Roaches Source of Escalating Childhood Asthma
The incidence of childhood asthma has been increasing steadily for decades, perplexing scientists who have postulated causes including city pollution to second-hand smoke. As it turns out, the primary culprit is the common household cockroach, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Cockroach saliva, feces and dust from decomposing cockroach carcasses generate hyper-sensitive immune system responses known as allergies and comprise today’s biggest asthma trigger in young children.
Studies have shown that cockroaches are present in 78% to 98% of urban homes and nearly 100% of multi-family apartment buildings and condominiums. An individual home may harbor from 900 to more than 300,000 of these prolific insects. Attracted by food, filth, decay and moisture, the sighting of a single roach is an indication of hundreds of thousands of its brethren hiding in dark crevices and crannies under sinks, behind dryers and in closets. Once a roaches enter your home they are extremely difficult to eradicate.
Roach allergens in house dust or air can be measured. Many experienced pest control experts say they can smell heavy roach infestations. Allergen particles settle on furniture and toy surfaces. These particles are stirred into the air by forced air heat and normal human activities. When breathed in allergens set off allergic reactions that inflame the bronchial passages causing dangerous asthma attacks.
Regular pest control inspections and proactive treatments as part of a Home Protection Plan are the best way to eliminate cockroaches from your home and protect your children from roach-caused asthma.