According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the University of Washington and Harvard University, allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers, weekly laundering of other bedding and very careful vacuuming and dry steam cleaning of bedroom carpets and upholstery -- can significantly reduce the levels of dust mite allergens, read on.
There are some very simple steps to reduce the levels of dust mite allergens in bedrooms
1) Allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers, weekly laundering of other bedding
2) Very careful vacuuming and dry steam cleaning of bedroom carpets and upholstery
According to scientists with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the University of Washington and Harvard University reported.
What are dust mites?
Dust mites are microscopic spider-like creatures that feed on flakes of human skin and reside in bedding, carpets, upholstery, draperies and other "dust traps.
"Dust mite allergens - substances which can cause an allergic reaction -- are proteins found in the mite's feces.
Purpose of study
The purpose of the study was to evaluate practical methods for lowering these allergens in bedrooms of low income, urban homes. Thirty-nine homes in Seattle, Washington, were studied.
Pillows, box springs, and mattresses were encased with allergen-impermeable covers. Bedding was washed weekly in hot water either in the home or professionally.
Carpets received a single treatment of intensive vacuuming plus dry steam cleaning or intensive vacuuming alone. Upholstered furniture received either dry steam cleaning or intensive vacuuming.
What are the results?
Studies have shown that exposure to house dust mite allergens is a significant risk factor for the development of allergic diseases, such as asthma and rhinitis (hay fever).
A doctor said, "Results from an earlier study suggest that over 45 percent of U.S. homes, or approximately 44 million dwellings, have bedding with dust mite allergen concentrations that exceed a level that has been associated with allergic sensitization.
We estimated that 22 million homes have bedding with dust mite allergen concentrations at a level that can trigger asthma in susceptible people.
So we were eager to test ways to reduce these troublesome substances."
Household cleaning
The researchers found that the interventions significantly reduced house dust mite allergen concentrations. T
he use of allergen-proof covers and either professional or in-home laundering of bedding reduced allergen levels in beds.
Both dry steam cleaning plus vacuuming and vacuuming alone lowered allergen levels in carpets. Vacuuming and dry steam cleaning each reduced allergen levels in upholstered furniture.
Dry steam cleaning machines have recently become available for home use.
"The decreases in dust mite allergens following a single vacuuming did not last as long as decreases following dry steam cleaning and vacuuming.
We believe that the hot dry steam kills the mites, and the vacuuming removes them from the carpet," doctor said.
Sensitization
While the vacuuming and steam cleaning procedures reduced allergen concentrations below the levels believed to trigger asthma symptoms, the interventions did not reduce the concentrations below the levels associated with allergic sensitization.
Sensitization - the process by which the body's recognition of a particular allergen leads to a physical response - is the first step in allergy development.
How to obtain allergen measurements?
In order to obtain allergen measurements below the sensitization level, people may need to do additional things such as remove carpeting from the floors, replace upholstered furniture with leather or vinyl covered furniture.
And reduce humidity levels in the house," doctor said. "However, such a bare-bones home may be less desirable to the residents. In the meantime, more research is needed on inexpensive alternatives for maintaining long-term allergen control."
Dust mites are very common, but for many people they can cause big problems. These tiny critters can be found in nearly every home and survive on old skin cells shed by humans and pets. Although they aren't directly harmful to humans - they don't bite people or suck blood - their feces and dead remains are so small that they can be inhaled as dust and in some cases cause allergies. An allergy specialist can find out if you are allergic to dust mites.
If someone at your home has an allergy to dust mites, you'll need to try to get rid of many of the mites and remove the source of the irritation. The best place to start is by making the conditions less hospitable to the mites.
Begin by reducing the humidity in your home; if the humidity level is less than 50 percent in your home, this will have a major impact on the number of dust mites.
Cleaning your house regularly is also good. Invest in professional upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning, especially when there are pets in the house. Vacuum your drapery, floors, and upholstery regularly.
Change the bedding on your beds at least each week and wash it in hot water to kill any existing mites. While your sheets are being cleaned, clean and vacuum your mattresses as thoroughly as possible. Dust mites love living in our bedding, because we shed millions of skin cells in our beds so this step is especially important for controlling sensitivity.
Use an air filter too, but be sure to use a special filter that can catch the tiny mites and their waste products. Washable filters are not appropriate because they can actually harbor mites and contribute to the problem. Be sure to use special allergen-reducing filters in your furnace as well.
If your sensitivity is more severe, you may have to take more drastic measures. Unfortunately, pets in the home are one of the worst sources of dust mite problems since mites love to feed on their dander. It is impossible to completely eliminate mites when a furry or feathery pet lives in the house. If you can't find relief through any of the other methods, you may need to find a new home for your pets.
Last but not least, make your home less favorable for the dust mite population. Buy latex covers for your mattresses, hypoallergenic pillows, and short-pile carpet. Do not have overstuffed furniture, since this kind of furniture can contribute to dust mites.
These steps are fairly extreme, but dust mites are very difficult to get rid of. You may need to try several of these methods until your problems decrease. Once you are able to breathe easier and live more comfortably in your own home, all of your effort will be well worth it.
Both Eddy Kong Ww & Howard Brule are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Eddy Kong Ww has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Asthma and Cars. Eddy has a site which shares how he managed to find out an unique hidden way on asthma treatment control that guarantees to relieve you anytime. Get your free report at. Eddy Kong Ww's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.