Dust mites love warm, humid areas filled with dust. Bed pillows, mattresses, carpets and furniture are great places for them to live.

For those individuals, inhaling the house dust allergen triggers rhinitis allergica or bronchial asthma. Symptoms are usually respiratory in nature (sneezing, itching, watery eyes, wheezing, etc.) but there arealso reports of a red rash around the neck. Other allergic reactions may include headaches, fatigue and depression.

House dust contaminated with the fecal pellets and cast skins of dust mites is one of the mostnstrongly allergenic materials found indoors. Estimates are that dust mites may be a factor in 50 to 80 percent of asthmatics, as well as in countless cases of eczema, hay fever and other allergic ailments.

The presence and volume of house dust mites can be confirmed microscopically which requires collecting samples from textiles materials that trap them… items like mattresses, couches and carpets. Also, it requires the use of a microscope with sufficient magnification and the technical ability to recognize house dust mites under the microscope.

There are also diagnostic tests sold and distributed in the U.S. One must collect dust samples and mix a portion of the sample with reagents packed with the test. Then, a dipstick is placed into the mixture, and the color change then compared to a chart packed with the test.

In all areas of extended exposure (bedrooms, family rooms, computer room etc.) where hard flooring is installed a DAILY damp mopping or tack-rag, dusting is important to keep settled dust and allergens from becoming airborne.Frequent vacuuming is recommended for the removal of surface allergen from upholstery, area rugs, mattresses and carpets. Unfortunately however, not just any vacuum will do. Many vacuum cleaners have poor filtration or leak, blowing allergy-causing particles (allergens) into the air. Allergen containment is an important consideration in evaluating the performance of your vacuum. We recommend choosing a CRI Green Label approved vacuum with true HEPA filtration.A well-made HEPA vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter and offering a high degree of allergen containment is very effective at minimizing exposure to allergen while vacuuming. A HEPA filter added to a vacuum will retain particles at 99.97% efficiency down to 0.3 microns and will reduce the amount of airborne allergen dispersed during vacuuming. Scientific studies have shown that a vacuum with a completely sealed system is an excellent way to contain dirt and allergen particles within the machine.

According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies, “on average, the air inside your home is up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air” – and it’s because indoor air gets trapped. Individuals sensitized to airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, cat or dog dander and house dust mite excrements can reduce their indoor exposure to these allergens by use of a high-efficiency air purification. The best we’ve found is IQAir. They offer specific room air purifiers and whole-house air purifiers that provide ultra-high efficiency removal of allergens and other irritants.

on their entire IQAir product line exclusively for our clients. Simply go to www.insideair.ca and mention PROMO CODE 2311 to make sure you receive these savings.

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