ABSTRACT
People come into contact with animals in many different occupations and activities. Household animals are significant sources of allergens in the indoor environment. Cat and dog allergens are especially recognized as being associated with allergic disorders, including asthma. Exposure to these allergens is perennial and not limited to immediate contact with the animals. It is not surprising that sensitization is common, since people in industrialized countries spend some 90% of their time indoors.
