Dusts home for allergenic mites in bedrooms: Expert

A Turkish medical expert warned Monday people that there are nearly 10 million mites in a bed which has been used for five years.

"One gram of house dust contains about 19,000 mites, including 500 alive. Mites are allergens that are common in houses, and can cause allergic diseases," Ahmet Akcay, a pediatric allergy and chest diseases specialist told Anadolu Agency.

House dust mites are too tiny and almost invisible.

"Mites are mostly found in the beds, pillows, bedding sheet, blankets, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, plush toys and curtains," Akcay said.

Since our beds are favorable for mites and bacteria, mites feed on skin oil, scalp and hair follicles.

"Mites cannot long survive in places where humidity rate is below 50%," Akcay said, adding that mites generally prefer coastal regions.

Effects of mites drop in summertime as they cannot live and reproduce during that time of the year, he added.

"It is not possible to completely get rid of them, but some measures can reduce the number of mites and bacteria," he stressed.

He added that mites can not fly in the air but they can move with house dust.

The mite feces, which are stuck to house dust, can enter into nose and mouth while dusting, he added.

"Mite allergens can cause allergic reactions and diseases, especially in children with a genetic predisposition," he urged.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar