Dust
Dust in homes contains numerous biological contaminants, such as mold spores, pollen and pet dander. Furthermore, it can contain droppings and body parts from microbes such as dust mites and cockroaches that feed off moisture to proliferate further fungi and bacteria growth that can exacerbate allergy reactions. Since Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors it’s essential that exposure to airborne pollutants which may trigger asthma symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing is reduced significantly.
Common belief holds that dust consists entirely of dead skin cells; however, this is simply not true. While human skin flakes do make up part of house dust, they account for only about five percent of its total makeup; instead it includes dust mite feces and body parts shed by microscopic arachnids known as dust mites which live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, blankets, stuffed toys and other fabric-covered objects.
These pests not only trigger allergies but also contribute to poor indoor air quality, which in turn impacts respiratory and cardiovascular health. Dust particle sizes determine their impact; larger ones can cling to your nose and throat or lungs while fine particulate matter can penetrate deeper into your lungs, potentially leading to chronic lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Even nonallergic individuals are exposed to toxic dusts like lead and arsenic due to construction materials used as sources.
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