01/08/2023
DUST!
We vacuum it, we wipe it, we sweep it, but do you know how dust actually affects your health?
If you’re clueless yet annoyed by dust, you are not alone. At the rate those pesky particles collect on your never-used side table and under your bed, it is worth understanding what dust is, how it forms, and how it affects your health.
What’s in Dusty Air?
Dust is a common air pollutant that reduces air quality. Dust from outdoor sources typically comes from soil in the air from dust storms, construction sites, unpaved roads, just to name a few.
However, about one-third of household dust is created inside your home. The components of indoor-generated dust are affected by the age and construction of your home, the climate you live in, and the cleanliness of the individuals that live there. In short, there is no standard formula for dust. Dust is commonly carried in from outside on your shoes or blown in from open doors and windows. There are countless sources of indoor dust, but predominantly dust mites are the culprit.
What Dust Does to Your Body
In many cases, breathing in a small amount of dust is not immediately detrimental to your health. However, the long-term effects and effects of a high dust concentration can be harmful. Individuals with existing health issues are at higher risk of breathing in airborne dust. This can include those with asthma, emphysema or bronchitis, people with heart disease, babies and young children, and older people.
Dust reactions for non-high-risk individuals can include eye irritation, sneezing, coughing, hay fever, and asthma attacks.
Individuals with adverse effects from dust may experience allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or severe breathing problems. Adverse long-term effects can result in heart or lung diseases.
What are the Dangers of Dust Buildup?
We know dust is not great for our health, and the long-term effects can be even worse. We also know that dust lives in almost all homes at different concentrations, despite our best efforts at cleanliness.
So, what happens when that pesky dust builds up in our homes?
There are two primary outcomes of dust buildup in the home. The first, as mentioned above, is the effects on the health of the homes occupants. On a most basic level, dust typically irritates the nose and causes respiratory discomfort causing symptoms such as cough, congestion or irritated eyes. However, mismanaged dust buildup can eventually lead to allergic reactions from dust allergens, including pet dander, mold spores, pollen and dust mites.
Can Dust Make You Sick?
If you are an individual without high risk factors such as asthma, copd or heart disease, you may wonder, can dust make me sick? Are irritated eyes the worst symptom I'll experience?
Research on the composition of dust particles found within our homes supports that even low risk individuals can get sick from the dust in their homes. Dust can include components of matter that contain harmful chemicals, phthalates and flame retardants. Exposure to these substances has been linked to asthma, cancer and reproductive problems.
Dust and Pets
Yes! Our pets can impair our air quality but, they can also be the victim of poor indoor air quality, just like is humans. Per dander causes allergic reactions, adds to the accumulation of household dust and reduces the air quality in your home. It's important to consider how the air quality in your home is negatively impacting your pet. While your four legged friend bypasses the adverse effects of their dander, pets are equally affected by toxins in the air the same way humans are.
Want to keep your loved ones, both human and four legged, free from the adverse effects of dust buildup in your home?
Has it been a while since you opened the cover of your air conditioner or had it serviced by a professional?
I highly recommend getting on top of these things, or better yet enlist the help of some professionals if you are time poor.
