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Indika Organics - Organic Bedding and matirials. Full line of Anti Dust mite and bed bug prook fabrics bedding and materials.
So why are we interested in dust mites?
House dust is a strongly allergenic material because it is usually heavily contaminated with the faecal pellets and skins of Dermatophagoides. Some estimates are that dust mite allergens may be a factor in 50-80% of asthmatics, as well as in eczema, hay fever and other allergic conditions. Exposure of the skin or respiratory tract to proteinases is frequently associated with allergic sensitization. The wheeze-inducing proteins are digestive juices from the mite gut which are quite potent. The proteolytic activity of Der p I, the group I allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, may influence the allergenicity of mites. The mites in this video aren't just any only mongrels, oh no! They are pedigree mites lovingly bred on a diet of baker's yeast and beard shavings for research purposes.
Exposure to the mites in the first, crucial year of life can trigger a lifelong allergy. There is no cure, only prevention - controlling house dust mite populations - focusing on dust control, to reduce the concentration of dust-borne allergens in the living environment by controlling both allergen production and the dust which transports it:
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No pesticides are currently approved for control of house dust mites.
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Replace feather and down pillows with synthetic fillings.
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Enclose the mattress top and sides with a plastic cover, thoroughly vacuuming mattress pillows and the base of the bed.Dampen and wipe the plastic mattress cover daily.
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Change and wash pillowcases, sheets, and under blankets, and vacuum the bed base and around the covered mattress weekly.
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Use nylon blankets rather than woolen or cotton ones.
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Frequently wash all bedding (blankets, mattress pads and comforters) in hot water (60oC weekly). Also wash curtains.
* Replace carpets with wood, tile, linoleum or vinyl floor coverings. (If you have carpets, vacuum every day.)
* Frequent vacuuming as a dust control measure is more likely to aggravate allergic asthmatic conditions because conventional vacuums are inefficient - dust collection by conventional vacuums results in a significant increase in air borne dust concentrations. Vacuuming is best accomplished by cleaners that trap dust in a liquid medium such as water rather than a dust bag.
However, to be effective, measures may need to reduce the house dust mite pollution 10 to 100-fold, not easily achieved in practical terms. It's important not to become so obsessed with mites, germs and dirt that normal life is impossible.