What are dust mites?
They may look like tiny insects, but these eight-legged arachnids are actually related to spiders and ticks. Dust mites are too small to be seen with the human eye. During its 80-day lifespan, the average dust mite produces around 1,000 allergenic waste particles. Dust mite allergen is the number one cause of year-round allergic rhinitis.
Where do dust mites live?
They flourish in warm, humid environments like your bed and survive by feeding off dead human skin cells and animal dander. Dust mite populations increase rapidly; each egg-laying female can increase the population by 25 or 30 mites a week, and depending on its age, your bed may house between 100,000 and 10,000,000 dust mites.
Why do dust mites cause allergic reactions?
Dust mites themselves are not inhaled; rather, proteins found in their waste particles cause allergic reactions. These proteins, referred to as allergens since they cause allergic reactions, can be found in dust mite feces and decomposing body fragments. Dust mite feces contain a powerful enzyme that breaks down the droppings so that remaining fecal nutrients can be eaten by other dust mites if food is scarce. When dust mite allergen is inhaled, these powerful enzymes enter the lungs and break down protective tissue, causing respiratory problems. During its lifetime, the average dust mite produces 200 times its body weight in allergenic waste.
How many people are allergic to dust mites?
Dust mite allergen is the number one cause of year-round allergic rhinitis. At least 10% of the population and 80% of people with allergies and asthma are sensitive to dust mite allergen.
Further reading at http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/dustmites.php
