title: Control of house dust mites by electrical heating blankets.
abstract: The contents of house dust mites, Dermatophagoides (D), in 10 beds supplied with electrical heating blankets (EHBs) and in 10 control beds were followed for 1 year. All beds were in regular use during the study period. Dust from mattresses and EHBs was collected monthly and analyzed for D by microscopy. Blankets were turned on during daytime and were washed every 3 months. For each bed the median concentration of D during the entire period was related to initial value. In the beds supplied with blankets, the overall median was 52% compared to 122% in the control beds (p less than 0.05). The difference between the two groups of beds was observed within the first month. Major antigens from D were reduced to 32% in the beds supplied with blankets and increased to 120% in the control beds (p less than 0.05). Climatic conditions were measured beneath the blanket in a spare bed. When beds were covered by eiderdown, temperature was increased by 26 degrees C, and the relative humidity was decreased by 24% within 3 hours. In conclusion, EHBs appear capable of reducing relative humidity and concentration of house dust mites on mattress surfaces.
authors: Medical Department TTA, State University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Mosbech
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Korsgaard
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Lind
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D004391:Dust; D004560:Electricity; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust