Parenting Australia

DON’T LET THE DUST MITES BITE!

New survey prompts experts to call for greater education around hygiene in the home

Most of us would probably agree that having a clean home is important to keeping a healthy family. So it comes as a surprise that 9 in 10 or 89% of Aussies are potentially putting the health of their families at risk because they don't know how to eradicate dust mites, pathogens and allergens from the family home when cleaning.

The results of the Clean the Air survey, commissioned by leading vacuum specialists Sauber Intelligence has also found that an alarming 8 in 10 or 81% of parents are comfortable in allowing their children to play on what they believe to be clean and healthy surfaces, when in fact harmful bacteria is most likely present. Even more frighteningly only 30% of parents are concerned about dust mites in their children's bedrooms – a known cause of asthma.

Kristine Whorlow, CEO of the National Asthma Council Australia said: "With more than two million Australians (one in nine children suffering from asthma) it's important that families consider dust mite reduction measures. Families should also consider formulating a written asthma action plan with their doctor to minimise the causes of asthma in the family home.

"Families with children are of particular concern as asthma is a major cause for visits to hospital by children, with the major triggers of dust mites, pet dander and mould, occurring in the home. But in good news these triggers can be significantly reduced through the right cleaning techniques," Whorlow continued.

Have a look at these tips from Sauber Intelligence to help properly eradicate asthma causing allergens from your home.

Tips on how to manage asthma and allergies in your home:

1. Flooring

If you are building a new home, or changing your flooring, you can select carpets and underlay that are dust mite resistant, and easier to clean, or choose hard flooring.

2. Floor Cleaning

Regular vacuuming will help keep allergens under control, and using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will produce a better result.

The National Asthma Council Australia recommends vacuuming at least weekly. However, vacuuming does increase the amount of dust in the air for up to 20 minutes, so it's a good idea to get someone who doesn't suffer from asthma or allergies to do the vacuuming and get those that do to avoid the area for 20 minutes.

Hard flooring can be cleaned using a damp dust or electrostatic cloth.

3. Choice of bedding

Select dust mite resistant bedding (mattresses, pillows and quilts) and wash the covers regularly.

Pets

Try to choose a lower-allergy pet (some dogs shed less than others and cats tend to be worse than dogs). Wash hands after handling pets and keep them outside more often; avoid pets in the bedroom. Vacuum frequently and get someone not allergic to groom your pets. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to find a new home for your pet.

Smoking

Cigarette smoke is particularly bad for people with asthma, increasing symptoms and reducing the effectiveness of medicines. The best advice for all smokers is give up. If you're a smoker living with a person with asthma or allergy, avoid smoking in their vicinity or in the home

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