Exposure to Indoor Allergens Risk Factor for Developing Asthma, Allergies

Study reveals that dust mite and cockroach allergen levels in bedding may be high enough to induce allergies and/or asthma.

Researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) discovered high levels of dust mite and cockroach allergens when they collected dust samples by vacuuming five or six different areas in 831 homes from 75 different US regions. The regions represented differences in ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and housing characteristics.
The study was conducted because of mounting evidence that exposure to indoor allergens from dust mites and cockroaches increases the development of allergic diseases and asthma.
Data was also collected about the demographic and health information of the occupants of each home. The results of the bedding samples suggest that over 45 percent of homes have greater than 2 micrograms of dust mite allergen per gram of dust, which has been associated with the development of allergies. Any level that is greater than 10 micrograms has been associated with triggering asthma in those allergic to dust mites.
The results also indicated seventeen percent of the households had previous problems with cockroach infestations. Cockroach sheddings may trigger asthma attacks more than cats.
Reducing exposure may reduce the chance of developing allergies and asthma. For those who are already allergic and/or asthmatic, steps to reduce exposure may decrease the frequency and severity of the symptoms of these diseases.