Sitemap 
 
Search: 
 
morefocus
Allergies Arthritis Automimmune diseases Bladder problems Blood and vascular disorders Cancer Cholesterol Diabetes Erectile dysfunction Headaches Heart problems Heartburn and gerd Herpes Hypertension Intestinal problems Lung diseases Obesity Osteoporosis Pain Prostate problems Psychiatric disorders Salivary glands Skin disorders Sleep Turner syndrome Wellness Womens health  


New Directions for Maximum Dust Mite Destruction

A new study into the most effective methods for eradicating household dust mites has produced highly encouraging results for allergy sufferers. Findings have channeled the battle against the dust mite in new directions. Most significant of all is that the recommendations are simple, workable and easy to apply in the household environment (reported in Reuters Health, New York, July 5, 2002).

The link between allergens found in dust mite feces and allergic reactions is well established. Studies have documented that the proteins found in dust mite feces lodge in household bedding, carpets, upholstery, clothes and other fabrics, and need to be strictly controlled to avoid triggering allergic reactions. The extent of the problem is highlighted in a number of recent reports, where exposure to house dust mite allergens is described as a major risk factor for the development of allergic diseases such as asthma and hay fever.

One expert, Dr. Darryl C. Zeldin, M.D. of the NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) 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 that has been associated with allergic sensitization." He also says that an estimated "22 million homes have bedding with dust mite allergen concentrations at a level that can trigger asthma in susceptible people."

Recent studies have also confirmed that the use of special vacuum cleaners and steam cleaners for carpets, upholstery and even soft toys, and regular washing of bedding are now routine procedures for those households where people suffer from mite-induced allergic reactions.

One study, reported in The Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (2002;88:578-583), has succeeded in isolating those aspects of standard washing procedures that can have maximum impact upon the elimination of the allergens.

The breakthrough? The research team led by DiAnn L. Vyszenski-Moher, from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, has succeeded in identifying the best washing methods for achieving maximum destruction of household dust mites.

Vyszenski-Moher's team studied how effectively the mites were destroyed at different water temperatures. Research was conducted using solutions containing detergent or bleach, with control samples of bed linens immersed in water only.

The conclusion?
Vyszenski-Moher and her colleagues established that the simple procedure of washing bed linen each week in warm water with detergent and bleach kills most dust mites. Significantly, however, "a 4-hour presoak in warm water (35 degrees Celsius) containing laundry detergent and bleach will moderately reduce live mite levels".

The report also concluded that "the cumulative effect of weekly washing in warm water with most brands [of laundry detergent] should significantly reduce dust mite levels in bed linens over time, particularly if the mattress and pillows are encased to prevent re-infestation".

The key lies in presoaking all bed linen—once a week, for four hours —in a solution of laundry detergent and bleach. Then, simply follow the pre-soak procedure with standard washing, in warm water.

Resources

Vyszenski-Moher, D. L. (2002). Soaking, washing bed linens rids them of dust mites. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2000, 88, 578-583. Retrieved July 10, 2002, from www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_8404.html.

Zeldin, D. C. (2001). Dust mite allergens in bedrooms. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Environmental Health Perspectives. Retrieved July 10, 2002, from www.nih.gov/news/pr/aug2001/niehs-06.htm.

Ads by Yahoo!

  Home | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy & Security | Site Map | © morefocus group, inc.