DER
The villain of the air: the protein that lives inside dust mite droppings. When breathed in by sensitive people, it can cause sneezing, a runny nose and an itchy nose.
Think you can beat me? Ask me anything about dirty air.
DER is a blue, very small and floating character. She lives suspended in the air, has a smug expression and loves to tease anyone nearby. She is the villain of the air – the representation of the protein found inside dust mite droppings which, when breathed in, can trigger allergies.
If a sensitive person breathes in DER, she can cause sneezing, a runny nose, an itchy nose, congestion and respiratory irritation.
Video Gallery
Acarão e a DER
Acarão shows where dust mites live (rugs, mattresses, cushions) and the clumsy DER explains why their residues trigger allergies — and how cleaning reduces exposure.
📚 Teaching notes — themes, curriculum and activities
IAQ theme: Dust mites and allergenic residues (DER); preventing respiratory conditions through environmental control.
Curriculum connections: Biology (microorganisms), Chemistry (proteins) and Math (scale).
Learning goals: Understand the "invisible"; identify dust-mite hotspots; learn deep-hygiene preventive measures.
Suggested activities: Watching particles in sunlight; collective list of dust build-up spots at school.
Characters: Acarão, DER, Arley and Zuppy
Meet more of the crew
Stinky Stella
Smug and smelly, she embodies the lack of cleaning and ventilation. She cannot stand an op…
Learn how to beat it
Every air villain has a weakness: open windows, cleaning and good habits. Videos, stories and activities show the way.