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House Dust/Dust
Mites
Peart, Virginia
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- House dust is a mixture of
potentially allergenic materials: fibers, feathers, bacteria, mold spores,
human dander, parts of plants and insects, pet hair and danders. The most
allergenic component of house dust is often dust mites microscopic,
spider-like insects. The allergen may be either the hard outer shell of
the mite or a substance the creature excretes or secrets.
- 10 different dust mite species are
known.
HEALTH EFFECTS
- Similar to mildew/mold allergy:
sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, watery/itchy eyes.
- Dust mites are the main contributor
of half of the asthma cases.
- Under severe exposure asthmatic
attacks with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath may be triggered.
SOURCES
- Dust mites thrive in carpets, bedding
(especially pillows), upholstered furniture, stuffed toys, etc.
DETECTION
- Allergic reaction, sneezing, etc.
CONTROL
- Dust mites depend on humidity and
grow fastest at about 80 percent RH but must be below 50 percent to stop
mite growth. Temperatures in a home are just right for dust mites.
- Wash and clean thoroughly.
- Provide special protection in
bedrooms.
- Avoid the use of materials that
collect and hold dust.
- Use simple metal or wood furniture,
washable cotton or synthetic shades, cotton or fiberglass curtains.
- Scatter rugs should be washed weekly.
- Although proof coverings should be
used on mattress, box springs and pillows.
- Dacron and synthetic pillows are
better than feathers. Put pillows through dry cycle to remove dust
particles and allergens.
- Air conditioning will help remove
allergens but an electronic or HEPA (high efficiency particulate aerating)
filter remove particulates from the air and hold them.
REFERENCE
Dust Allergy. U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services. NIH Publications No. 84-79.
Footnotes
1. This document is
Fact Sheet HE 3199, a series of the Home Economics Department, Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida. Publication date: April 1993. This document was
originally published as IAQ-5 in February 1992.
Florida Cooperative Extension Service /
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / Christine
Taylor Waddill, Dean
Disclaimer
The use of trade names in this publication is
solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not
guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this
publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of
suitable composition.
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Dust/Dust Mites
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