What is a Dust Mite?

Dust mites are tiny insects that are invisible to the naked eye that feed on human skin flakes.  Dust mites thrive in stable environments like indoor dwellings and can survive in almost any temperature at almost any altitude. In other words, dust mites are in every home that has dust.

Why are Dust Mites Dangerous?

Dust mites can negatively affect human health because they are a common trigger for allergies and asthma.  Body parts and feces from dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with allergic reactions to dust mites, and exposure to dust mites can cause asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.

How to Control Dust Mites

While you cannot eliminate dust mites, the easiest way to limit the amount of dust mites in your home is to limit the amount of dust in your home.

• Wash bedding and pillows in frequently as dust mites thrive in these areas where skin flakes collect.  If necessary, mattresses and pillows can be covered in allergen-impermeable covers.
• Avoid furry and feathered pets as they contribute to the food sources for dust mites.  If you cannot part with your pet, prevent them from occupying your sleeping area.
• Vacuum fabric furniture and carpet with vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficient vacuum filter.
• If you have children, choose washable stuffed toys, and keep stuffed toys off the bed.
• Dust all surfaces weekly.  Do not scatter dust, use a damp cloth when dusting.
• Maintain a low relative humidity; the ideal relative humidity in a home is between 30-50%.
• Have the air ducts cleaned.  Ventilation systems require routine maintenance to prevent dust from being re-circulated throughout the home.
• In rare instances, chemicals may be recommended to eradicate dust mites, if this is necessary speak to a professional.

Ductworks, Inc. and National Jewish Health Featured On FOX 31 / KDVR: Martino TV

Consumer advocate Tom Martino featured the Family Air Kit®, an allergen and mold Test Kit,  developed by National Jewish Health that tests for substances that can cause allergic and asthmatic reactions.

Tom Martino and  Paula Haddock interviewed Jeffery Nathanson, the Executive Director of Business Development and Eddy Frisk, of Ductworks, Inc. to discuss the benefits of the Family Air Kit®

The Family Air Kit® is a cost effective and accurate means of testing the indoor air quality of your home or business.   The Family Air Kit® tests the longitudinal effect of dust in the home.

Ductworks, Inc. and National Jewish Health provide a comprehensive approach to controlling symptoms for people who suffer from allergies and asthma.

Identify and Remove Pollutant Sources

The relative importance of any single source depends on how much of a given pollutant it emits and how hazardous those emissions are.  Educate yourself on the different types of biological, gas, or particulate pollutants that can potentially affect your indoor air quality and takes steps to remove them.  To have a greater understanding of potential indoor pollutants read “Understanding Indoor Air Pollutants“.

Improve Air Ventilation

If too little outdoor air enters a home, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health and comfort problems.  Most home heating and cooling systems, including forced air heating systems, do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house.  When weather permits open windows to increase ventilation.  If you are intending to filter the outside air consider improving your heating and cooling system by having it modified to draw filtered outside air

Improve Filtration

There are many types and sizes of air filters and air cleaners on the market.   As air is circulated through a forced air ventilation system debris is trapped within the furnace filter. Use furnace filters with a MERV rating between 7 to 11, and change the filter every 2 months that the filter is in use.  If a standalone filtration device is used, use a device that has a high-circulation rate and highly efficient filter.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People who are immunocompromised have an immune system that is compromised or entirely absent.  Indoor air quality is of great concern to those who are immunuocomprimised, as their bodies are very vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

Hypersensitivity

Some people can become sensitized to biological & chemical pollutants after repeated or high level exposures. Effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures.  Once sensitized to a pollutant, the individual can experience acute adverse reactions when they are exposed to that pollutant, even when the pollutant is at a lower level.

Age Makes a Difference

Children are sensitive to indoor air quality because they breathe faster than adults, inhaling up to 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults.  Elderly have a higher risk for cardiovascular, respiratory illness from fine particle pollutions.

Allergies & Asthma

Dust is a mixture of many substances. Its content may vary from home to home, but the most common allergy triggers such as mold spores, pollen, dust mites, can trigger allergy or asthma attacks.

Fortunately for most healthy people, the symptoms of air pollution exposure usually go away as soon as the air quality improves.  Good housekeeping and good maintenance of the heating and air conditioning equipment is the most important methods for controlling exposure to indoor air pollutants.

Establish a Regular Cleaning Schedule

When there are long periods of time between cleanings it makes the work much harder.  Develop a routine cleaning schedule, it will help ensure that the maintenance is routine and that areas are not overlooked.

Remove Shoes

Not only does taking your shoes off at the door save the carpets, it also prevents dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris from getting tracked throughout the house. Use of mats placed inside and out of all entrances will help cut down on dust.

Dusting Techniques

When dusting your home, the goal is to capture the dust, do not use a feather duster, as they only stir up dust. When dusting objects within your home work from the top of the object down using a damp cloth, or an anti-static cloth to capture the dust.

Furniture

Vacuum upholstered furniture weekly.  Most vacuum cleaners come with a hose and attachments to make this an easy task.  Remove all the cushions, and vacuum them separately. Clean the back, sides and make sure to clean underneath the furniture too

Window Treatments

Dust window treatments monthly.  Window treatments can hold a lot of dust which can get released into the air if they are brushed up against or touched.

Carpets

Carpets are the perfect resting spot for dust and pet dander. Vacuum all carpets at least once a week.  Be sure to use high efficiency vacuum bags, low efficiency vacuum bags will allow for fine dust to re-enter the air.

