The Dangers Of Household Dust

For many people a little dust isn’t an issue, cleaning the house once a week is often enough to keep dust at bay. However for others dust can be very problematic, and more meticulous cleaning practices are required in order to prevent health issues such as respiratory illnesses and skin problems.

This article identifies some of the ways that dust can cause health problems, as well as some tips to lower your indoor exposure to dust if this is an issue for your family.

The Dangers Of Household Dust

Allergies affect 30-40% of the population in New Zealand, and a vast majority of them can be attributed to pollen and the tiny mites that live in dust particles. These critters irritate nasal passages and respiratory tracts, and they can be a big issue for people who have asthma. However, allergies are just the tip of the iceberg. What other health issues can exposure to dust cause, and how can you ensure your indoor space is dust-free?

 Dust and Lead Poisoning

If you work in a job in which lead exposure is a possibility, it is important to lower your chances of exposure by eliminating dust from your surroundings. Lead fumes and dust are odourless, so you may not know you are being exposed to them. Lead dust can make its way to clothing, food, and water, and if you have lunch or smoke in an area containing lead, you could ingest it. Failing to wash your hands before eating can also increase your likelihood of exposure.

Rhinitis: When Dust Settles in the Nose

Rhinitis is an uncomfortable inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose. It can be triggered by irritant dust that makes its way into the nose through the nostrils. If the particles attack larger air passages, inflammation can also occur in the bronchi and the trachea. As such, exposure can trigger problems like bronchitis. Rhinitis symptoms include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, itching in the eyes, ears, and throat, nosebleeds, frequent ear infections, snoring, mouth breathing, and fatigue. Although various treatments exist for rhinitis, symptoms can persist and the best way to avoid symptoms is to avoid what you are allergic to.

 Reducing Dust Exposure 

In order to keep dust outside your home, stop it from coming in. Use a doormat to stop occupants from bringing dust in with their shoes. If possible, leave your shoes in a storage compartment in your entrance hall and use slippers indoors (or go barefoot). Vacuum your home frequently, investing in a machine with a HEPA filter. Make sure your HVAC system is free of dust, since air ducts can quickly fill up with dust, mould, and other allergens. When this occurs, polluted air continuously re-circulates around your home, leaving you with air that is dirtier inside than it is outside.

 Considering Changes in Your Home

 If dust is a serious problem at home, then a little renovation or replacement of specific items may be helpful. For instance, replacing a carpet with hardwood, bamboo, or tiled flooring can make it far easier to keep your floor dust-free. Instead of curtains, consider electric blinds or other hard surfaces that can be easy to wipe clean. Consider using a dust-proof cover for your sofa. This can easily be removed and machine-washed regularly.

Dust in the home is usually discussed in the context of asthma. However, it can wreak havoc in many other ways, causing poisoning and rhinitis, as well as frequent infections such as bronchitis and ear infections. Take steps to lower your indoor exposure to dust by cleaning your home regularly and replacing dust-loving fabrics and materials with those that are easier to clean.