Indoor Allergen Control Measures: A Practical Summary

General comments

Allergen remediation measures are effective only in the context of existing allergy to indoor allergens. In the absence of allergy, these measures are futile.

Encasements

Encasements of pillows, mattresses, and springs can be of value in the reduction of exposure to dust mite, cat, dog, cockroach, and mold allergens. Not all encasements are created equal, however; select only tightly woven products with a pore size that prohibits the release of allergen while permitting some air exchange (to reduce heating).

Bedding

Hot-water (130° F) washing of bedding at least once/wk will help reduce accumulated allergens of all types.

Flooring

Tile and wood flooring do not provide the environmental conditions needed for mite infestation.

Soft furniture

Replace when possible with items that reduce mite and mold colonization (leather, vinyl); use loose covers of tightly woven cloth that are washed frequently.

Professional extermination

Heavy cockroach infestations require aggressive professional extermination efforts.

Clothing

Clothing can accumulate significant amounts of dust mite, pet, and mold allergens. Store in sealed encasements. Wash before using after a period of storage.

Vacuum cleaners

Frequent vacuuming is essential. Special bags of double or triple thickness and HEPA filters are helpful. A properly fitted and filtered mask should be used if the allergic person does the cleaning (example: Moldex 8000 with HEPA filters).

Steam cleaning

Data suggests that super-heated steam cleaning kills house dust mites and reduces the heat-labile house dust mite allergen, Fel d 1.

Air filtration

For filters to be helpful, the particles must be airborne for sufficient lengths of time. Hence, air filtration is not a primary means of control of dust mite, cockroach, and mold allergens.

Chemical treatments

Data for benzyl benzoate and tannic acid suggest that the value of these agents is limited and their effects may be small and variable.

Negative ion generators

The data on these are insufficient to warrant their recommendation.