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Some water filtered vacuums which have been proven (with the help of Laser Particle Counter) to dissolve allergen, then emit them (including fine and less than 0.3µm in sizeultrafine particles) through a mist into the air during vacuuming. Fine and ultrafine particles are present in greater numbers and have greater surface area than larger particles of the same mass, and they are generally considered to be more toxic. The emission will also increase the chance and lengthen the survival time of bacteria and viruses etc.

Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles that are suspended in air. These particles typically consist of a mixture of inorganic and organic chemicals, including carbon, sulfates, nitrates, metals, acids, and semi-volatile compounds.

The size of PM in air ranges from approximately 0.005 to 100 micrometers (µm) in diameter – the size of just a few atoms to about the thickness of a human hair. Researchers have defined size categories for these particles differently. For the purposes of this fact sheet, PM is defined by three general categories commonly used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA): coarse (10 to 2.5 µm), fine (2.5 µm or smaller), and ultrafine (0.1 µm or smaller).

Research suggests that particle size is an important factor that influences how particles deposit in the respiratory tract and affect human health. Coarse particles are deposited almost exclusively in the nose and throat; whereas, fine and ultrafine particles generally are able to penetrate to deep areas of the lung. Fine and ultrafine particles are present in greater numbers and have greater surface area than larger particles of the same mass, and they are generally considered to be more toxic.

The health effects of PM are likely to depend on several factors, including the size and composition of the particles, the level and duration of exposure, and age and sensitivity of the exposed person. Symptoms of exposure may include a sore throat, persistent cough, burning eyes, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, and chest pain. PM may also trigger asthma or may lead to premature death, particularly in the elderly who have preexisting cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Centre for Allergy and Asthma Care (CAAC)

In order to reduce house dust mite allergens in the environment, we need to reduce the growth of the mites as well as remove the allergens themselves. As mite growth depends on humidity, reducing the relative humidity to below 50% for 5 days can kill the mites.

House dust mites

The droppings of house dust mites contain high levels of allergens. These allergens have enzymatic activities and will penetrate protective layers of the skin as well as mucous membrane. For people who are allergic to dust mites, exposure to these allergens will lead to allergic reaction. In fact, house dust mites are considered the most common allergens at home.

Allergy

Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur to normally harmless environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response.

Asthma and Allergy

Some main signs of allergy are itchiness, sneezing, inflamed or infected eczema, watering/reddening eyes, runny nose and clogging in the lungs. Allergens are tiny and light perfect for taking wing in the ducts and open air of spaces around your house. Allergens produced by house dust mites are among the most common triggers of asthma.

IgE and Asthma

Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, is a natural substance in your body that plays an important role in the development of allergic asthma. Increased levels of IgE may result when you are exposed to triggers, such as animal dander, dust mites and moulds. When you’re exposed to certain allergens, your body releases IgE, which then binds with several types of cells like basophils, lymphocytes & mast cells. This can then stimulate your immune system, cause your airways to become narrow and inflamed, and make your asthma symptoms worse.

Immediate Type Allergic Reactions

Type I (immediate type) allergic reactions are mediated by the IgE antibody. Low levels of immunoglobulin circulate in the blood stream as the majority is bound to the surface of mast cells and basophil granulocytes.

The binding of allergen epitopes to specific IgE antibodies, located on the surfaces of granulocytes, triggers the immediate release of pro-inflammatory mediators (histamine, enzyme, cytokines) which cause allergic symptoms.