Dust Mites
Dust mites are considered one of the major
allergy triggers
and causes of asthma.Dust mites are not visible to the naked eye. Over 300 years ago the inventor of the microscope reported that dust mites live in dust. These culprits thrive in indoor environments with high humidity (60% and higher) and feed on the skin that is shed by humans and animals. Dust mite populations are less in cold, drier climates than warm humid locales. Mites reside in bedding, pillows, upholstered furniture, carpets and even stuffed toys. Conditions of people with dust mite allergy have improved when mite populations are reduced.
Controlling Dust Mites- Wash sheets, pillow cases, blankets and mattress pads in water over 130 degrees F- Enclose mattresses, pillow cases and box springs with dust proof bedding covers - Avoid stuffed toys - Keep indoor humidity levels at 30% to 50% - purchase a humidity guage to monitor levels - If you have high humidity, find out why it is high. If you live in a cold dry climate, your house may be too tight and not properly ventilated. If you live in a warm, humid climate, be sure your air conditioning system is operating properly. - Some experts recommend you avoid carpets, while others point to tests that prove otherwise. The bottom line is if you have carpeting, vacuum frequently with a good vacuum cleaner that will not release the dust mites into the air after they are captured by the vacuum. I recently attended a heating and cooling system seminar for contractors and the subject of vacuum cleaners was brought up and it was amusing to hear a group of men getting excited about a vacuum cleaner. The buzz was about Dyson vacuum cleaners. Another high quality vacuum is
Both of these units keep the contaminants in the vacuum where they belong. Some people say that air filtration devices won't trap dust mites because dust mites do not remain airborne long enough to be captured by the filter My opinion is if you have allergies, dust mites may not be the only allergy trigger in your house. The cleaner the air the better!
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