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Related Experiment Videos

Dust-mite allergen removal from feathers by commercial processing.

Amy L Dryer1, Michael J Chandler, Robert G Hamilton

  • 1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|June 28, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Processed feather products are safe for allergy sufferers, as washing removes dust mite allergens. Feather pillows do not accumulate allergens even in mite-infested rooms over three months.

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Area of Science:

  • Allergen research
  • Environmental health
  • Textile science

Background:

  • Feather-filled bedding (pillows, comforters, mattresses) has been historically avoided by individuals with allergies or asthma.
  • This avoidance stems from a perceived risk of allergenicity associated with feather materials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of dust mite allergens in raw and processed feathers.
  • To determine if feather pillows accumulate dust mite allergens during use in mite-infested environments.

Main Methods:

  • Immunoenzymatic assays were used to quantify dust mite allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1) in raw and processed feather samples from multiple suppliers.
  • New feather pillows (covered and uncovered) were placed in mite-infested bedrooms for 90 days and subsequently tested for mite allergen content.

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Main Results:

  • Dust mite allergen was detected in most raw, unprocessed feather samples.
  • No detectable dust mite allergen was found in manufacturer-processed feather samples.
  • Feather pillows, regardless of cover, did not accumulate dust mite allergens after 90 days in mite-infested bedrooms, even when the rooms had high allergen levels.

Conclusions:

  • Industrial washing effectively removes dust mite allergens from feathers.
  • Feather pillows made with processed feathers are not a source of dust mite allergen accumulation, even in contaminated environments.