Title: Microstop And Greenfirst Treated Home Furnishings: Is It Effective After 24 Months On Mite Allergen Contamination
Abstract: RATIONALE: To compare dust mite allergen levels in bedrooms with or without Microstop® or Greenfirst® treated home furnishings. METHODS: 4 groups of 15 bedrooms were selected based on group 1 mite allergen levels in the mattress between 2 and 80 μg/g and a washable floor. In group A: no change was performed. In group B: mattresses, quilts and pillows were changed to new items without treatment. In group C and D, the same items were changed to Microstop® and Greenfirst® treatment respectively. Dust samples were performed before, immediately, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after changing the bedding. Group 1 mite allergens were measured using ELISA (Indoor Biotechnologies®, Charlottesville, USA). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the 4 groups in mite allergen contents at the beginning of the study. Mite allergen levels in group A were significantly higher than in group B, C and D at all time points (p = 0,005). They decreased significantly immediately after change in group B, C and D however after 24 months there was no difference. CONCLUSIONS: Changing the bedding items to new ones without treatment is effective in reducing their contamination by mite allergen however the treated items do not bring any advantage.