The use of mite-killing agents (acaracides) has yielded mixed results. One study found an acaracide to be
ineffective at reducing mite allergen levels over time.
33
Other studies have shown acaracides to be effective, at
least for short periods.
34
The use of acaracides is generally discouraged for consumers, and states will usually
require only licensed pesticide applicators to use such products in homes. Other studies found that using a
solution of alum, sprayed on carpet, together with weekly vacuuming, was more effective than vacuuming alone
in reducing mites and mite allergen levels.
35, 36
Regarding lead poisoning, many studies show a positive
correlation between lead levels in carpet and children’s blood lead levels.
37
Chronically lead-contaminated carpets
may show increased lead levels compared to hard flooring if vacuuming is not thorough, because embedded lead
from the depths of the carpet may be brought to the surface and may remain there.
The use of mite-killing agents (acaracides) has yielded mixed results. One study found an acaracide to be
ineffective at reducing mite allergen levels over time.
33
Other studies have shown acaracides to be effective, at
least for short periods.
34
The use of acaracides is generally discouraged for consumers, and states will usually
require only licensed pesticide applicators to use such products in homes. Other studies found that using a
solution of alum, sprayed on carpet, together with weekly vacuuming, was more effective than vacuuming alone
in reducing mites and mite allergen levels.
35, 36
Regarding lead poisoning, many studies show a positive
correlation between lead levels in carpet and children’s blood lead levels.
37
Chronically lead-contaminated carpets
may show increased lead levels compared to hard flooring if vacuuming is not thorough, because embedded lead
from the depths of the carpet may be brought to the surface and may remain there.
Selecting a Vacuum - The best vacuums will have HEPA filters to reduce dust that is emitted by the vacuum
exhaust. The cost for vacuums containing such filters ranges from less than $100 to more than $1,000. Some of
the difference may be due to the various features and accessories that come with the vacuum. At the low end of
costs, the difference may reflect the use of a relatively small motor that creates the vacuum’s suction. Vacuums
with relatively weak motors may not deliver satisfactory performance, because the suction will not be sufficient to
adequately pull dust and debris from the depths of the carpet. At the other end of the spectrum, costly vacuums
may be “overqualified” for the task and not appropriate for those on limited budgets.
Selecting a Vacuum - The best vacuums will have HEPA filters to reduce dust that is emitted by the vacuum
exhaust. The cost for vacuums containing such filters ranges from less than $100 to more than $1,000. Some of
the difference may be due to the various features and accessories that come with the vacuum. At the low end of
costs, the difference may reflect the use of a relatively small motor that creates the vacuum’s suction. Vacuums
with relatively weak motors may not deliver satisfactory performance, because the suction will not be sufficient to
adequately pull dust and debris from the depths of the carpet. At the other end of the spectrum, costly vacuums
may be “overqualified” for the task and not appropriate for those on limited budgets.
How does one select a vacuum that is up to the task of removing small particles embedded in carpet? The best
approach is to refer to organizations such as Consumers Union, which conducts laboratory testing of various
products. In a recent series of tests, the top five performing vacuum cleaners costing between $150 and $500
actually outperformed a unit costing $1,350.
38
You can find references to articles and consumer information on
the Consumer Reports website at www.consumerreports.org/cro
How does one select a vacuum that is up to the task of removing small particles embedded in carpet? The best
approach is to refer to organizations such as Consumers Union, which conducts laboratory testing of various
products. In a recent series of tests, the top five performing vacuum cleaners costing between $150 and $500
actually outperformed a unit costing $1,350.
38
You can find references to articles and consumer information on
the Consumer Reports website at www.consumerreports.org/cro. Full online articles are available to subscribers
and at most public libraries.
Implementing Cleaning and Other Home Intervention Protocols - Residents are not always likely, willing,
or able to adhere to a regular vacuuming schedule. When researchers incorporated social marketing principles
into the educational process to promote a cleaning regimen in urban households, parental compliance improved
and allergen and asthma reductions were achieved for carpeted and non-carpeted floors. Moreover, residents
experienced fewer asthma symptoms over an extended period.
39
33
Moira C.Y., Ferguson A., Dimich-Ward H., Watson W., Manfreda J., Becker A. “Effectiveness of and compliance to
intervention measures in reducing house dust and cat allergen levels.” Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2002; 88(1):52-8 (ISSN:
1081-1206).
34
Insert acaracide reference on effectiveness.
35
Codina R., Lockey R.F., Diwadkar R., Mobly L.L., Godfrey S. “Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) application and
vacuum cleaning, a combined strategy to control house dust mites.” Allergy. 2003; 58(4):318-24 (ISSN: 0105-4538).
36
Sevki C., Levent A., Ender G., Firdevs M. “Reduction of house-dust mite allergen concentrations in carpets by aluminium
potassium sulfate dodecahydrate (alum).” Allergy Asthma Proc. 2006; 27(5):350-3 (ISSN: 1088-5412).
37
USEPA.(b) Summary and Assessment of Published Information on Determining Lead Exposures and Mitigating Lead Hazards
Associated with Dust and Soil in Residential Carpets, Furniture, and Forced Air Ducts. USEPA 1997. EPA 747-S-97-01.
Washington, DC.
38
Consumers Union. “Vacuums: Cleaning vs. Allergy Claims.” 2007; Consumer Reports, Mt Vernon, NY. October: 39-41.
39
Morgan W. J., Crain E.F., Gruchalla R.S. et al. “Results of a home-based environmental intervention among urban children with
asthma. ” New England J. Med. 2004; 351(11): 1068 – 1080.
National Center for Healthy Housing, 10320 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 500, Columbia, MD 21044
n
www.centerforhealthyhousing.org
7