Allergies to house dust and mites
In recent years, allergies have become increasingly common, especially in children.
With the increase in urbanization and the standard of living of people, there has been an increase in allergic diseases, as well as the emergence of new allergens – most likely related to the increased use of aggressive chemical preparations for better hygiene, the introduction of various artificial additives into food and drinks, polluted air and many other factors.
An allergy is an atypical response of the human immune system to a certain foreign substance (allergen) in the environment, which is generally not harmful to the body. The immune system, for reasons unclear to medicine, perceives it as a pest and seeks to protect the proper functioning of the body. To this end, it produces proteins called antibodies, which cause a different immune response – an allergic reaction, in order to remove the irritant.
Allergic reactions can take the form of:
- Rash
- Eczema
- Contact dermatitis
- Sore throat
- Eye inflammation
- Asthma
- Difficulty breathing and others
One of the most common allergies is to dust mites.
Dust mites are tiny spider-like insects and are invisible to the naked eye. They are very common worldwide in human habitats and inhabit pillows, mattresses, curtains, upholstered furniture, plush toys, bedding, surfaces covered with dust. The most favorable conditions for their development and reproduction are temperatures above 25 o C, humidity around and above 75% and food. Their main food source is exfoliated skin. On average, an adult person sheds an average of 1.5 g of dead skin cells every day, which are food for approximately 1 million mites. The metabolic products /excrements/ secreted in their life cycle contain a digestive enzyme/protein/ called DerP1 – the main cause of house dust allergies. A person inhales a large amount of house dust every day, and with it the excrement of the mites. The Der P1 protein contained in the feces attaches to the lining of the respiratory tract and exerts an influence on the respiratory system, reaching immune cells and triggering a reaction and inflammatory processes.
Common symptoms of dust mite allergy include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Congested nose
- Itchy nose, mouth or throat
- Skin irritation
- Postnasal drip (post-nasal drip)
- Cough
Probiotic or conventional detergents
Probiotic-based cleaners contain beneficial bacteria that penetrate deep into the micropores of surfaces where stubborn dirt and pathogenic bacteria hide. They work for a long time after application to the contaminated surface within 5-7 days.
Chemical or enzymatic cleaners work initially, but do not have a mechanism to ensure long-term effectiveness, more than a few hours /usually 3-4 hours/.
Probiotic-based cleaners have no impact on the environment, keeping the world clean in a safe way.
Chemical cleaners typically rely on unsustainable raw materials and can also release harmful chemicals into the environment during their production.
Probiotic-based cleaners are non-corrosive to surfaces and offer safe, long-lasting protection while cleaning without abrasive action. This means surfaces look new for longer and do not need to be replaced as often.
Chemical cleaners can cause long-term damage (coating damage, corrosion, etc.) to surfaces and pose a risk to people and pets (allergies, skin irritations, asthma, etc.).
Probiotic-based cleaners provide a much greater return on investment: less frequent cleaning, reduced labor costs, surface protection.
Chemical cleaners must be diluted to safe levels for use, which can make them less effective. They can cause permanent damage to the objects and surfaces being cleaned, requiring additional costs to replace them with new ones. Ultimately, you may have to use more expensive human labor and equipment to achieve a good result or maintain cleanliness!
Probiotic cleaners use beneficial bacteria that naturally compete with harmful bacteria, inhibiting them and after 3-4 weeks of using probiotic products, the level of pathogenic bacteria drops by 5 to 10 times. This trend is maintained with their continued use, i.e. there is no need to apply biocides.
If chemical products and biocides are used, the effect is short-lived – from a few minutes to a few hours, after which the surfaces are repopulated with bacteria, including pathogenic ones. Frequent use of biocides can lead to resistance of some bacteria and create resistant pathogenic strains, known as “superbugs” in homes and hospitals.
Probiotic-based cleaners are effective for longer, cost less, and are safer for people, pets, and the environment.
Chemical cleaners offer some quick benefits and may seem cheaper at first glance, but they can have hidden costs and labor costs, and can be dangerous to people and the environment.
