[Clinical study of the effectiveness of filters in vacuum cleaners for reducing the concentration of dust mites in the household].

The aim of the study was to discover if extreme concentrations of faecal particles in the expelled air could be prevented by the use of appropriate filters, and which filter achieved a significant reduction on the emission of allergens.

Abstract

The faeces of the dust mite are the most significant source of allergy for those allergic to the dust mite. During vacuum cleaning, faecal particles are emitted from the cleaner and into the air to form pathological concentrations. The aim of the study was to discover if these extreme concentrations could be prevented by the use of appropriate filters. As the allergen source, dust mite faeces were used. A Miele vacuum cleaner type S424i was used without filter, with S-Class filter, and with Super Air Clean Filter. In the first test 1 g, and in the second test 2 g of dust mite faecal particles were evenly spread and then vacumed up. While using each filter in turn, the expelled air was measured for faecal concentrations. The analysis was performed by counting the number of faecal particles, and determining the content of major allergen Der p I in the expelled air. Without a filter there was a massive concentration of faecal particles in the expelled air. The simple filter Type (S-class-filter) achieved a significant reduction on the emission of allergens. The more complex special filter (Super air clean filter), was able to remove all traces of allergens from the expelled air.