Airborne dust and allergen generation during dusting with and without spray polish

Abstract

Background: Dusting is a commonly used method for dust removal from surfaces in the home. However, the process of dusting may contribute to airborne dust levels by disturbing dust particles from a surface and failing to remove it from the indoor environment. Objective: We sought to measure the quantity of allergen-laden dust disturbed into the air during dusting and discover whether applying spray polish to either the dusty surface or the cleaning cloth reduced this amount. Methods: A common furniture polish was tested for its ability to prevent dust particles and major house dust mite (Der p 1) or major cat (Fel d 1) allergen from becoming airborne during dusting. Tests were completed with a repeatable mechanized dusting procedure with polish sprayed onto either a cleaning cloth or directly onto a surface, and this was compared with a control procedure with a standard duster. Airborne dust was measured with an air-particle counter and by means of anti-Der p 1 or anti-Fel d 1 ELISA. Results: Considerable quantities of dust became airborne during dusting. When polish was sprayed onto the cleaning cloth, the concentration of airborne dust particles was reduced by a mean of 83.4%, house dust mite allergen by 50.3%, and cat allergen by 57.4% when compared with dry-cloth controls. Spraying polish directly onto the surface was even more effective at reducing the generation of airborne particles (92.9%) and allergens (Der p 1 by ≥95% to below the sensitivity of the ELISA and Fel d 1 by 95%). All reductions were significant when compared with dry-cloth controls (P < .01, Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusions: This study showed that application of a polish spray to either the surface or the cloth during dusting greatly reduced dust and allergen evolution into the air, which should reduce exposure to airborne allergens in the home. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;109:63-7.)