Allergens and Induced Asthma: Eradicating Indoor Allergens from Dust Mites (Phase

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant The mission of CarboNix LLC is the clinically effective abatement of common indoor allergens that cause allergic reactions and frequently induce asthma especially in economically disadvantaged children CarboNix LLC proposes a Phase II SBIR research program that will result in commercialization of a new service business for abating multiple indoor allergens killing dust mites and preventing mite re infestation in the home Two specific aims are proposed at the pre commercialization state Specific Aim is the computer modeling design and testing of a full scale home service unit for allergen abatement Specific Aim is a twelve month field test of the technology comparing the allergen levels and dust mite levels in treated homes to non treated homes The dust mite is second only to pollen in causing allergies Reactions range from itchy noses and eyes to severe and sometimes fatal asthma attacks This is especially critical in children under age This project could benefit an allergy sufferer but is specifically aimed at minority and low income children who are six times more likely to die from dust mite allergen induced asthma The American Lung Association estimates that million Americans approx have been diagnosed with asthma and million of these are children between and It has been shown that most children with exacerbation of asthma have been exposed to high levels of indoor allergens and that continuous exposure can result in readmission The National Center for Health Statistics showed that the prevalence of asthma in minority specifically African American and Puerto Rican children is higher than in white children We will create a new service business similar in operation and cost to carpet cleaning services for families and their allergists namel removal of a broad spectrum of indoor allergens and eradication of dust mites from the home environment Clinicians often employ a multiple intervention strategy for allergy and asthma management The new business will give practicing clinicians a new interventional tool namely the safe and inexpensive cleaning of allergen laden household items PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Allergens and Induced Asthma Eradicating Indoor Allergens from Dust Mites Phase II Asthma is a killer of children especially those from disadvantaged homes Many asthma attacks especially in children are triggered by the allergenic proteins found in dust mite feces The proposed research focuses on pre commercialization of novel environmentally friendly approach to eradicating dust mites in carpeting and other large fabric surfaces