Experts at Aerotech sent us the lowdown
on dust mites with an FAQ
on Dust mites. Remember, dust
mites flourish in warm humid weather and so do molds. Aerotech are
Indoor Air Quality experts that give you the lowdown on what you
can and cannot do. No product hype, just the facts!
Editors Note: Reprinted with permission from Aerotech
Labs IAQ Tech Tip #29
Topics
What are dust mites allergies?
How does one control dust mites?
How can I tell if I am allergic to dust mites?
Q. What are dust mites allergies?
A. Dust mite allergy is a response to a microscopic organism that
lives in the dust that is found in all dwellings and workplaces.
Dust mite allergens, perhaps the most common cause of perennial
allergic rhinitis, usually produce symptoms similar to pollen allergy
and can also trigger asthma.
Mites are a member of the arachnid family, which includes spiders,
chiggers, and ticks. Dust mites are 8-legged spider-like creatures
that are about 1/3 of a millimeter in length. There are two species
belonging to the genus Dermatophagoides, which are commonly found
in North America. Both species feed on human skin, pollen, fungi,
bacteria, and animal dander. The food consumption and development
of the mites increases with higher relative humidities (70 to 80%)
and common indoor temperatures (75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
Dust mites and their droppings are known allergens. It is a protein
in the mites and their feces to which people develop an allergic
response. When these droppings come in contact with the skin or
are inhaled they may cause allergy, asthma, and/or eczema symptoms.
A gram of house dust may contain 100 to 500 mites, and each mite
produces 10 to 20 waste particles a day. This waste is extremely
tiny and light, and thus is easily aerosolized.
Q. How does one control dust mites?
A. Although virtually no environments are free of dust mites there
are steps that can be taken to reduce their numbers including:
Encase mattresses, box springs, and pillows in non-allergenic,
plastic zippered encasings.
Avoid down and feather bedding materials and wash bedding frequently
in hot water (over 159 degrees Fahrenheit).
Avoid upholstered furniture when possible.
Avoid carpeting when possible or use a low pile carpet. Wash scatter
rugs frequently.
Dust and vacuum twice a week using a vacuum with HEPA filtration
or a central vacuum that vents particles to the outside of the house.
Keep humidity below 50%, ideally between 30-40%.
Frequently change HVAC filters and, if possible, use a HEPA air
cleaner.
Discourage pets from bedrooms
Q. How can I tell if I am allergic to dust mites?
A. Only certain people will develop an allergy to dust mites and
their feces. These people can be identified by means of a skin prick
test (SPT) or RAST tests done on a blood sample.
Desensitization injections (Systemic Immunotherapy - SIT) may be
used to treat pure house dust mite allergy that fails to respond
to avoidance measures or common medical therapy.
Indoor allergen analyses for dust mites (Mite Der p 1, Der f 1)
is available using the ELISA method for analyzing dust samples.
Contact
Aerotechlabs.com
for further information and archives of IAQ tips.
Incidentally, if you want to keep dust mites at bay
this summer, a dehumidifier or air conditioning is a must. Dust
mites do not thrive in dry air. We have a particularly high grade
dehumidifier by Ebac, the people who design "dry rooms" for businesses.
See all the Ebac dehumidifiers
in our Store.
See all the dehumidifiers at Allergybuyersclub.com
First Published: April, 2000
Updated: April 2007
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