Prevailing indoor climate classification to predict house-dust mite abundance in Dutch homes

In Europe 10-15 % of the human population is sensitized to allergens of house dust mites (Pyroglyphidae). Population development of house dust mites is primarily influenced by water activity (aw) of the mite habitat. The availability of H20 (water-activity and relative humidity) in the niches of mites may correlate with the absolute humidity of the room air. Absolute humidity also plays a role in technical indoor climate classifications of Dutch and Belgian buildings. To investigate the effects of dry and humid room conditions on mite abundance, dust samples were taken in 14 living-rooms and b... Mehr ...