Puerto Rico’s IEQ Experts Identify Allergy & Asthma Triggers Caused by Dust Mites

The warm and humid conditions in many parts of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean make for an ideal environment for dust mites.  One of the most common causes of allergies to house dust is due to the presence of these tiny eight-legged creatures that are typically too small to see with the naked eye. 
 
Many homes and buildings have dust mites and a single gram of dust may have hundreds or more in it.  Dust mites feed on human skin scales that people shed as well as animal dander, fungi, bacteria and pollen.  Because they absorb water from the air and their environment and do not drink water, they thrive in warm environments with high humidity levels.  They are often present in large numbers in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys, and fabric and fabric-covered items. 
 
Fortunately, there are actions people can take to minimize exposure to dust mites, they include the following:
 
·         Keep the humidity level indoors below 50% if possible.
·         Keep dust levels to a minimum.
·         Wash bedding in hot water once a week and dry it completely.
·         Replace feather pillows with synthetic ones.
·         Use dust proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
·         Vacuum carpets and furniture every week with a vacuum that has a high efficiency filter.
·         Choose stuffed toys that can be washed in hot water and dry them completely before a child plays with them.
 
“Dust mites do not bite people, but their body parts and droppings can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma in individuals who are sensitive to exposure,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Children being exposed to dust mites is believed to be an important factor in causing asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.  The first step to determining if there is a problem is to perform a test of the indoor environment.  Although dust mites are a common allergen, there can also be other indoor allergens causing people issues.  These may include mold, pet dander, rodents, pollen, insects and even latex.  At Zimmetry, our professionals utilize the latest sampling and testing techniques to identify the presence of dust mites and other indoor allergens and potential asthma triggers.”
 
To learn more about Zimmetry’s dust mite and indoor allergen testing services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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