Vacuum cleaning decreases the levels of mite allergens in house dust

Abstract

To investigate the capacity of chemical treatment of surfaces and the difference in capacity among common vacuum cleaners to reduce mite allergen content in house dust, we recruited 52 families with allergic children. Ten families used their central vacuum cleaners. Forty-two families were randomly divided into four groups with 10 or 11 families in each. These families used either new vacuum cleaners with either HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) or micro-filters, or their own vacuum cleaners with either tannic acid or placebo. Dust samples were collected from carpets and upholstered furniture in the living rooms and from the mattresses of the children at Days 0, 7, 21, and 35. Der pI and Der fI allergens were determined by sandwich ELISA. After one week, tannic acid reduced the concentration of mite allergens/g of dust and the total amount/sampling area by 30% and 34%, respectively (p < 0.05), but there was no significant decrease in relation to placebo. After 5 weeks, central, HEPA- and micro-filter vacuum cleaners decreased the mite allergen concentration by 10-50% (p < 0.05) and the total amount of mite allergen from the investigated areas by 50-85% (p < 0.01). In relation to the placebo group the decrease was significant for HEPA- and micro-filter vacuums (p < 0.05). The total amount of mite allergens/sampling area was more significantly (p < 0.05) reduced than the concentration/g of dust. We conclude, that tannic acid reduces mite allergen concentrations in dust and total amount/sampling area for a short period of time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)