SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2005

9/7/05

Reducing indoor allergen exposures

Summary
Background - An important early step in controlling perennial allergic respiratory diseases is reduction in the exposure to indoor allergens.

Findings - Eggleston of Johns Hopkins Univ in Baltimore reviewed measures to reduce levels of major indoor allergens. He pointed out that reduction recommendations are based on the principle of reducing or isolating the allergen sources. Proven house dust mite avoidance measures include fitting allergen proof mattress and pillow encasings, regularly washing of bedding in hot water (at least 120°F), and reducing ambient humidity. Furred pet avoidance involves removal of the pet from the house followed by thorough and repeated cleaning of all involved rooms. Washing pets, removal of the pet from the bedroom and room air cleaners are ineffective alternative approaches.

Cockroach allergen avoidance begins with effective pest control (including careful avoidance of providing food sources for roaches) followed by thorough and repeated cleaning. Eggleston also emphasized that once indoor allergen levels have been reduced, continued efforts are necessary to maintain the home free of allergen sources.

Reference
 J Allergy Clin Immunol 2005;116:12-26

Editor's Comments
These thoughtful comments by a leading investigator of indoor allergen epidemiology are well worth considering. There have been continued advertising campaigns for one or another type off air filtration device as a "cure-all" for eliminating indoor allergens.

For several reasons such approaches have been shown to be clinically less effective (if effective at all) than the avoidance measures described by Eggleston.

 

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