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Sunday, October 16, 2005A University of Manchester team found up to 16 types of fungi in pillows they analysed, the Allergy journal reported. Researchers said feather pillows had fewer species than synthetic versions, particularly in the case of a fungus which exacerbates asthma. Experts advise disinfecting pillows but say fungi occur in most environments. The researchers took samples from 10 pillows - five feather and five synthetic - which had been used for between 18 months and 20 years. The fungal spores found in the pillows fed off human skins scales and dust mite faeces. Researchers found that all 10 pillows had a "substantial fungal load" with between four to 16 different species being identified on each, Allergy reported on its website. The microscopic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus was particularly evident in synthetic pillows. This fungus commonly invades the lungs and sinuses and can worsen asthma. It is also known to cause infection in leukaemia and bone marrow transplant patients. Other studies suggest that synthetic pillows also have more dust mites in them. posted by Sydney on 10/16/2005 08:48:00 AM 0 comments 0 Comments: |
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