CME Information

Editorial Board

Lessons by Volume

Indoor Allergen Control Measures: A Practical Summary

By Peter B. Boggs, MD

Print This | TOC | Previous | Next

The Five Common Indoor Allergens:
Effective Remediation Measures

**Table 1—**House Dust Mite Allergen Remediation Measures*
Essential Measures
Encasements: pillows, mattresses, springs Hot (130° F) water washing of bedding weekly Vacuum frequently (double-thickness bag, HEPA filter on exhaust) Remove stuffed animals Avoid basements as living areas (bedroom, family room, etc)
Secondary Measures
Dehumidify house (indoor relative humidity, 40 to 50%) Acaricides Remove carpeting Remove draperies Replace fabric furniture with vinyl or leather Steam cleaning of carpet
*Caveats: House dust mites are microscopic and hence do not provide visual clues of their presence. Mite-allergic people generally do not experience exacerbations during short visits (a few hours) in homes heavily infested with mites. Sensitization is determined by skin testing and exposure by measurement of allergen in settled dust.

Print This | TOC | Previous | Next




3300 Dundee Road • Northbrook, Illinois 60062-2348 • (847) 498-1400 • (800) 343-2227 Copyright ©1999-2008 American College of Chest Physicians. All Rights Reserved. ACCP Privacy Policy \| ACCP Web Site Terms of Use