What Dust Is Made of and How it Affects Your Health
by Guest Post on May 14, 2012
If you could see what you are breathing in your air, you would probably not want to take another breath......without a respirator. The average person breathes 55 Billion particles of dust per hour when inside their home! The Environmental Protection Agency states that indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air.
What Is Dust Made Of?
Rather than being a single substance, house dust is a mixture of many materials and products of life. It also contains bacteria and perhaps the worst of all, dust mites.
The main elements of dust are:
- Dead skin cells and Hair
- Fabrics
- Tiny cotton fibers & linters, feathers and other stuffing material.
- Pet Dander
- Dust mites and their feces
- Pollen and allergens
- Byproducts like smoke
- Bits of plants and Insects
As for newer homes, you can also add in:
- drywall dust
- cement dust
- new paint fumes
- chemicals from the appliances and flooring
Dust Mites
The Dust Mite is a microscopic crab/spider critter about 0.4 millimeters in length, that feast on flakes of human skin. Approximately 42,000 live in an ounce of dust and two million in an average household bed, Their feces contains a very potent allergen called DerP1. People with allergies to dust mites may have chronic sinus problems, asthma-like symptoms or eczema.
Health Concerns?
Many of these particles are carried in the air we breathe. The larger particles settle out on walls and furniture in our living environment. The nose and mouth remove some large particles but the smaller particles are breathed deep into the lungs. These smaller particles can be dangerous to your health. People with allergies or asthma can be especially sensitive to these pollutants.
Over 50 million people suffer from allergy or respiratory problems. And, it's a proven fact that indoor air can be far more polluted than outdoor air, and most of us tend to spend over 90% of our time indoors. This can be a real problem for the folks who have allergies or asthma, and for the millions of others that don't realize they have a problem.
Solution: Electrostatic Air Filter?
Installing an electrostatic air filter in your heating and air conditioning system is a cost-effective strategy that will help alleviate this problem. Electrostatic air filters use the natural phenomena of static electricity to trap and remove airborne particles in the airstreams. As air flows through the layers of static prone polypropylene grids, a harm-less static charge attracts and holds airborne allergenic house dust.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
92116 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
73034 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71206 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51601 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30122 Views
Latest Articles
5 Reasons to Use Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutters protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, they often required regular...
on Nov 14, 2024
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Common Mistakes You Need to Avoid While Decorating Your Home
With a few basic rules, you can easily create an amazing space. There are certain mistakes most people commit when decorating which must be avoided...
Tired of Your Old Office? Revive it with New Furniture!
If you work at home, then you may not have invested in your office furniture and surroundings for some time. This can have a demotivating effect on...
Cooking with Your Slow Cooker
Is your life hectic and dinner time is just a mad rush to feed everyone? If this is the case for you, a slow cooker could be the answer that you...
Why Tourist Destinations Real Estate is Popular with Investors
A lot more people seem to be heading to tourist destinations these days and it is not always just to visit the famous tourist destinations, they...
Top 6 Differences Between Residential and Office HVAC Systems
Top 6 Differences Between Residential and Office HVAC Systems Top 6 Differences Between Residential and Office HVAC Systems Top 6 Differences...