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FIGHT THE MITE
Indoor Allergy Week - 14th November 2005
Snug as a Bug in a Rug? A favourite expression to show that someone is warm, cosy and safe but that is exactly what they are not warns Allergy UK
With Autumn and Winter just around the corner and central heating about to be put on and the double glazing shut up the house dust mite will be delighted that a perfect environment for them will be created. Unfortunately for humans the happy house dust mite will cause endless problems which can lead to long term health problems.
- FACT - House dust mite and mould cause itchy, runny noses. Congested chests, sneezing, coughing, tight chests, shortness of breath, watery, inflamed itchy eyes. Disturbed sleep, poor concentration and headaches.
- FACT - House dust mite cause allergic reactions in 85% of children with asthma.
- FACT - We sweat 1/3rd of a litre of water in bed every night producing the warm and humid environment in our beds which is perfect for the housedust mite.
With the worrying increase in allergy sufferers it is vital that people help themselves by using simple avoidance techniques and through Indoor Allergy Week Allergy UK will be highlighting ways in which everyday household tasks and equipment can be used to reduce the housedust mite population in our homes and thereby reduce the risk of developing asthma and eczema.
To help with raising awareness of the problem and how to manage it Allergy UK are launching the first of a new series of cartoon booklets introducing the characters of Ally Vac and his partner Ed fighting Dirty Dan the dustmite. The booklet will contain information and simple avoidance tips on managing indoor allergens and will be available during Indoor Allergy Week free of charge from Allergy UK on 01322 619898. A self stamped addressed envelope will be requested from the public and the tips will be able to be downloaded from this web-site.
Did you Know?
- In your double bed you will be sleeping with 2 million house dust mites.
- Your ordinary pillow will double in weight over six months due to house dust mite droppings.
- Housedust mites live on the skins cells that we shed.
- The housedust mite allergen comes mainly from their droppings and is so fine that it is easily airborne settling quickly into our pillows, mattresses, chairs, curtains and carpets.
- Some manufacturers of electrical household cleaning products have recognised the problem to such an extent that one company in particular have worked with Allergy UK to produce a range of high performance allergy control cleaning appliances.
- Housedust mites live quite happily in mattresses but an anti-allergy underblanket blanket containing Amicor Pure anti-microbial fibre helps to make the bed a hostile environment for the mites. Washable and tumble drier safe it is an ideal weapon in the fight against the Mite.
- Look for products that hold the British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval. These products have all been rigorously tested in a Scientific Laboratory and have had to achieve very high levels of removal/reduction of allergens.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON INDOOR ALLERGY WEEK PLEASE CONTACT:
Lindsey McManus - 01322 619898 or Muriel Simmons - 07949 534643
Further details on Indoor Allergy Week can also be found here
Indoor Allergy Week is sponsored by
makers of the
range of Vacuum and Steam Cleaners