Indoor Air Quality
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Biological Pollutants
Cleaning will obviously reduce their number, but even the best cleaning practices will never get rid of them completely. Nevertheless, if you or a family member is allergic to dust mites, regular house cleaning becomes very important. Mind you, some cleaning practices, such as feather dusting or the use of inefficient vacuum cleaners, do not much more than stir the air and make matters worse. Follow some of the following rules to minimise the exposure to dust mites:
> Encase mattresses and pillows in airtight covers or special allergen-
> Use pillows stuffed with synthetic fibres and replace the pillow every two to three years.
> Wash all bedding, including the pillow, every week in water that has a temperature of 600C or above.
> Choose washable stuffed toys for your children.
> If possible, remove wall-
> Limit the use of decorative fabrics, such as heavy drapes.
> Keep all clothes in closed wardrobes or drawers.
> Use bookshelves with glass doors.
> Ventilate the rooms well to dilute the concentration of contaminants.
> Use vacuum cleaners with an efficient filter system. Change bags frequently.
> Damp-
Whether we like it or not, we have millions of uninvited guests that give some of
us an allergic reaction. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, or simply dust mites, are
microscopic, insect-
And believe me, they find plenty of food. In our lifetime we shed approximately 18 kg of skin, enough to feed a whole army of dust mites. Even if we go on holidays, they don't have to fast, because there is always enough of our flakes left somewhere in a dusty corner. Their excrements break down into fine powder and are carried in air movements to all parts of the room.
The mites prefer warm and moist conditions and thrive in pillows and mattresses. They and their waste are also found deep in the weave of carpets, curtains and upholstery.
Dust Mites Allergy
