First a definition provided by the U.S. EPA: ( www.epa.gov)
Dust mites are tiny insects that are invisible to the naked eye. Every home has dust mites. They feed on human skin flakes and are found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bed covers, clothes, stuffed toys and fabric and fabric-covered items. Body parts and feces from dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with allergic reactions to dust mites, and exposure to dust mites can cause asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms………………………………………………….
Is there a solution to your symptoms?
Believe it or not dust mites are one of natures most fascinating and annoying creatures. Their ability to survive in virtually any climate, from tropical jungles to mountaintops is truly astounding, while their ability to cause allergic reactions from mildly irritated eyes to sever asthma attacks ranks them as a very serious threat to your health. As noted by the EPA, dust mites live by feeding off dead skin flakes, dander and other protein sources shed from both people and pets. As the name implies, where you find dust you will find dust mites. Dust mites are very prolific, with about 42,000 mites living in one ounce of dust. A typical 1500 square foot home will produce about 40 pounds of dust annually; given proper breeding conditions this can result in some 27,000,000 dust mites in your home-to say nothing of their droppings!
The house dust mite excrement is one of the most widespread allergen triggers for asthma, eczema and allergic nasal mucous membrane inflammations. Further research revealed this trigger is a microscopic protein found in the excrement of the dust mite. The substance, now known as the allergen Der p1, is today recognized throughout the world as the major cause of the distressing symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, eczema and other dust sensitive conditions.
The reason dust mites are such a large health concern is due to the fact that their droppings are so small that they can become airborne quite easily, and then be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause allergic symptoms. The highest concentration of dust mites can be found in the bedroom. The mattress provides the perfect conditions for dust mite proliferation; the average mattress will contain several million dust mites.
Most experts agree removing dust mites from your home in general, and the bedroom area in particular, is one of the best ways to improve the overall health of your home. Although it is impossible to remove all the dust mites from your home, their affect on the health and safety of the occupants can be minimized.
Actions You Can Take
- Cover mattresses and pillows with dust proof (“allergen-impermeable”) zippered covers.
- Wash bedding (sheets, blankets and bed covers) once per week in hot water.
- Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water and dry them thoroughly.
- Keep stuffed toys off beds.
- Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers which are available at local hardware stores.
Common house dust may contain asthma triggers. When you are treating your house for dust mites, try these simple steps as well.
- Remove dust often with a damp cloth.
- Vacuum carpet and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up.
- Using vacuums with high efficiency filters or central vacuums may be helpful.
- People with asthma or allergies should leave the area being vacuumed.
Safe for you...Safe for your FAMILY!!!
For the most comprehensive mattress cleaning and sanitizing services available visit www.regalclean.com. We can clean your mattress, carpet and upholstered furniture using only hypo-allergenic cleaning agents designed especially for people who are allergy suffers and sensitive to harsh chemicals. The cleaning agents do not contain solvents, perfumes, phosphates or any other hazardous materials and are derived from renewable plant source surfactants.
The EPA’s Design for the Environment program helps to protect families and the environment by distinguishing household and cleaning products, like soaps, detergents, and cleaners, that are safer for people and the planet. EPA’s scientific team rigorously evaluates each product for its impact on both human and environmental health. The DfE label means a product works well and is made with the safest possible chemicals.
For more information about the U.S. EPA’s Design for the Environment Program (DfE) visit http://www.epa.gov/dfe/
