Conscious Choice: Purging Dust Mites

March 2006 | Co-op America’s Living Green

Purging Dust Mites — the Green Way

Dear Co-op America, I have severe dust mite allergies. What are some inexpensive green things I can do at home to minimize my exposure?

— Jane G., E-mail

WE SPEND 33 percent of our lives sleeping in our bedrooms, and experts say the bedroom is often the room with the highest allergen content in the entire house. Dust mites in particular love to hide in the soft, billowy pillows, mattresses, and comforters we keep in our bedrooms, so your best bet is to start there.

First, keep your bedroom as simple as possible. Clear out dust-collecting clutter, and see if you can sell or donate it. Put items you can’t part with in other rooms. Remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters, and other non-washable soft items, if possible. For children, minimize stuffed animals and other soft toys in the bedroom — they become havens for dust mites.

Second, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends replacing carpets with hard flooring, since carpets are notorious for trapping allergens and exacerbating symptoms. If replacing carpeting isn’t an option, vacuum floors at least weekly with a machine that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. (Standard or water-filtered vacuums just stir up allergens.) Vacuum furniture and curtains as well.

Third, encase mattresses, box springs, comforters, and pillows in airtight, zippered plastic or special allergen-proof fabric covers. These are widely available at national and specialty stores, or you can purchase from HealthGoods (888-878-2497, healthgoods.com or Sneeze.com).

Wash your sheets and pillow cases weekly in hot water to kill dust mites — the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says temperatures lower than 130°F will not kill mites. (You can still save energy by rinsing in cold water, and by washing your other items in cold water.)

You can also try using an air filter to zap dust mites, such as those offered by Gaiam (800-869-3603, gaiam.com). And finally, keep humidity levels below 50 percent by repairing leaks and using a dehumidifier. If you live in a very humid climate, you may need to turn on your air conditioner to reduce humidity and, therefore, your symptoms.

DEAR CO-OP AMERICA, I’m on a budget, so I need to know what types of produce do I absolutely need to buy organic to avoid toxins?

— Fred A., Los Angeles, CA

ACCORDING TO THE Organic Consumers Association, produce with the highest pesticide levels are: apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach, and strawberries. We recommend buying these organic.

Produce with the lowest pesticide levels include: asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, kiwi, mangoes, onions, papaya, pineapples, and sweet peas.

Living Green is brought to you by Co-op America, a DC-based nonprofit that provides green living, purchasing, and investing tips and resources. To join Co-op America and get a free copy of the National Green Pages™ directory of green businesses, contact 800-58- GREEN , coopamerica.org. If you have a question for Living Green, e-mail.

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