Ways to Control the Dust Mite Population in Your Home The droppings of dust mites are important allergens which can cause asthma and allergy symptoms in sensitized people. Dust mites live in bedding, carpets, stuffed furniture, old clothing and stuffed toys. Dust mites feed on human skin shedding and are most common in humid climates -- Dust mites don�t survive when the humidity is below 50%. droppings of dust mites are inhaled or come in contact with the skin, they may cause asthma, allergy or eczema symptoms. Reduce dust and dust mites with a Lightning Air Purifier Here are some control and prevention tips: * Enclose the mattress and box springs in a zipperedDust-proof encasings have a layer of material that keeps the dust mites inside the encasing. Encasings are usually made of vinyl or other plastics. * Hot water kills dust mites, so wash all bedding in hot (130 degrees F) water, weekly. * Put the pillows in zippered dust proof encasings and/or

wash the pillows weekly with the bedding. * Avoid lying on upholstered furniture or carpet. * Remove carpeting from the bedroom. Use wood, leather or vinyl furniture instead of upholstered furniture in the bedroom. * The person with a dust mite allergy should not vacuum or be in a room while it is being vacuumed. * Keep the indoor moisture (humidity) low. humidity level is 30-40%. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier in warm climates toClean the dehumidifier regularly. * Humidifiers/vaporizers are not recommended because they will increase humidity in the room and create a favorable environment for dust mites. * Chemicals that kill dust mites can be applied regularly to carpeting and upholstered furniture. A tannic acid solution can help neutralize the allergen in mite droppings. However, if you use chemicals that are toxic, you introduce a different type of air pollution into your environment. * HEPA vacuums or a vacuum with allergen trapping bags help

but often stir up more allergens into the air. * Change furnace filter and clean air ducts. * Air purifiers that are based on ultraviolet light combined with friendly oxidizers can significantly reduce the dust mite population. technology renders the dust mites sterile so they can�t reproduce and destroys the food they need to survive. This type of air purifier can be used to directly treat your mattress, pillows, stuffed animals, upholstered furniture and carpets. You might also want to consider an air purifier that uses a combination of ozone and ionization for dealing with dust and dust mites such as the ones listed below Facts You May Not Know about Dust Mites Dust mites are far too small to see with the unaided eye, but for many of us, you can definitely feel his presence. They are the single most common allergen that people inhale in their homes. These mites undermine the health of many people, triggering runny noses, headaches, and most alarmingly asthma attacks.

Unfortunately, they are so small that they are found in the dust which is everywhere inside your home. While a definite irritants, these creatures are not responsible for all allergies - other pollutants such as pollens, pet dander, mold and tobacco residue (secondhand smoke), to name a few, can also cause reactions. of a single allergen, the dust mite is probably the most important one. Here are some facts about dust mites you may not know: * 42,000 mites can live in one ounce of dust.citrus airbrush cleaner * In most homes, 40 pounds of dust is generated per year,holmes allergen remover air purifier reviews per 1,500 square feet of space. honeywell hepa tower air purifier with 3-in-1

The dust can host up to 15 species of mites. * A microscopic insect-like creature, the mite lives primarily in pillows, mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture. * The mite thrives in humid warm conditions. * The mite diet consists of shed scales from human skin. * Fecal matter produced by the mite is the allergen to * Each mite produces about 20 waste particles per day. These particles continually aggravate allergies even after the mite is dead. * Female mites can lay 25-50 eggs. * A new generation is produced every three weeks.HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and this air purification technology was originally developed during World War II to remove radioactive dust particles from the air to protect soldiers’ respiratory systems. Today they are often used to filter household air with the capacity to trap 99.97% of all airborne particles that are as small as 0.3 microns in size and 95% of minute particles down to 0.1 micron.

When air contaminants are inhaled, the body’s natural defense system is more vulnerable to small particles below 0.5 microns. That is why HEPA air filters are the most recommended by Allergists and Doctors because of their ability to remove the majority of air contaminants down to the microscopic level. Examples of some common air contaminants and their size in microns: HEPA filters are able to remove all of the contaminants above because they are larger than 0.3 micron. HEPA filters alone do not capture chemicals, fumes, and cigarette smoke because their microns are smaller than 0.3. This is why it is important to purchase a HEPA air filter that includes an activated carbon filter that will capture these allergens that the HEPA cannot. Activated Carbon filters have small absorbent pores that chemically react to pollutants as they pass through the filter. This causes the pollutants to bond with the carbon and become trapped. These purifiers are effective at clearing smoke, odors, chemicals and even gases from the air.

Activated Carbon filters are rarely used alone to purify air, and are often used in conjunction with other filters. An air ionizer is built around a negative ion generator. This generator sends out a stream of negative ions that attract positive airborne dust and allergen particles in the air. As a result, these particles become too heavy to remain airborne and fall to the floor. As the majority of surfaces in a room are positively charged, the particles from the ionic air are attracted to these surfaces as well. This means that the area around the ionic filter tends to get dark spots on nearby walls and floors. Some ionizers however, have special electrostatic precipitators which trap particles on a metal plate. To remain effective, these plates need to be cleaned regularly. Ionizers are a relatively inexpensive way to clear second hand smoke. However, if you have a problem with dust or pollen an ionizer air purifier may not be the best choice because the particles are not completely eliminated.

The main health concern related to ionic air purifiers is the fact that they produce ozone as a byproduct. When ozone is inhaled directly into the lungs, it can pose a health risk. The EPA classifies ozone as a toxic gas that causes lung damage, triggers asthma attacks, and can even lead to increased risk of death. These are all facts that need to be taken into consideration when purchasing the right air purifier. This purifier uses a UV light that has electromagnetic radiation that will destroy bacteria and other pathogens by breaking the molecular bonds in their DNA. UV air filters kill these particles without any actual filtration, but rather use rays of ultraviolet light to eliminate them as they pass. A UV light air purifier works well to kill bacteria, viruses, molds, and yeasts that may remain in the air. Unfortunately they will not take care of dust, allergens, or solids in the air. UV light can be beneficial to those who get sick often because they help prevent illness and diseases.

Air purifiers with UV filters are often used in sterile environments such as hospitals, kitchens, daycares, and labs. In residential use, they are great for controlling mold. Optimal performance is attained when these air filters are used in unison with other types of air filters. That way they can work together to remove a wider spectrum of air contaminants such as odor, chemical fumes, and allergens that UV air purifiers do not remove. Some ultraviolet filters generate ozone to kill bacteria and sometimes may not be properly dispersed, posing a serious health concern. If purchasing an Ultraviolet light air purifier, make sure to find a system that does not produce ozone. Now that you understand the different types of air filtration your first step is to identify what contaminants you are trying to remove. By having an idea of what you want to remove you can choose the most effective air filter to do so. For example, if you are a cigarette smoker a single HEPA filter will not be sufficient.