on a daily basis. Rarefied Air Environmental can collect air and surface samples which test for several of those nuisance dusts.

Total Particulate Analysis

The Total Particle Analysis is a microscopic determination of particles collected from the air or surface, other than mold. Fiberglass and cellulose fibers from insulation, silicates, soot, dust mites, insect parts, pet dander, pollen, wood dust and other particles may cause allergic reactions or respiratory, eye and skin irritation. Sometimes skin and respiratory irritation is not caused by mold. Other particles such as dander, gypsum, talc, mineral salts and soot may cause excessive dust in the home referred to as nuisance dust.

The Total Particle Analysis can assist in determining which of these particles may be present in the home or workplace in excessive amounts. From that information, it is easier to determine the possible causes of the excess dust accumulation so that corrective actions may be taken.

Health Effects

Several of the particles identified by the total particulate air analysis performed by Rarefied Air Environmental cause allergy-like effects on individuals with sensitive allergies. Pet dander from cats and dogs can cause respiratory issues, sneezing, runny nose, wheezing and itchy skin. Pet dander may also still be present in a home following the removal of a pet because the dander is trapped in the dust.

Homes must be properly and habitually cleaned of these types of dusts as they can affect our daily living.
Silicate dusts, cement dust, gypsum powder are all also degrading to our respiratory health. Several renovation projects in the home can cause elevated levels of nuisance dust. Even wood dust can cause itchy skin and rashes. A recent install of wood flooring in your home may be the cause of your itchy skin. Our air and surface samples can determine the presence of all of these and more. See the following list of types of particulates analyzed:

• Dander
• Cellulose Fibers
• Synthetic Fibers
• Fiberglass Fibers
• Wood Fibers
• Animal Hair
• Plant Hair
• Human Hair
• Dust Mites, Parts
• Carpet Beetle larvae parts
• Insect Parts
• Insect Frass (Feces)
• Feather Barbule
• Pollen
• Gypsum
• Opaque Particles
• Talc
• Silicates
• Mineral Salts
• Ash-like Soot
• Char-like Soot
• Aciniform-like Soot