New Study Shines the Spotlight on Dust Mites & Preventing Allergies

Earlier this year, Fox News reported on the analysis of multiple clinical trials concerning dust mites and the effectiveness of mattress covers.  According to the article, a researcher from the Tulane University School of Public Health and her colleagues looked at data from 24 trials that examined methods to prevent allergy signs and symptoms from dust mite exposure.  The researchers found that although mattress covers had a positive impact on exposure to dust mite levels; it was not statistically significant in reducing associated symptoms.
 
Dust mites feed on human skin that people shed as well as animal dander, fungi, bacteria and pollen.  They absorb water from the air and their environment, so they thrive in warm surroundings with high humidity. Since they feed on human skin flakes and dander, they are often present in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys, fabric and fabric-covered items.  This has led to the development of products, such as mattress and pillow covers, designed to help reduce dust mite levels and exposure to their allergens.
 
“The first step in determining if a home has a problem due to dust mite allergens is to perform a simple test,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Although dust mites are a common cause of allergies, there are many other allergens that could also be causing a problem for people.  These include allergens associated with everything from mold and cockroaches to pets, rodents and even latex.  Identifying the correct indoor allergen is important to allow people to be able to take corrective actions to minimize their exposure levels.”
 
EMSL provides an affordable and easy to use allergen test kit for consumer use.  The company has also sponsored an educational video about dust mites, allergies and asthma that can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAmM20RwEP4. To order an allergen test kit or 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

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

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