Dust Mites: The Tiny Critters Can Torment
Posted on: Thursday, 6 September 2007, 15:07 CDT
Allergy to dust mites can show up as chronic congestion or even asthma, a U.S. newsletter warned.
The tiny critters, which live on dead skin cells shed from humans and their pets, create some 20 waste droppings a day. Dust mites are often concentrated in mattresses, furniture and carpeted areas -- nearly 100,000 mites can live in 1 square yard of carpet, reported the Web site Environment, Health and Safety Online.
The Mayo Clinic Health Letter recommendeds ways to help minimize exposure to these allergens to reduce the inhalation of dust including:
-- The bed accounts for about 98 percent of inhaled dust allergens. Pillows and mattresses should be covered with dust-proof covers. Bedding should be washed every other week in hot water to kill dust mites.
-- A microfiber dusting product and damp rag are better for grabbing dust than is a dry cloth or dust mop. A vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filter will help remove dust from carpet and upholstered furniture.
-- Keep dust-collecting clutter -- newspapers and knickknacks -- to a minimum.
Source: United Press International
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