Are You One of the 20 Million Americans with a Dust Mite Allergy?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), approximately 20 million Americans have dust mite allergies. These microscopic arachnids can be found in most homes and may be present in the millions in a single bed.

Dust mites are tiny bugs that are too small to see with the naked eye.  They feed on human skin flakes and their body parts and droppings cause allergies and can trigger asthma in some individuals.  Common areas that may have large numbers of dust mites include: mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys and fabric-covered items.  High levels of dust mite allergens are often present in common household dusts.

Since dust mites absorb water from the air and their environment and do not drink water, elevated humidity levels allow them to live and multiply.  Room temperatures and relative humidity levels of between 70 and 80% provide for an ideal environment for dust mites to thrive.  In fact, only homes in areas with exceptionally dry climates are likely to be free of dust mites.

“Fortunately, there are simple ways to determine if a home or property has high levels of dust mite allergens,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “At EMSL, we offer an allergen test kit that analyzes a basic dust sample for dust mites and other common allergens.  Information from the laboratory report can then indicate if steps need to be put in place to reduce dust mite allergens in the property.  These steps can be as basic as regularly washing bedding in hot water and vacuuming carpets and furniture to adding dust proof covers for pillows and mattresses.  Using a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity can also be extremely beneficial in many circumstances.”

To purchase the allergen test kit, visit: http://www.emsl.com/ProductCatalogDetails.aspx?Name=Allergen-Test-Kit---Retail&ProductID=ALRGN-RETAIL.

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about dust mites, allergies and asthma that can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAmM20RwEP4.

To learn more about testing for dust mites and other indoor allergens, please visit www.AllergenTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail