The greatest risks are to people working or living in areas of agricultural production and storage or wood-milling where large quantities of dusts and airborne particles are produced. Exposure to wood dust has been linked to the occurrence of adenocarcinoma of the sinuses and nasal tissues and the incidence of this disease is 1000 fold greater in woodworkers than in the general public. Certain types of woods can cause dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma and conjunctivitis. The greatest risks for the development of asthma is posed by the dusts of exotic woods and western red cedar. The droppings of dust mites are important allergens which can cause asthma in sensitized people.
Dust mites live in bedding, carpets, stuffed furniture, old clothing and stuffed toys.
They feed on human skin shedding. Steps to Control Dust Mite Allergens Enclose the mattress and boxsprings in a zippered dust-proof encasing. Dust-proof encasings have a layer of material that keeps the dust mites inside the encasing. Encasings are usually made of vinyl or other plastics. Avoid lying on upholstered furniture or carpet.