House dust is a mixture of materials, some of which are toxic or allergenic. Dust can contain particles from clothing, synthetic fabrics, plastic, and furniture. Many of these artificial and unknown to the human immune system. House dust also contains tiny dust mites, invisible spider-like insects. Enzymes in mite waste-products, which are proteins, stimulate the allergic immune response. Dust mites leave about 20 of these fecal pellets, about the size of a grain of pollen, daily. These average around 20 microns in size. While this still invisible to the naked eye, dust mite allergen is relatively large, and heavy, as particulate matter goes. It doesn't stay suspended in the air, for an air purifier to inhale. The best analogy I can think of is low flying aircraft, sneaking under the radar. Allergy to low flying bug poop? I'm afraid so. These tiny arachnids, which feed on skin flakes, live in bedrooms. They live practically on our bodies, extracting everything they need. Victims usually get a dose by breathing near a source: a pillow, mattress, or stuffed toy. The common answer to a dust mite allergy involves special bedding, hot water cleaning, carpet powder, and vacuuming, rather than installing an air purifier. Since the source cannot be effectively eliminated by air cleaning, air purifiers are not a primary tool for dust mite infestations. A dehumidifier can help, since mites thrive in humidity over 50%. They love the moisture on pillow cases and sheets, just throw these in a hot dryer often. Air purifiers are wonderful health promoting tools, every home should be using them, mites or not. But they are not the first line defense for dust mite allergy. |