Bedding

Lots of mites and dust get trapped in bedding.  Bedding collects skin flakes, sheds its own fibers and releases dust every time you roll over.  Wash bedding weekly in hot water & don’t forget to vacuum under your bed.

Inspect Your Dryer Vent Exhaust

Once a year inspect your dryer vent exhaust. Your dryer is responsible for exhausting moisture and lint from your clothing, and can potentially be the culprit for dust in your home.  Make sure that the dryer isn’t shoved against the wall, and that the dryer exhaust line is firmly attached.  Clean out your lint trap regularly & have the dryer vent cleaned when needed.

Change Filters on Heating & Air Conditioning Unit

Change the air filters every two months that the heating or air conditioning system is in use.  Use good air filters with a MERV rating between 7 and 11.

Keep Your Air Ducts Clean

Overtime dirt and dust build up within the air ducts.  Dirty air ducts will re-circulate dust within your home.  Typically air ducts need to be cleaned every 3-5 years.

In the January 27th, 2010 Colorado Business Section, the Denver Post wrote:

Ductworks Inc. of Denver is collaborating with National Jewish Health to provide a comprehensive approach to controlling symptoms for people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Ductworks and National Jewish Health are marketing and distributing the Family Air Care Indoor Allergens and Mold Test Kit.

SOURCE:  Denver Post

For more information on Ductworks and the Family Air Care Kit, go to www.ductworks.com.

Family Air Care Indoor Allergens & Mold Test Kit

Ductworks, Inc., is collaborating with National Jewish Health to provide a comprehensive approach to controlling symptoms for people who suffer from allergies and asthma. National Jewish has developed a diagnostic kit to assess the allergen levels in indoor environments.

Ductworks and National Jewish Health are working together on marketing and distribution of the Family Air Care^® Indoor Allergens and Mold Test Kit. The kit, developed and serviced by National Jewish Health in Denver, determines levels of common indoor allergens and mold from dust samples taken inside a home, apartment or other building. The kit is now available through Ductworks for $299.

Once the diagnostic assessment of the home is complete, users can go to the Family Air Care^® Web site to learn how to lower allergen levels in their homes.

“The Family Air Care^® kit is the only commercially available indoor-air testing kit that lets customers compare their results with samples from homes around the nation, and offers specific advice about how to interpret the results and what to do after receiving them,” said David Tinkelman, MD, Vice President of Health Initiatives at National Jewish Health.

To use the Family Air Care® Indoor Allergens and Mold Test Kit, consumers simply attach a small capture device to their vacuum-cleaner hose, briefly run the vacuum cleaner in their homes, then mail the collection device to National Jewish Health in a pre-paid envelope provided with the kit. Test results are reported in a secure e-mail. The kits can be ordered online at www.Ductworks.com.

“The Family Air Care^® assessment benefits all households, but is especially important to the 70 percent of households where a person with allergies and/or asthma lives,” said Dr. Tinkelman. “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that people with allergies and/or asthma reduce levels of allergens and irritants in their homes to improve their health.”

About National Jewish Health

National Jewish Health is known worldwide for treatment of patients with respiratory, immune and related disorders, and for groundbreaking medical research. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health provides the best integrated and innovative care for patients and their families.

For 12 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked National Jewish Health the No. 1 respiratory hospital in the nation. Scholarly publisher Thomson Scientific has ranked National Jewish among the 25 most influential research institutions in the world in its areas of focus. Further information can be found by visiting www.nationaljewish.org.

About Ductworks

Ductworks, Inc. “Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert” is a Denver-based company founded in 1990 to improve indoor air quality for homes and businesses. Their patented system of scraping and vacuuming is the most effective process for air duct cleaning. They have more technicians certified by the NADCA than any company in Colorado and provide customers with before and after photos to insure top quality performance. For more information on Ductworks and the Family Air Care Kit, go to www.ductworks.com.

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Source: EPA

What is Pet Dander?

Pet dander is not animal hair; it is the tiny bits of skin flakes skin produced by every animal. Many people think they are allergic to cat or dog hair, but most are allergic to dander. Some people are severely allergic to pet dander, while others have less severe reactions.

Where is Pet Dander Found?

Pet dander is found anywhere pets are found. All animals shed hair and skin and leave traces of it behind everywhere the go. Dander is often so small that it can become airborne and reach the tops of surfaces that pets do not go, so just because Fido does not sit on the couch that does not mean that dander cannot be found on the couch. Pet dander can also stick to people’s hair, skin, and clothing that come in contact with animals, their bedding, or places animals have been.

How Do You Control Pet Dander?

Keep pet dander at a minimum by cleaning and dusting frequently. Wash animals and their bedding and brush them outdoors. Offer pets their own place to sit and sleep rather than allowing them on furniture.

What If I am Allergic to Pet Dander?

The best way of controlling allergic reactions is avoidance. If you are unwilling to part with the animal consider the following suggestions:

• Receive treatment or consultation from an Allergist.
• Make sure to wash your hands after petting any animal and never rub your eyes.
• Wear a protective mask and gloves when grooming.
• Litter boxes should be placed in an area unconnected to the air supply for the rest of the home.
• Keep pets off furniture.
• Change clothing worn after grooming or playing with pets.
• HVAC systems can spread allergens throughout the home, change the furnace filter regularly, and keep the air ducts clean.