According to HealthyWA:
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Dust is a common air pollutant that reduces air quality.
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The natural erosion of soil, sand and rock is the most common source of dust.
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Pollen, microscopic organisms, plant material and dander are also part of the dust in the environment.
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Dust emission is common in urban areas from a range of activities from gardening to large scale industrial operations.
Dust might seem like a harmless annoyance, but it can be pretty gross! Some of it comes from pet dander (dead skin cells shed by animals) and our own bodies, like hair and skin cells. The rest is a mix of microscopic airborne compounds, outside debris we track in on our shoes, and even animal faeces! In fact, 96% of shoes that walk through a house contain faeces, mostly from dogs. Once inside, this organic matter breaks down and becomes dust.
Is dust harmful?
Dust particles vary in size and can cause a range of health issues, especially for people with respiratory conditions. Smaller particles stay in the air longer and can travel further, potentially penetrating deep into the lungs or even entering the bloodstream. Exposure to high levels of dust can lead to:
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Irritation of the eyes
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Coughing and sneezing
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Hay fever and asthma attacks
Tips to reduce dust in your home
Dust might be inevitable, but you can take steps to minimise it. Here are some tips to help you keep your home dust-free:
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Adopt a no-shoes policy to prevent tracking in dirt and faeces.
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Choose hard floors over carpets, which trap dust and are harder to clean.
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Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove at least 99.9% of airborne particles.
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Dust from the top of surfaces to the bottom, finishing with vacuuming or mopping the floors.
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Forget dry dusting – use a damp cloth to capture dust effectively.
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Your bed is a major dust source due to dead skin cells. Wash your bedding weekly and consider allergen-proof bedding.
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Regularly clean the filter in your air conditioning unit to trap particles from outside. If the air filter is clogged, those particles will end up inside.
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Keep floors clutter-free to avoid dust accumulation. Piles of clothes or magazines can be party central for dust mites.
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Carpets are dust magnets and should be cleaned on a regular basis.
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Place washable mats inside and outside entrance doors to trap dirt.
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Regularly groom any dogs and cats to reduce fur and dander.
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Install an air purifier to reduce dust levels and improve air quality.
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Regularly wash these to reduce dust build-up.
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Blinds are easier to clean and less likely to trap dust.
