Dust from carpeted and smooth floors

Abstract

Dust samples were collected twice from smooth and carpeted floors in 10 Norwegian schools. The content of antigens and allergens of alder (Alnus incana), birch (Betula verrucosa), timothy (Phleum pratense), cat and dog dander, house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae), mould (Cladosporium herbarum), hen egg white and codfish (DIII) were investigated by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), crossed radio immunoelectrophoresis (CRIE), radio allergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition and quantitative precipitation inhibition analysis by laser nephelometry. Antigens and allergens of cat and dog dander and hen egg white were most prevalent in the dust samples investigated. With the exception of hen egg white and codfish allergens, no statistically significant differences in mean allergen content were shown in identical quantities of freeze-dried dust extracts from carpeted and smooth floors. RAST-inhibition analyses of identical amounts of dust from either floors showed higher content of allergens of cat, dog, hen egg white, codfish, mould and timothy pollen in classrooms with carpets.

From allergen sources to reduction of allergen exposure

“…Carpets constitute another important allergen reservoir. DYBENDAL et al [10] have shown that carpets and floors accumulated more dust, proteins and allergens per unit area than smooth floors. Pillows, blankets and all textile-based objects are also ecological niches occupied by mites.…”

Importancia médica de los alergenos de ácaros domésticos

“…El cultivo de Dp se hace a partir de muestras de polvo obtenidas de los sitios de mayor concentración como colchones, piso y alfombras de las casas (30). El medio que inicialmente se utilizó para el crecimiento de Dp fue el de Solomon y Cunnington (1964) el cual contenía polvo de hígado estéril y suero bovino fetal (31).…”