Non-specific organic matter, such as broken-down plant and animal cells.

Found in homes due to decay of food, plants, or other organic materials. Common in areas with poor ventilation or high moisture.

Tiny organisms that feed on dead skin cells.

Common in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. They thrive in warm, humid environments and can trigger allergies.

Small glass particles, often from insulation materials.

Found in homes with fiberglass insulation or products. Exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and lungs.

Plant-based fibers, like those found in paper and cotton.

Found in paper products (books, newspapers) or textiles. Can be present from worn paper or fabrics.

Fibers from cotton fabric.

Found in clothing, bedding, and towels. Can become airborne when fabrics are disturbed.

Man-made fibers, like polyester and nylon.

Found in synthetic fabrics (clothes, carpets, furniture). Can be released when fabrics degrade or are disturbed.

Fur or hair from pets (cats, dogs, etc).

Found throughout homes with pets. Can trigger allergies and is often airborne or settled on furniture.

Human hair strands.

Common in homes, especially in bathrooms and bedrooms. Can fall out naturally or be left behind after grooming.

Small particles of inorganic minerals.

Found in dust or dirt from outdoors or materials like plaster. Can be brought in from shoes or outdoor activities.

Small pieces of plant matter (leaves, stems, etc.).

Found in homes with indoor plants or areas near gardens. Can be tracked inside from outdoor plants.

Shed human skin.

Present in every household, particularly in areas where people spend time. Constant shedding of skin cells is a natural process.

Small particles from starch (like from food or grains)

Found in kitchens or areas where food is processed. Can be from starch in flour, potatoes, or other foods.

Small parts of bird feathers.

Present in homes with birds or areas with bird activity (windows, outdoor spaces). Can be blown indoors by wind.

Body parts or remains of insects.

Found in homes with insect problems or near windows where insects enter. Can also come from old insect infestations.

Unidentified, irregular-shaped particles, often dust or debris.

Found in most homes, usually from a mix of environmental dust. Can accumulate in hidden areas like vents or behind furniture.

Ink particles from newspapers.

Common in homes with old newspapers, especially in areas where newspapers are stored or discarded.

Small crystals of salt.

Found in homes near kitchens (e.g., salt containers) or areas with high humidity (e.g., bathrooms).

Black carbon particles from incomplete combustion.

Found near fireplaces, stoves, or areas exposed to outdoor pollution or fire damage.

Small particles from tires (rubber)

Common in homes with garages or near roads. Can be tracked inside on shoes.

Small pieces of hardwood from trees like oak, maple, etc.

Where & Why: Found in homes with hardwood floors, furniture, or wood-burning stoves.

Small pieces of softwood, like pine or cedar.

Present in homes with softwood furniture, floors, or firewood. Also found in homes with wood-burning stoves.

Burned remains of plants or wood.

Found in homes with wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. Can also come from outdoor burns or fire accidents.

Microscopic algae with a silica shell.

Found in homes with aquariums or near water sources. Diatoms are common in water and can be airborne.

Description: Particles from drywall or plasterboard.

Found in homes under renovation or near areas with drywall. Common in construction debris.

Small droplets of ink from inkjet printers.

Found in homes with printers. Can be released during printing or drying.

Small droplets of oils (from cooking or cleaning).

Found in kitchens, especially in cooking areas or from cleaning products.

Small particles of silicon dioxide.

Found in homes with construction materials like tile or countertops. It can also be found in certain air fresheners.

White, powdery deposit of salts left behind by evaporating water.

Found in basements or areas with water damage. Caused by moisture seeping through walls or floors.

Fine particles from smoke or fire residue.

Common in homes with fireplaces, stoves, or areas exposed to smoke. Can also come from nearby fires.

Small particles of glass.

Found near windows, mirrors, or glass containers. Could be a result of broken glass.

Small particles of aluminum metal.

Found in homes with aluminum products, like cans, foil, or construction materials. Can be shed during use or destruction.

Small iron particles.

Found in homes with iron materials (furniture, appliances). Can be from metal wear and tear, especially in kitchens or garages.

Small, angular particles of colorant (e.g., in paint).

Found in homes with painted surfaces. Can be released during wear or from dusting or sanding.

Paint particles.

Found in homes with painted surfaces. Often released when the paint starts to degrade or during renovation work.

Pigment or particles from birch trees.

Found in areas with birch trees or homes with birch-based wood products. Likely to be found in the fall when leaves or bark are shed.

Particles from grass.

Found in homes with lawns or gardens. Can be tracked inside after outdoor activities

Pollen from hickory trees.

Found in homes near hickory trees. More prominent during springtime when hickory trees pollinate.

Pollen from oak trees.

Common in areas with oak trees. Likely to appear in spring when oak trees pollinate.

Pollen from pine trees.

Released in Spring, pine pollen travels through the air and can enter homes causing allergies for some people.

Pollen from sunflower plants.

Found in homes near gardens or fields where sunflowers grow. Common in late summer to fall when sunflowers bloom.

Pollen that cannot be specifically identified.

Present in environments with various flowering plants. Can come from many types of plants, especially during pollen season.

Pollen from walnut trees.

Found in areas where walnut trees are common. Present mainly in the spring during walnut tree blooming.

Pollen from witch hazel plants.

Found in environments with witch hazel trees or shrubs. Likely during late winter to early spring when witch hazel blooms.