OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of mite allergen was studied in homes in which the indoor relative humidity may be increased by use of an evaporative cooler. METHODS: Colorado homes in which central evaporative coolers are used and control homes were evaluated. ELISAs with monoclonal antibodies specific for Der p 1 and Der f 1 were performed on dust samples from each home in May and August. Indoor relative humidity and temperatures were recorded daily. RESULTS: May samples did not show significant levels of mite allergen ( < 2 micrograms/gm dust). Of the August samples, 48 of 95 samples from homes with evaporative coolers (50.5%) had levels of Der p 1 and Der f 1 of 2 micrograms/gm dust or greater, but only 5 of 95 control samples (5.2%) had levels of 2 micrograms/gm dust or greater (p < 0.00001). Twelve of 19 homes with evaporative coolers (63%) were positive for mite allergen. Five of 19 (26%) control homes were positive (p < 0.05). The homes with evaporative coolers had average indoor relative humidity of 51% or greater: control homes had average relative humidity of less than 45%. CONCLUSION: Altering the indoor environment by raising indoor relative humidity through use of evaporative coolers leads to conditions that may facilitate Dermatophagoides survival.
OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of mite allergen was studied in homes in which the indoor relative humidity may be increased by use of an evaporative cooler. METHODS: Colorado homes in which central evaporative coolers are used and control homes were evaluated. ELISAs with monoclonal antibodies specific for Der p 1 and Der f 1 were performed on dust samples from each home in May and August. Indoor relative humidity and temperatures were recorded daily. RESULTS: May samples did not show significant levels of mite allergen ( < 2 micrograms/gm dust). Of the August samples, 48 of 95 samples from homes with evaporative coolers (50.5%) had levels of Der p 1 and Der f 1 of 2 micrograms/gm dust or greater, but only 5 of 95 control samples (5.2%) had levels of 2 micrograms/gm dust or greater (p < 0.00001). Twelve of 19 homes with evaporative coolers (63%) were positive for mite allergen. Five of 19 (26%) control homes were positive (p < 0.05). The homes with evaporative coolers had average indoor relative humidity of 51% or greater: control homes had average relative humidity of less than 45%. CONCLUSION: Altering the indoor environment by raising indoor relative humidity through use of evaporative coolers leads to conditions that may facilitate Dermatophagoides survival.
Authors: James D Johnston; Brianna M Magnusson; Dennis Eggett; Scott C Collingwood; Scott A Bernhardt Journal: J Occup Environ Hyg Date: 2015 Impact factor: 2.155
Authors: Angela R Lemons; Mary Beth Hogan; Ruth A Gault; Kathleen Holland; Edward Sobek; Kimberly A Olsen-Wilson; Yeonmi Park; Ju-Hyeong Park; Ja Kook Gu; Michael L Kashon; Brett J Green Journal: Environ Sci Process Impacts Date: 2017-02-22 Impact factor: 4.238
Authors: Ana M Vicedo-Cabrera; Luís García-Marcos; Agustín Llopis-González; Ángel López-Silvarrey-Varela; Izaskun Miner-Canflanca; José Batlles-Garrido; Alfredo Blanco-Quiros; Rosa María Busquets-Monge; Carlos Díaz-Vazquez; Carlos González-Díaz; Antonio Martínez-Gimeno; Francisco Guillén-Grima; Alberto Arnedo-Pena; María Morales-Suárez-Varela Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2012-10-22 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: James D Johnston; Steven C Tuttle; Morgan C Nelson; Rebecca K Bradshaw; Taylor G Hoybjerg; Julene B Johnson; Bryce A Kruman; Taylor S Orton; Ryan B Cook; Dennis L Eggett; K Scott Weber Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-01-25 Impact factor: 3.240