Top: Health: Conditions and Diseases: Allergies: Dust Mites
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Dust Mite
Dust is one of the most common allergens found in the home. The amount of house dust in a home is related to the age of the property, the efficiency of the air filter on the heating and air conditioning system, and the effectiveness of the cleaning methods applied by the residents. The primary allergen in household dust is dust mite allergen (usually found in dust mite droppings). Dust mites are microscopic members of the spider family that feed on dead human skin flakes. They tend to live in places where human skin flakes are available as a food source, such as bedding, carpets, and in furniture.
Recent medical literature reports that exposure to house dust mite allergens is a significant risk factor for the development of allergic diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Results from earlier work suggests that over 45 percent of U.S. homes, or approximately 44 million dwellings, have bedding with dust mite allergen concentrations that exceed a level associated with allergic sensitization. It is estimated that 22 million homes have bedding with dust mite allergen concentrations at a level that can trigger asthma in susceptible people.
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Dust mite allergen can cause both respiratory reactions and skin reactions in sensitive people. Asthma, eczema (skin rashes), and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are the three main allergic diseases linked to the house dust mite allergen. Research has shown that allergens can stay suspended in the air for as long as 2 hours. Once airborne, dust mite droppings can be inhaled, causing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Symptoms of dust mite exposure include:
Wheezing
Coughing
Itchy eyes
Runny noses
Asthma
Eczema (skin rashes)
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
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It is impossible to eliminate household dust mites in your home. However, there are five ways to prevent exposure to dust mites and/or kill dust mites and their eggs:
Freezing. This method is very effective at killing dust mites. Dust mites are approximately 80% water by weight, so freezing causes the mite to simply rupture as the water in its tissue expands during freezing. This is a very effective way to kill dust mites in small items that will fit in a freezer. In the winter months, when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, freezing can be used to kill mites in furniture, mattresses, and other large items that can be placed outside over night.
Drying. Dust mites are 80 % water by weight. Since dust mites cannot drink they need to maintain their internal moisture by external means to live. Drying and lowering relative humidity levels will kill dust mites by making them lose moisture and dry up. Placing cloth, clothing, bedding, curtains and other dust mite-contaminated items in hot dryer with a vent to the outdoors will kill dust mites.
Hot water washing. Dust mites and dust mite eggs die in water hotter than 55-60 degrees Centigrade (130°F - 140°F). Use of a hot dryer to dry clothes improves the efficiency of washing in hot water to kill dust mites.
Barriers. Although dust mites microscopic, they are not small enough to migrate through allergy covers or vinyl covers for pillows, mattresses and box spring sets. Since most exposure occurs in the bed, the use of barriers is a very effective way to control exposure to dust mites and their allergens.
Avoidance. Persons with dust allergies should try to avoid activity that exposes them to dust. Once initial control of dust mite colonies has been addressed, you should abide by the following methods to continue controlling dust and reducing dust mite allergens in your home:
-Change bedding frequently.
-Avoid dusty activities.
-Wash bedding, curtains, rugs, etc. at water temperatures over 55-60 degrees Centigrade (130°F - 140°F).
-Dry bedding, curtains, rugs, etc. on the hottest drier setting when feasible.
-Use barriers on pillows, mattresses and box springs.
-Use natural ventilation (e.g., open windows), or high efficiency air conditioning filters.
-Consider getting rid of carpets and replacing them with smooth flooring, such as vinyl or wood.
-Try to maintain relative humidity at about 50% or lower.
-Use a damp dust rag throughout the home to collect and remove dust.
-Use a wet wipe/mop on floors frequently.
-Avoid curtains and blinds that collect dust. If curtains must be used, wash them monthly.
-Minimize the number of dust-collecting accessories in your home, such as books, plants, knick-knacks, pictures, etc. Damp-dust (wipe with a damp dust rag) them frequently.
-Use a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter collect very small dust particulates.
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