Optimal conditions for the removal of house dust mite, dog dander, and pollen allergens using mechanical laundry.
BACKGROUND
Mechanical laundry is an effective tool for the environmental control of allergens, but the optimal conditions for removing allergens are not yet clear.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the optimal conditions of mechanical laundry for the removal of house dust mite (HDM), dog dander, and pollen allergens.


METHODS
The 4 washing modes of 30 degrees C (86 degrees F), 40 degrees C (104 degrees F), 60 degrees C (140 degrees F), and steam water (SW) with detergent were evaluated. Allergen removal performance was assayed using a 2-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or an ELISA inhibition test.


RESULTS
Using the 30 degrees C and 40 degrees C washing modes, only 6.5% and 9.6% of Dermatophagoides farinae, respectively, were killed. However, using the 60 degrees C and SW washing modes, all HDMs were killed. The amounts of Der f 1 remaining after the 30 degrees C, 40 degrees C, 60 degrees C, and SW washing modes were 26.8%, 2.4%, 1.3%, and 0.6%, respectively, with unmanipulated contaminated sheets. The effects of rinse on Der f 1 levels after the 30 degrees C washing were greater compared with those after the 40 degrees C, 60 degrees C, and SW modes. The amounts of Can f 1 in the extractions after washing were 0.3% to 1.3% for all modes, and all extracts, even without a rinse, did not inhibit specific IgE binding to dog allergens according to ELISA. The remaining pollen allergen levels after washing were lower in the 60 degrees C and SW modes than in the lower temperature modes. However, the levels did not differ among the various washing modes after rinsing once.


CONCLUSIONS
Water temperature and number of rinses are critical factors for the removal of HDM, dog dander, and pollen allergens.
Choi
Soo-Young
SY
Institute of Allergy and Department of Internal Medicine, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
In-Yong
IY
Sohn
Jung-Ho
JH
Lee
Yong-Won
YW
Shin
Yoo-Seob
YS
Yong
Tae-Soon
TS
Hong
Chein-Soo
CS
Park
Jung-Won
JW
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; D040001:Dermatophagoides farinae / Q000276:immunology; D003902:Detergents / Q000737:chemistry; D004285:Dogs; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D007846:Laundering / Q000379:methods*; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology*; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology*; D013227:Steam; D013696:Temperature
D000485:Allergens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; D003902:Detergents; D013227:Steam; C091462:allergen Can f I; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; C451159:Dermatophagoides farinae antigen f 1