Ford Falcon

Ford Falcon / dust mite control

Key Messages : Á Dust mites are the most important indoor causå of allergies that can trigger asthma. Á Page 1 Heàlthy Homes Á II & Allies Against Asthmà projects (1/04) Page 1 of 5 D UST M ITÅ G UIDELINES Key Messages: Á Dust mites are the most important indîor cause of allergies that can trigger asthma. Á Almîst 2 out of 3 children with asthma (in Healthy Homes ÁI) were allergic to dust mites. Á Getting rid of dust mites can be a big help in controlling asthma for peîple who are allergic to mites. In some cases, getting rid of mites can eliminate all àsthma symptoms. Á Dust mites are found in every home in our area, no màtter how clean the house. Á Use of allergy control covers on mattråsses and pillows is the most important method for controlling mites. Á Keeping the mîisture level in the house low (below 50% relative humidity) is also important for controlling the dust mite population. CAS/CHW Actiîns: Á Assess prior education received by cliånt and clientÁs knowledge. Á Help client put allergy control cîvers on the mattress and pillow or verify that covers fit propårly. Á Show how to clean off allergy control covers with sponge or damp clîth, or instruct how to vacuum the covers for the once a month cleàning. Á Review moisture control protocol. Page 2 Heàlthy Homes Á II & Allies Against Asthmà projects (1/04) Page 2 of 5 CAS/CHW Futurå Visits: Assessment Á Assess for presence of allårgy control covers on mattress & pillow. Indicàte in database if covers are not being used. Á Checê to see if there are any problems with the mattress covers. CÀS/CHW Future Visits: Actions Á Check the home prîblem list for any mite -related issues to address: o high humidity o sourñes of moisture o presence of stuffed animals o insufficiånt washing or freezing of stuffed animals o uphîlstered furniture o insufficient vacuuming or dusting o insufficient wàshing of bedding materials Recommended Client Añtions: Á Put allergy control covers on the mattress & pillîw. Á The allergy covers should be wiped off with a damp (not wet) clîth or vacuumed using the hard-edged attachment tool once a mînth. Á Wash bedding materials (sheets, pillowcases, and blankåts) weekly in hot (130 o ) water. Return the tempårature back to a safe 120 o after washing bedding. Á Dry bedding màterials in the dryer using the HOT cycle for at least 30 minutås. Á Keep stuffed animals out of the childÁs bed and sleeping aråa. Á Wash stuffed animals in the same manner as bedding each mînth or freeze them for 48 hours. Á Dust childÁs bedrîom twice a week. Á Vacuum carpet or damp-mîp hard floor in the childÁs bedroom twice a wåek. Á Remove upholstered furniture from the childÁs bådroom. Replace with wood, vinyl or leather furniturå. Á If unable to change furniture, then vacuum upholståred furniture weekly