| Dust mites live on shed human skin cells, | | | | It is also essential to distinguish between |
| predigested by a fungus called Aspergillus | | | | HEPA-tested and rated vacuum cleaner and a |
| repens. It is particularly common in carpets | | | | HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner. |
| and bedding. General cleaning does not remove | | | | |
| these mites. In this article, we will take a | | | | 1. HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaner. |
| look at effective ways to control dust mites. | | | | |
| | | | HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaners achieve |
| Most of us take the following measures to | | | | total filtration of 99.99954% at 0.3 microns. |
| control dust mites using regular cleaning | | | | |
| equipment and chemicals: | | | | 2. HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner |
| | | | |
| 1. Regular vacuum cleaning (especially with | | | | A HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner - only the |
| high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) | | | | filter system has been tested, not the entire |
| filters) | | | | vacuum system. |
| | | | |
| 2. Regular damp dusting of surfaces | | | | Why is it important to distinguish between |
| | | | the two systems? |
| 3. Replacement of carpets with vinyl or tile | | | | |
| floors | | | | HEPA tested and rated vacuum cleaners have |
| | | | been tested for any leaks that might occur - |
| 4. Covering of mattresses and pillows with | | | | i.e. the possibility of minute leaks in the |
| impervious materials | | | | vacuums system and filters where the air |
| | | | might bypass the filters. That includes the |
| 5. Use of chemicals (acaricides) to kill | | | | canister as well. |
| mites | | | | |
| | | | HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners on the other |
| 6. Use of fungicides to kill Aspergillus | | | | hand have just been tested for the filters |
| | | | itself and not the canisters. |
| 7. High efficiency particulate air filters | | | | |
| (HEPA) | | | | When purchasing cleaning equipment, clients |
| | | | should take these factors into consideration. |
| The use of high efficiency particulate air | | | | Questions that should be asked should include |
| filters will assist with the removal of dust | | | | the following: |
| mites in household and other environments. | | | | |
| Nowadays, vacuum cleaners are HEPA rated, so | | | | Which type of application needs to be |
| it is advisable to look for this rating when | | | | cleaned? |
| purchasing a vacuum cleaner. | | | | |
| | | | Must the environment be clean and dust-free? |
| HEPA rating is a confusing term as so many | | | | |
| manufacturers and end-users misuse it to sell | | | | HEPA filtered vacuums works well in |
| their products. In Europe, HEPA is a range of | | | | commercial applications where the indoor |
| filtration from 85% to 99,995% of particles | | | | quality of the air should be clean. In cases |
| 0.3 microns in size or larger. (HI0-HI4) For | | | | (for example laboratories) where the air must |
| anything better than HI4, the rating scale | | | | be both clean and dust-free, a HEPA tested |
| changes to ULPA (Ultra Particulate Air) | | | | and rated vacuum would be best to use. |
| 99.9995% to 99.999995% @ 0.3 microns is | | | | |
| considered ULPA in Europe. In the United | | | | Please consult with your cleaning equipment |
| States, a HEPA filter is understood to be at | | | | supplier when deciding upon the best |
| least 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns. Higher | | | | equipment to use for your application. It |
| efficiencies can be specified, such as | | | | might be worth your while to invest a bit |
| 99,999% but there are no classifications | | | | more in order to obtain a clean and dust-free |
| applied. (e.g. H13) as in Europe. | | | | environment. |
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