The Necessary Need for Mattress Cleaning: Dust Mites, Asthma, Allergies and Allergens
30 May 2006
I. Dust Mites
House dust mites (clinically known as HDM’s) having been on earth for about 23 million years, came to live with humans only 10,000 years ago although man’s earliest permanent housing structures appeared about 8,000 years ago. Dust mites (as they are most commonly referred) are ancient scavengers that man must learn to understand and respect. It was not until the late 1600’s that scientists became interested in the dust of houses. The inventor of the microscope, Anton van Leeuwenhoek, reported in 1694 that mites live in dust. Now, more than 300 years later, it is an established fact that dust mites can be found in house dust, worldwide. Only pollen causes more allergic reactions, but indoors, dust mites have the honor of being the # 1 cause of allergic reactions. They have no sight, no respiratory system, are unable to drink, yet they survive by absorbing moisture and oxygen from the atmosphere. An important fact to note; the house dust mite’s biological make-up is 75% water. Reducing moisture is a threat to a dust mite’s existence as it must maintain this moisture content to breed.
During the past 23 million years, dust mites have developed a clever method of recycling their food. Dust mites practice coprophagia, meaning, in lean times, they will use their own fecal pellets as a food source. Dust mite fecal pellets, which contain “guanine” and their digestive enzymes, are a major cause of allergies across the world. The powerful enzymes in the fecal pellets break down hard-to-digest food for later nourishment. It is these enzymes that cause and trigger allergies in humans by breaking down delicate living tissue. A single dust mite can produce up to 20 fecal pellets per day (therefore, an average-sized colony of 2 million dust mites living within a mattress will produce 40 million fecal pellets per day). A single dust mite produces approximately 2000 fecal pellets during its active lifetime of up to 3 or 4 months (that equates to a total of 4 trillion fecal pellets, in your mattress, produced by a single generation of an average-sized dust mite colony).
Contrary to popular belief, dust mites do not live in air ducts in homes. Unnecessarily, many people spend much time and money cleaning the air ducts to reduce dust mites. Within a house, concentrations of these dust mites will be the highest where there is the most food and where there are favorable temperature and moisture conditions. Areas of high dust mite concentration include bedding, mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, carpets, drapery and stuffed toys. Most modern conventional beds provide perfect micro-habitats for breeding conditions. The warmth of a human body, the simple act of a person exhaling while sleeping and combined with human perspiration, provides all the moisture that dust mites require. In our beds and our upholstered furniture, the dust mite’s favorite food is shed human skin. On average worldwide, humans shed up to 1 gram of skin daily (which equals approximately an ounce of shed skin per month) while those persons who bathe or shower at least once per day (or more) will shed even more skin cells due to stripping away the natural skin oils. Other dust mite foods include pet dander, spilled food, fungi, and pollen.
There are other species of dust mite as well as predatory mites that share the same dusty environment. Dust mites live in a fine layer of minute dust particles that continually settle on household items. Dust mites have been known to be associated with allergies since the 1960’s and have in recent years become a focus for their involvement with respiratory ailments. They do not bite or sting but are comprised of strong allergens within their bodies as well as in their secretions, excreta, and shed skins. Constant contact with these allergens can trigger respiratory and dermatological complaints in humans.
Dust mites are nocturnal, dislike strong light and will take refuge in the seams, ledges, cording and framework of furniture when exposed to light. Due to their microscopic size, dust mites can become airborne simply by fluffing a pillow as you attempt to fall asleep, or rolling over in bed, and of course during such activities as bed making. These are just a few activities that cause dust mites and the associated allergens to be distributed throughout the room or house. Dust mites prefer a high humidity (above 50%) and a warm temperature (above 70o F.), and therefore are particularly common in the micro-habitat of beds.
II. Dust Mites, Asthma and Allergies
Children with asthma and the elderly are most susceptible to the ill-effects of dust mites, but then to a lesser extent and to varying degrees, so are healthy individuals. House dust mites are potent allergens and have been identified as a main factor in triggering allergies and asthma. Recent clinical researches into the causes of asthma have proven that it is the dust containing dust mites, which causes the more intense attacks of asthma in sensitive patients. Unfortunately, no single clinical symptom exists that is considered proof-positive which can readily identify dust mite-allergic asthmatic patients. Because there is no one single proof-positive symptom, clinical diagnosis is extremely difficult and requires the reporting of any and all, associated symptoms. The use of skin prick testing allows many allergy clinics to specialize in testing for allergic responses to a multitude of materials including dust mites. Mite allergens will cross-react within the species. An allergy to one type of mite can cause a reaction to its distant relative. Example: Allergens from house dust mites and storage mites found in grains will cross-react, acting as a single allergy.
