New research in management and prevention a AAAAI Annual Meeting in San Diego

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FOR EMBARGOED RELEASE

Friday, February 23, 2007, 8am Eastern Time

http://www.aaaai.org/media/news_releases/2007/02/022307a.stm

New research in management and prevention allergies and asthma,

presented at the AAAAI Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA

SAN DIEGO- Moldy wall surfaces contain higher numbers of house-dust

mites, compared to wall surfaces without mold, according to a study

presented at the 2007 AAAAI Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.

Previous research studying the distribution of house-dust mites

(HDM), concluded that there are no HDM on the walls. Yaël Gernez,

Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France, and colleagues, sought to

determine if moldy dwellings may have house-dust mites (HDM) because

of high humidity, favoring both mold and HDM development.

Researchers studied 50 residences with moldy wall surfaces at least

equal to 50 cm². Dust was collected from both the moldy surface and

20 cm away from the mold. It was then observed for HDM.

Results showed that 54% of moldy wall surfaces contained HDM,

compared to 6% of walls without mold. This shows that HDM avoidance

programs should include elimination of moldy surfaces in the home.