Vaporizing dust mites. (The Beat).Dust mites, microscopic creatures that grow in household materials such as bedding and carpets, feed primarily on dead particles of human skin. It is estimated that nearly 20 million Americans are sensitive to proteins in dust mite waste. Connecticut allergist al·ler·gist n. A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. allergist Immunology A physician, who is often trained in both internal medicine and clinical immunology and who manages Pts with Jeffrey D. Miller investigated the properties of 56 plant oil vapors and found a number of them to be effective in killing dust mites. Miller found wintergreen oil vapors to be the most effective, killing the pests in even large areas such as closets. Vapors of anise anise (ăn`ĭs), annual plant (Pimpinella anisum) of the family Umbelliferae (parsley family), native to the Mediterranean region but long cultivated elsewhere for its aromatic and medicinal qualities. , lemongrass lemongrass, n Latin name: Cymbopogon citratus; part used: leaves; uses: antitussive, antirheumatic, antiseptic, anxiolytic, antibacterial, antifungal, insomnia, vomiting, high blood pressure, fever; precautions: none known. , pine, and spearmint spearmint: see mint. spearmint Aromatic herb (Mentha spicata) of the mint family, the common garden mint widely used for culinary purposes. were able to kill mites in smaller areas such as drawers and storage boxes. In presenting his findings at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2001 annual meeting, Miller noted that the mite-killing properties of these vapors are probably a natural defense against mite infestations. He added that studies need to be performed to determine their clinical usefulness. |
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