What Is A Dust
Allergy?
This is an allergy to a microscopic organism that
lives in the dust that is found in all dwellings and workplaces. These mites are perhaps
the most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis. This allergy usually produces
symptoms similar to pollen allergy and also can produce symptoms of asthma.
What is house dust?
Rather than a single substance, so-called house dust is a
varied mixture of potentially allergenic materials. It may contain fibers from different
types of fabrics; cotton lint, feathers, and other stuffing materials; dander from cats,
dogs, and other animals; bacteria; mold and fungus spores (especially in damp areas); food
particles; bits of plants and insects; and other allergens peculiar to an individual home.
House dust also contains microscopic mites. They live in
bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets, and they thrive in summer and die in winter.
In a warm, humid house, however, they continue to thrive even in the coldest months. The
particles seen floating in a shaft of sunlight include dead dust mites and their
waste-products. These waste-products, which are proteins, actually provoke the allergic
reaction.
Dust
& Dust Mites
Air Cleaning:
WHAT METHODS CAN BE USED TO CONTROL INDOOR AIR POLLUTION?
The three most common approaches to reducing indoor air pollution are:
Source Control: Eliminate, reduce or control the sources of pollution; although it is
difficult to force pets outdoors, stop smokers and eliminate all odors.
Ventilation: Dilute and exhaust pollutants through outdoor air ventilation; in the winter
however, venting to the outdoors may increase heating and energy costs.
Air Cleaning: Remove pollutants through proven air cleaning methods and products.
The first approach -- source control -- involves minimizing the use of products and
materials that cause indoor pollution, employing good hygiene practices to minimize
biological contaminants (including the control of humidity and moisture, and occasional
cleaning and disinfection of wet or moist surfaces), and using good housekeeping practices
to control particles.
The second approach -- outdoor air ventilation -- is also effective and commonly employed.
Ventilation methods include installing an exhaust fan close to the source of contaminants,
increasing outdoor air flows in mechanical ventilation systems, and opening windows,
especially when pollutant sources are in use.
The third approach -- air cleaning -- the best method is used to supplement source control
and ventilation. Air filters, electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers are often used
to remove airborne particles, and gas adsorbing material is sometimes used to remove
gaseous contaminants when source control and ventilation are inadequate.
RECOMMENDATION
The public is advised to use proven methods of controlling indoor air pollution including
dust mites. These methods include eliminating or controlling pollutant sources, increasing
outdoor air ventilation, and using proven methods of air cleaning.
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