Many home owners are surprised to learn that dust mite allergens are actually more easily disturbed and spread by non-carpet flooring surfaces. 

Dust mite allergens can be controlled with thorough and efficient vacuuming. It is important to use a cleaner with a fine filter and to change collection bags in your vacuum on a regular basis. Periodic professional cleaning is advisable. With these simple steps, your family can enjoy Australian made carpet and its many benefits.

Important There is no health risk associated with carpet that is properly cleaned and maintained. Carpet flooring in bedrooms, particularly that of children, has at times been held responsible for triggering asthma attacks. Regular and thorough cleaning means that carpet represents no health risk. In fact, dust mite allergens are more likely to be found in bedding, where dust mites prefer to make their habitat.

ASTHMA, MITES AND DUST

Australia and New Zealand have a higher incidence of asthma than other countries. Research and testing has linked several allergens to asthma. Such allergens include: dust mites, grasses, mould, mildew, animal hair, pollens and cockroaches.

Such research has also revealed that asthmatics usually have genetic predisposition to other conditions including eczema, hay fever and dermatitis.
Known asthma triggers include:

• Exercise

• Fumes - paint or other chemicals

• Illnesses such as colds and flu

• Industrial chemicals

• Industrial pollutions

• Nitrogen oxides (present when there is inadequate extraction systems in place in kitchens)

• Perfumes

• Smoke

• Some foods

• Some medications

• Stress

• Sulphur oxides

• Too much laughter or excitement

• Weather conditions

• Wood, flour or dust.

HOUSE DUST MITES AND EXPOSURE
Dust mites can be found in a great number of places within the home. Some of their favourite habitats include: curtains, bedding, soft furniture, carpets, soft toys, wardrobes and on hard floor surfaces. Our greatest exposure to them is in our bedding, which offers a humid and protected habitat with a good food source.

To cause an obvious respiratory reaction, a significant number of dust mites needs to be present and have produced a large amount of allergen. This requires an optimal microclimate and a reliable source of food. Such a habitat would need to contain around 75% relative humidity and remain at approximately 25 degrees Celsius.

Dust mites are less likely to thrive in a home that is centrally heated, well ventilated or even air-conditioned. Inland homes or homes that are exposed to extremes in temperatures are also less than ideal conditions for dust mites. Although dust mite allergen may be found in carpets, it is only through exposure that a respiratory reaction may occur. This involves the inhaling of airborne fragments of dead mites or faecal pellets. Research has conclusively shown that such allergens are not present in room air, which is the air above a carpet.

Hard floor surfaces such as timber and vinyl cause more problems, as the air currents that affect these surfaces, disturb and spread the allergens created by dust mites. Research has revealed the following; "In a residential environment, wall-to-wall carpets prevent the whirling up of potentially allergenic material by binding the fine dust and can thus improve the quality of life of allergic persons."

CARPET EMISSIONS
Emissions are residues are primarily responsible for indoor air pollution. These are from household cleaners and products, animals, people and some building materials. These include:

• Nitrogen oxides (from cooking and appliances)

• Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide

• Sulphur dioxide (from some heaters and outdoor air)

• Ammonia (cleaning products)

• Chlorine (cleaning products)

• Biological contaminants such as skin and hair particles

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Compounds with relatively low boiling points are known as Volatile Organic Compounds. Although outdoor air contains significantly more VOCs than indoor air, those found indoors are usually more concentrated.

Poor ventilation, usually during the winter months, is a contributing factor to higher concentrations of indoor VOCs. Items in homes that contain and create Volatile Organic Compounds include cosmetics, tobacco smoke, paints and varnishes, dry cleaned clothing, deodorants, vapours from cooking, carpets, vinyl and most floor coverings. The effects of VOCs, and other such pollutants, on consumers' health have been thoroughly reviewed by Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council. They have recommended that each cubic metre of air contain no more than 500 micrograms of Volatile Organic Compounds. They have also specified that no single VOC should make up more than half of the total level of VOCs identified.

New carpet emissions have been thoroughly studied. The results of testing have shown that they emit less than 5 micrograms of VOCs per cubic metre of air. This is 100 times lower than the total recommended levels given by the NHMRC. Carpet adhesives emit a VOC known as 4-PCH, which is responsible for the distinctive smell in new carpets. Testing by agencies including the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, have found that there is no link between these emissions and consumer ill health.

In fact, paints, polished floorboards, building materials and furniture all emit higher levels of VOCs than carpet. Carpet can actually be beneficial in reducing the airborne concentrations of some common Volatile Organic Compounds. For example, carpet can trap and filter the air of nitrogen dioxide. The US Environmental Protection Agency has found that "…continued exposure to low levels of nitrogen dioxide [emitted by cooking and gas heating appliances] can increase the risk of respiratory infection…People at particular risk from exposure to nitrogen dioxide include children and individuals with asthma or other respiratory diseases."