The more serious medical conditions attributed to dust mite presence include asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis, dermatitis, eczema and others. The less severe medical conditions, most notable upon awakening, are itchy skin, stuffy nasal cavities, sneezing, puffy, swollen, or discolored eyelids, irritated, watery, and reddish eyes, wheezing, a “tight” chest or difficulty in breathing, head or sinus aches, a raspy voice, dry or unproductive coughing, feelings of lethargy, mental fatigue and even depression to name a few.
The protein “guanine” found in fecal pellets and exoskeletons of dust mites causes the allergic reactions. Insecticides alone will not alleviate the symptoms of those suffering from dust mite allergies because the dead bodies of the mites still contain the protein allergen (guanine) therefore, the use of chemicals in house dust mite control is useless. About 90% of the persons allergic to house dust extracts are allergic to dust mite extracts. Over half of all homes in the U.S. (approximately 45 million homes) are considered to be infested with dust mites. Since the 1980’s, the prevalence of allergic asthma in children has been increasing each year with between 15-20% of children having asthma symptoms at some time. It is widely believed that indoor air pollutants and dust mites being the main source, play an important role in the development of sensitization and subsequent triggering of symptoms. Although many people complain that dust mites cause unbearable itching, the data proving this link is still not clearly proven.
As a large percentage of the population have been demonstrated to express atopy to this allergen and due to the widespread suspicions of medical research facilities, dust mites became the subject of the majority of studies. Some of the evidence indicated that human dust mite exposure was not necessarily increasing (although still the # 1 indoor pollutant) but that other indoor pollutants such as mold, mildew, pollen, spores, bacteria, viruses, tobacco smoke, pet dander, VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, and damp housingmay also be involved.
If you suspect that you or your family members are suffering from dust mite allergies that can lead to respiratory problems, consult your doctor. Otherwise, the best that you can do for yourself and your family is to collect a dust mite sample.
III. Controlling Dust Mites
Allergies from dust mites can be managed by reducing the dust mite population in the home. It is virtually impossible to eliminate all dust mites from a household, but the areas where dust mites tend to congregate can be targeted. Wall to wall carpet should be reduced, and replaced where possible with smooth hard surfaces that are easy to clean. Upholstered furniture should be avoided and for very sensitive individuals, mattresses and pillows can be encased in specially manufactured plastic products designed only to act as a barrier between sensitive persons and the dust mite colonies. Chemical control is not necessary, nor will it have a lasting effect on dust mite populations. Change bed linens often and both bed linens and curtains should be selected on their ability to withstand frequent laundering. Thorough vacuuming on a regular basis, including all mattresses, especially the seams and framework of the bed, carpets, sofas, and chairs, will also help but will not remove all of the live dust mites.
Temperature and moisture (relative humidity) are the most important factors in dust mite survival, not food. Dust mites thrive in moisture and high humidity. To maintain dust mites at a reduced level, lower the relative humidity in a home to less than 40-50% by opening doors and windows and thereby increasing air circulation and ventilation throughout the house. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans whenever you cook or bathe. Using a dehumidifier may help reduce populations, but reducing humidity levels in micro-climates, such as in bed fibers or carpet fibers, is impossible. Also, remember to clean the dehumidifier at least once a week to thwart mold growth. Dust mites thrive in homes with high humidity levels and constant warm temperatures, and under these conditions mite populations explode, although there are some seasonal fluctuations.
Dust mites do not live in air ducts in homes. Unnecessarily, many people spend much time and money cleaning the air ducts to reduce dust mites. Installing HEPA filters on air conditioner or heater vents is not practical or necessary, and may actually increase dust mite problems. Dust mites cannot survive on the dust in the ducts, and the smaller holes of the HEPA filters will force air out of vents at a higher velocity, stirring up more dust than without filters.If a HEPA air filter is being used to clean room air, be absolutely certain to clean the filter frequently.
To reduce tracked-in dirt and dust, remove your shoes before you enter your home and ask your guests to do the same. If this is impractical, the use of an industrial-grade doormat will help.
It is estimated that one used bed can contain as many as 100,000 to 10,000,000 mites over time (on average, 2 million dust mites per mattress). No one method has been found for reducing mites and relieving allergy suffering. The following are some means of controlling the effects of dust mites for very sensitive persons.
Put mattresses and pillows in special plastic bags that have zippers or semi-permeable dust covers and place tape on zippers to ensure that no allergens escape.
Turn mattresses frequently.
Allow mattresses to air out after stripping off bedding.
Replace all down pillows. Use washable synthetic materials.
Remove carpet and drapes from the bedroom. Use washable area rugs instead.
