Background: Information about the influence of housing and occupant characteristics on mite allergen concentrations is crucial to determine which methods could be used to decrease exposure of susceptible subjects.
Objectives: To identify housing and occupant characteristics that are associated with mite allergen concentrations in house dust collected from living rooms and mattresses.
Methods: We collected dust samples from 750 homes in the northeastern US. The influence of various characteristics on concentrations of mite allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1) was studied using multiple linear regression analysis.
Results: Some characteristics, like absence of air conditioners, the presence of mold or mildew, and a lower temperature were consistently associated with higher concentrations of both mite allergens in dust from all sampling locations. However, none of these factors changed Der p 1 or Der f 1 concentrations by more than a factor of 2. People of white ethnic background had roughly two times higher mite allergen concentrations, while family income, family size, and education level only marginally influenced mite allergen concentrations.
Conclusions: Various housing characteristics have some influence on mite allergen concentrations, and could possibly be used to decrease exposure of susceptible subjects. However, only a limited percentage of the variation in mite allergen concentrations was explained by these characteristics.