The purpose of this study is to find novel correlations between the airborne dust, mite allergens and airborne bacteria that sleepers are exposed to. In order to identify any correlations, we first performed a quantitative analysis of the mite allergens (Der I, Der II), fungus and bacteria in the dust that is suspected to disseminate from the bedclothes. Based on the results of the analysis, we then performed an experiment to generate bedclothes dust. We measured the quantity of mite allergen contained in the dust that had been accumulated in a filter of the air sampler. The dust was spread for one minute per 1, 000 liters of air. In the same manner, airborne bacteria were sampled, counted and identified after incubation. The results of the experiments indicate that the generation of the dust from the bedclothes while one is sleeping was recorded the highest at bedding time. At that time the highest value was recorded for all grain sizes. The value then decreased gradually. From the results, it can be concluded that there existed a correlation between the weight concentration of the airborne dust (0.3-1.0μm) and the quantity of bacteria due to the correlation coefficient (0.77). Furthermore, there was no correlation between the weight concentration of the airborne dust (2.0-4.0, μm) and fungus (Penicillium) due to the correlation coefficient (0.11). There was also a very high correlation between the weight concentration of the airborne dust (5.0-7.0, μm) and the fungus (Cladosporium) due to the correlation coefficient (0.99). The mite allergen in the airborne dust disseminated from the bedclothes was minimum, and it was approximately 0.1369, μg in the actual environment according to the calculated result.
