Dust Mites
Dust mites are commonly found in almost all home textiles including mattresses, pillows, quilts, carpet and upholstered furniture. They are common household scavengers that feed off organic material found in household dust, such as human skin cells and fungi. House dust mites absorb moisture from the air and require a relative humidity above 50% to survive. They are ubiquitous and thrive in damp structures. A recent study (Arbes Jr. et al. 2003) found dust mites present in 80% of bedrooms in American homes. Dust mite allergies are caused primarily by fecal pellets present in dust. The National Academy of Sciences found sufficient evidence for a causal association between dust mite allergen exposure and the development of asthma in children (IOM 2000).
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The ThermaPureHeat® process has a unique advantage in handling dust mites and their related allergens. The process will kill the dust mite by raising the core temperature of the structure to the necessary target level. The heat process is accompanied by HEPA vacuuming and air scrubbers which will remove any airborne and dust residing allergens. Additionally, high temperatures may reduce the Der f1 allergen associated with D. farinae.
A 1998 study (Chang et al) determined that at 50ºC (122ºF) relative humidity had little influence and thermal death times were determined primarily by temperature. Thermal death accelerated rapidly between 40ºC and 50ºC. One of the conclusions of the study indicated “the technique of raising temperatures to above 40ºC for a short duration can be used to reduce living house dust mite populations in homes significantly.”
High temperatures may also reduce allergen levels. A 1998 study (Cain et al. 1998) reported “Dry heating methods may represent an alternative technique for removal of mite allergens….” The study results showed that the Der f1 allergen associated with the American dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae, was reduced by 88% from control levels when heated at 80ºC (176ºF) for 60 minutes. The study showed significantly small reductions at lower temperatures. Complete destruction was achieved at 100ºC. Cat and dog allergens were more heat tolerant.
The ThermaPureHeat® process will kill the mites that hide deep in your pillows, mattresses, and drapes and may denature the allergens, helping you breathe easier in a structure that is dust mite free and that has a greatly improved indoor air quality.
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