Abstract
Available epidemiologic data on the occurrence of house-dust mites in dwellings demonstrates a clear association between increased indoor air humidity and the increased occurrence of house-dust mites in house dust. Furthermore, in temperate climates, there is a threshold level of indoor air humidity of 7 g/kg (45% relative humidity at usual indoor air temperatures). Indoor air humidities below this level for extended periods will eradicate house-dust mites from dwellings. A reduction in inhabitant exposure to house-dust mites is implemented by reduction of indoor air humidity by controlled mechanical ventilation. Individual ventilation levels are estimated from the actual size of house, number of inhabitants, and average outdoor air humidity in winter. In contrast, more humid areas of the world with average outdoor humidities above 6-7 g/kg in winter will support uniformly large populations of house-dust mites, and reductions in indoor air humidity will have a comparatively minor effect on the occurrence of house-dust mites. Present-day building of energy-efficient houses with increased sealing of the building envelope, paralleled by a similar renovation of older houses, has increased indoor air humidity and is probably the cause of the almost fourfold increase in the occurrence of house-dust mites in Danish dwellings.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.