Researchers armed with vacuum cleaners collected samples of the dust in American bedding, and though they found no "monsters," they found enough dust-mite and cockroach allergens to make you sick. Researchers have discovered that allergens--proteins from common materials such as house dust-mites and cockroaches are a major factor in causing the airway inflammation that leads to asthma and allergies. Dust-mites are tiny microscopic relatives of the spider that live on mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets and curtains. These tiny creatures feed on the flakes of skin that people and pets shed daily. Dust-mites thrive in warm and humid environments.

Indoor dust from five or six different sites in each of 831 homes from 75 different regions across the U.S. was collected. The study found 44 million homes have bedding with dust-mite allergen concentrations that exceed two micrograms per gram of dust, a level that has been associated with the development of allergies. Of these more than 23 percent of U.S. homes are estimated to have bedding with dust-mite allergen concentrations at a level high enough to trigger asthma symptoms in asthmatics who are allergic to these tiny creatures.

More and more people are getting asthma. The likely culprit is our increasingly indoor lifestyle where homes have been carpeted, heated, cooled and humidified. Allergen levels are thought to be higher in less well-ventilated homes, where moisture accumulates, allowing mildew and mold to grow. There are housekeeping practices that can be used to reduce exposures to high levels of allergens.

Those with dust-mite allergy should pay careful attention to dust-proofing their bedrooms. The worst things to have in the bedroom are wall-to-wall carpets, venetian blinds, down-filled blankets, feather pillows, heating vents with forced hot air, dogs, cats and closets full of clothing. Although shag carpets are the worst type for the dust mite-sensitive person, all carpets trap dust and make dust control impossible. In addition, vacuuming can contribute to the amount of dust, unless the vacuum is equipped with a special high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Wall-to-wall carpets should be replaced with washable throw rugs over hardwood, tile or linoleum floors. Rugs on concrete floors encourage dust-mite growth and should be avoided. Shades are preferred over venetian blinds because they do not trap dust. Curtains can be used if they are washed periodically in hot water to kill the dust-mites. Most important, bedding should be encased in a zippered, plastic, airtight and dust-proof cover.

For people who are not allergic to these allergens, taking these steps to reduce exposure may reduce the chance of developing allergies and asthma. For those who are already allergic and/or asthmatic, taking these steps to reduce exposure may decrease the frequency and severity of the symptoms due to these diseases.

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