The ideal habitat for the dust mite is a place which is warm, moist and has lots of their favourite food, our skin cells. This describes our houses, and especially our beds, perfectly. Research has shown that the average bed contains 10,000 mites(1). There are a number of signs that a person has dust mite allergies, as opposed to a simple cold. They include;

	Runny or stuffy nose, chronic rhinitis Itchy and watery eyes Sneezing Asthma attacks Wheezing coughs Shortness of breath Symptoms worse in the morning, just after rising Allergic symptoms while making beds General feeling of being unwell, without being extremely ill.

The dust mite is not directly responsible for these symptoms. The actual allergen is an enzyme called Der p1, which is found in the waste products of the mite.

The mite excretes pellets made up of smaller particles, which may float in the air until inhaled. In a susceptible person, the particles are caught in the bronchia which feed air to the lungs. The enzyme digests the walls of the bronchia causing irritation and swelling. . It is harder for air to pass through these restricted spaces, giving the sufferer shortness of breath and asthma.

Researchers(2) have concluded that Der p1 concentrations of greater than 2µg/g of dust can cause sensitization to mites. 10µg is enough to cause an acute attack. Measurements taken in homes around the world have found levels higher than these, especially in carpets, pillows, beds and furniture. The places where people sleep may contain enough allergens to trigger acute allergic reactions.

1. Allergy Society of South Africa
2. Platts-Mills, T.A.E, de Weck, A.L., “Dust mite allergens and asthma-A worldwide problem”,
   J Allergy Clin
   Immunol, 80(6), 755-775. 67

Please note that, while the use of Ultra-Fresh products as an aid in the protection of human health is permitted in many countries around the world, the current Ultra-Fresh registrations in some countries only permit antimicrobial claims which are related to the protection of the treated article and not to human health.

Ultra-Fresh customers in the United States and Canada may not make claims related to the control of dust mites.

Please contact TRA for information on any specific Ultra-Fresh application.