What Is Dust and Where Does It Come From?
One might think that dust is dust, right? Well, not necessarily. A quick Internet search shows that there is road dust, atmospheric dust, cosmic dust and even space dust, a leading IPA brewed by Elysian. But the type of dust people are most familiar with is dust that is composed of fine particles of solid matter like blowing dirt, bacteria, chemicals, pollutants, mold, animal dander, hair, decomposing insects, fibers, lint, insulation, dust mites and flakes from human skin.
Dust is Everywhere.
At home, dust can be found practically everywhere but especially in mattresses and bedding, and, worst of all, upholstery. In office buildings and places of work dust also accumulates in carpets, upholstery, window treatments, furniture, ceiling fans and fixtures, computers and electronics that should be cleaned regularly. Dust can affect people’s health because it can be inhaled, cause people to sneeze, cough and can irritate the eyes and people with asthma.
Dust Mites.
What’s more is that dust can contain dust mites. Microscopic organisms known as arachnids, the primary food of dust mites is dead human skin cells. As a result, dust mites and their excrement are major contributors of dust. Because dust mites are a nesting species, they can be found in dark, warm, and humid climates. Dust mites flourish in everything from furniture to bedding, mattresses and carpet. The feces of dust mites include enzymes that are released upon contact with a moist surface. To help prevent people from inhaling dust and dirt, it is important to remove dust frequently.
Controlling Dust.
Controlling dust, however, seems to be a continuous process and never ending task. When “dusting” or wiping dust, it is important to use products that trap and remove it without causing particles to become airborne, especially when cleaning ceiling fans. Vacuum cleaners are obviously ideal for removing dust from carpet and air filters trap dust circulated by HVAC systems.
