Invisible neighbors

1995/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Mikrobiologia

Although the mite that appears in the attached image has not been familiar to you, it is possible that in your own house there are eleven “neighbors” of this type. The mite that we have observed using the electronic microscope lives in the carpets and carpets of our house, since thick and robust fabrics are an excellent place to feed and reproduce. According to biologists, until the number of mites is not uncontrollable, these animals do not cause health problems.

Consumer associations, however, are not of the same opinion and have requested help for research. Various European Health Institutions have approved financial aid for the investigation of domestic parasites and research projects will be launched soon. The first part of the fight against mites will be suffered by producers. For example, they should avoid the use of hydrocarbons in the manufacture of carpets, materials that are especially appreciated by household mites. From the following year, carpet and carpet producers will have to obtain a “green label” of no mites in the fabric before their arrival to the market of some European countries.