The effect of sub-floor heating on house-dust-mite populations on floors and in furniture |
| |
Authors: | Rob de Boer |
| |
Institution: | (1) Section Population Biology, University of Amsterdam, Kruislaan 320, Amsterdam, 1098 SM, The Netherlands |
| |
Abstract: | It is well known that dehydrating conditions for house dust mites can be created by simply raising the temperature, causing
loss of body water and eventually death. Thus, it can be expected that conditions for dust mites are less favourable on floors
supplied with sub-floor heating. This was examined in a study of 16 houses with sub-floor heating and 21 without. The pattern
of changes in air humidity and temperature on the floors was investigated and compared to known data of the tolerance of dust
mites. Also the resident mite populations were compared. Floors with sub-floor heating had, on average, fewer mites, but the
difference with unheated floors was small. It was remarkable that mite numbers were also lower in upholstered furniture. Another
important observation was that some houses with sub-floor heating had high mite numbers, indicating that this type of heating
is compatible with a thriving mite population. Temperature and humidity conditions of heated floors may allow mites not only
to survive, but also to remain active in winter. A moderate increase in temperature, a moderate decrease inf (absolute) air
humidity, or a combination of both, will suffice to keep the humidity all winter below the Critical Equilibrium Humidity,
the level of air humidity that is critical for mite growth and reproduction, hence for allergen production. However, it is
argued that measures to suppress allergen production by house dust mites are likely to be far more effective if taken in summer
rather than in winter.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
| |
Keywords: | Dermatophagoides House dust allergy House dust mites Indoor climate Rugs Sub-floor heating |
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|