Why are household mites dangerous? - briefly
Household mites release allergenic proteins and fecal particles that trigger asthma, allergic rhinitis, and skin irritation, and their proliferation can contaminate stored food, posing health risks. Their abundance in bedding and carpets increases exposure, especially for sensitive individuals.
Why are household mites dangerous? - in detail
Domestic mites, especially dust‑mite species such as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae, thrive in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting where they feed on shed human skin cells. Their microscopic size (0.2–0.3 mm) allows them to remain unnoticed while proliferating in humid environments.
Allergenic proteins excreted in mite feces and body fragments become airborne, provoking immune responses upon inhalation. Common clinical manifestations include:
- Allergic rhinitis with sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
- Asthma attacks characterized by wheezing, breathlessness, and reduced lung function.
- Atopic dermatitis flare‑ups presenting as red, itchy skin lesions.
- Contact urticaria when skin contacts mite‑laden fabrics.
Beyond direct allergic reactions, mites can contaminate stored food products, introducing enzymes that degrade nutrients and fostering bacterial growth. Their presence in humid spaces also encourages mold development, compounding respiratory irritation.
Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems exhibit heightened sensitivity to mite‑derived allergens, resulting in more severe respiratory and dermatological symptoms.
Control measures rely on environmental management: maintaining indoor relative humidity below 50 %, washing bedding at temperatures ≥ 60 °C weekly, employing high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and applying approved acaricidal treatments to carpets and upholstery. Consistent implementation reduces mite populations and mitigates associated health risks.