Last Updated: February 27, 2019
Description
Air Quality: Animal Dander
Images: UNC CEHS COEC
Big Idea: Animal dander can worsen asthma.
Talking Points:
- While cats and dogs are among the most beloved pets, our furry friends can pose a threat to the health of people with asthma.
- Animal dander is a protein in warm-blooded animals’ hair, skin flakes, urine, feces, and dried saliva. Warm-blooded animals include cats, dogs, and rodents like hamsters and guinea pigs.
- Dander can get caught in the animal fur and can cling to walls, floors, furniture, bedding and clothing.
- Research has found that asthma is worsened when people who are particularly sensitive are exposed to cat and dog dander.
Sources:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), online research, 2017. “Pet Allergy Overview”
Kanchongkittiphon et al, 2015. Indoor Environmental Exposures and Exacerbation of Asthma: An Update to the 2000 Review by the Institute of Medicine
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), “Pet Allergy: Are you allergic to dogs or cats?”, Medical review, October 2015.
Categories: Air Quality