House Dust

House dust may contain asthma triggers. Here are some actions you can take to cope with problems caused by house dust:

• Remove dust often with a damp cloth.
• Vacuum carpet, fabric window coverings, and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up.
• Allergic people should leave the area being vacuumed.
• Using central vacuums or vacuums with high efficiency filters may be helpful.

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Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny animals you cannot see. Every home has dust mites. They feed on skin flakes and are found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys, and fabric or other fabric-covered items.

Body parts and feces of dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with an allergic reaction to dust mites.  Exposure to dust mite allergen can cause asthma in susceptible children.

Here are some actions you can take to cope with dust mites:

• Wash bedding (such as sheets, bedcovers, and blankets) once a week in hot water.
• Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water, and dry thoroughly; keep stuffed toys off beds.
• Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers.
• Maintain low indoor humidity ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers which are available at local hardware stores.

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