Avoid heavy drapes and window coverings that can serve as dust catchers. Use window coverings that can be washed frequently, preferably every 2 weeks
Avoid using upholstered furniture. Use wood or other less fibrous materials.
Minimize knickknacks and other clutter where dust can accumulate. Store books in enclosed bookcases and knickknacks in glass-encased curios.
Keep pets outside. Their dander can contribute to a dust mite problem inside.
Vacuum mattresses and carpeting frequently, using a HEPA-filter vacuum. Wear a dust mask while vacuuming if you are allergic to dust mites.
Consider dry cleaning carpets and drapes instead of steam cleaning. Steam cleaning may cause allergens to become airborne, making allergies worse.
Wash all bedding weekly in hot water that is about 130°F. (You will need to turn your water heater's thermostat up before washing and turn it down when you're done.) Avoid wool and down blankets.
Make sure children’s toys are washable, and wash them regularly.
Wipe windowsills and cabinet tops with a damp cloth at least once a week.
When it comes to controlling biological pollutants inside your home, drier is better. Excessive moisture in your home creates a friendly environment for mold, mildew and bacteria. These pollutants can cause big problems for people with asthma and allergies--reactions such as eye, nose, and throat irritation; respiratory difficulty; and/or infections. Many molds reproduce by releasing easy to inhale, spores into the air. These tiny, lightweight bodies settle and grow into new mold clusters, especially in poorly ventilated areas where moisture or condensation are present, or in areas damaged by water leaks or flooding. Mold may range in color--white, black, orange, green, brown--and even if it can't be seen, it is usually identifiable by its unpleasant, musty odor. In addition to health problems, mold can damage paint, fabrics, wood, and drywall. Take these steps to prevent the excessive moisture that encourages mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Repair all external and internal leaks.
Keep the humidity level in your home between 40 and 50% by ventilating properly (humidity gauges are available at Radio Shack).
Limit the number of houseplants in your home; they increase indoor humidity.
Clean air conditioners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers frequently to prevent mold growth.
Turn down or remove humidifiers if possible.
Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outdoors.
Dry clothing immediately after washing.
Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans when cooking or bathing and leave them running for 30 minutes after you're done.
If mold is present, clean it off with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to a gallon of water. Permeable objects such as mattresses may not be cleanable, leaving disposal as the only option. Water-damaged carpets, upholstered furniture, drapes, and ceiling tiles may respond to steam cleaning or hot water washing and thorough drying, but if mold persists, discard them.
Ensure adequate ventilation and good air circulation.
If you are building a home, make sure the foundation has a good vapor barrier and adequate drainage away from the house.
In exterior construction, use external wrap and sheathing materials that prevent wind and air from entering but allow water vapor to enter and exit.
Continuous vapor barriers should be installed under interior wall surfaces to prevent warm moist air from condensing in the walls and creating moisture problems.
IV. Collecting Dust Mite Samples
Vacuum mattresses, carpets, sofas, and chairs and examine the dust collected for mites. A number of complicated procedures have been published for separating mites from the dust. A simple method for detecting the presence of dust mites is to put a small amount of dust on the surface of water in a container. Live and dead mites will remain on the surface of the water. Examine it under a microscope at 20X magnification. It has also been reported that dust mites were attracted to white DIN-A4 sheets of typewriter paper placed under a bed frame in and around where the dust mites have been suspected (DIN-A4 is the German Industry Standard equivalent of the US Industry Standard ANSI A). The single sheet of paper was then examined in the mornings and evenings by holding the paper over a lamp. Although extremely small, the dust mites supposedly did, cast a shadow.
There are two other methods that a homeowner can use to collect dust mite samples; the tape method and the vacuum cleaner bag method.
The Tape Method
Take a piece of clear tape, and place the sticky side on the skin where the itching or "creepy-crawly" sensation is being felt. Two-inch-wide clear tape is best. It is very important that the tape be applied to the area at the time the sensation occurs, not after the sensation passes. Gently remove the tape from the skin, and stick the tape to a clean piece of white paper or an index card. Submit the sample to a laboratory for identification. The tape method is the easiest way to identify mites if they are walking across the skin.
The Vacuum Cleaner Bag Method
Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner and a clean vacuum cleaner bag. Remember that the mites are very small. A HEPA filter will trap particles as small as 0.3 microns in diameter. Vacuum the carpeting, the cracks and crevices of sofas, mattresses (especially around the ribbing) and pillows. Submit the entire vacuum cleaner bag to a laboratory for identification.
This method is the least effective and probably the most labor-intensive in terms of collecting the sample and then trying to locate any mites among the dust and other debris.
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