Get To Know How Dust At Home Affects Our Health – Home dust is a part of our everyday life. It can be found in the ceilings, on the TV, in our clothes, and hair in most homes in Singapore. But is this something to be worried about? Can dust at home affect your health? How can I clean my home to reduce dust?
How dust at home affects our health?
1. Causes allergy
Dust which consists of skin scales, hair, fabric, and other wastes produced by living organisms, can trigger allergies. Mites that live on the dead human skin scales and touch dust can cause itchy skin. The dust mite is a common cause of house dust allergy. If dust mite’s excrement in the dust is inhaled by a person, the body will produce an antibody against the allergen causing allergic reactions.
2. Increase the risk of asthma
The dead skin scales, hair, fabric, and other wastes produced by living organisms are the main contributing factors to asthma. When these substances in dust become airborne or get into contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes, it can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks.
3. Affects respiratory system
Cilia of the lungs which helps remove foreign substances from the lungs have a high chance of being obstructed by dust. When there is an increase of foreign particles that get stuck on cilia, it can’t work as effectively to remove unwanted materials from the lung’s airway. Inhaling these materials can trigger coughing and further effects on the respiratory system.
4. Increases risk of cancer
A study on 39,000 women who used talc powder as part of their daily beauty routine has proved that talc powder causes cancer. Talc powder contained asbestos – a carcinogenic substance that causes tumors in the lungs and mesothelioma. In addition to this, breathing air containing asbestos triggers lung cancers.
5. Causes heart disease
Exposure to dust can be transferred from the mouth via food, from the skin via contact with others, and from nostrils via inhaling the airborne dust particles. Dust particles that are found in household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, electric fans, and other household equipment can be inhaled into our mouth or nose if proper protection is not worn during cleaning activities.
Dust which is transferred to our body can be absorbed into our bloodstream. These dust particles can travel throughout the body, attaching themselves to the surface of other organs. If there are foreign substances on the organs’ surface, our body’s attempt to clear these substances will result in a heart attack.
How to remove dust from your house
1. Remove all small objects
This includes both big and small objects such as coins and jewelry. Dust tends to accumulate on objects with a rough surface, so you can remove dust by wiping these surfaces with a clean cloth before cleaning.
2. Clean your house regularly
This includes vacuuming, dusting and when necessary, wet wiping your house’s surfaces. Vacuuming is an effective way to remove dust in your house as it can suck up large particles of dust found on the floor, furniture, and other areas in your house. To increase the effect of vacuuming, you can go for the vacuum cleaner with high suction power.
3. Install exhaust fans
This is used to circulate air in your house, and therefore reduce excessive dust accumulation. This is also useful for removing indoor allergens such as pet dander, pollen, and dust mites.
4. Use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner
This type of filter captures 99% of particles larger than 0.3 microns in diameter; these particles are capable of causing asthma attacks, nosebleeds, and even cancer.
5. Use anti-microbial cleaning solutions
These products kill dust mites and bacteria, therefore reducing dust allergy and bacteria growth in your house. Cleaning products with anti-microbial properties will also help in increasing the lifespan of your carpets, upholstery, and curtains.
Where does dust come from?
1. Dust particles in the air
This is the main source of dust particles in the air, as it is produced by tiny dust particles around us. It is a common saying that, “Dust always follows dandruff” which means that dandruff-causing bacteria, proteins, and proteins that cause allergy will also follow dust particles.
2. Settling on surfaces
Settling on surfaces such as floors, carpets, and furniture is another source of dust particles in the air. You can reduce the amount of dust settling on surfaces by cleaning often or using anti-microbial products to clean surfaces regularly.
3. Debris in your house
This is another source of dust particles in the air, especially if there is an accumulation of garbage and trash in your house that remains unattended for long period. It is tedious to clean objects’ surfaces to remove dust because it takes time and effort. When you can’t clean your house properly, these particles will stay on floors/carpets or furniture surfaces for a long period; when you inhale these particles, it triggers allergies.
4. Pets
Dogs and cats shed fur which contains skin scales and hair. This can be found on carpets, furniture, and other surfaces in our houses. This is a common cause of dust allergies. Pets can contribute up to 50% of household dust.
5. Using products: wood, plastic, and fabric
These products are made from crude oil which is not a natural substance – artificial substances found in these products (plastic, wood, and fabric) can accumulate dust particles in the air via friction.
6. Food we eat
It is common for airborne food particles to be attracted by surfaces such as tables, chairs, and other furniture. As time passes, food particles that are covered with dust will be transferred to our body along with the other food we consume; resulting in a health problem.
7. Using products: Cleaning and beauty
Products such as vacuum cleaners and makeup products contribute to generating dust particles in the air – even though you may be aware that these products can generate dust, these particles usually stay invisible without a microscope.
How Dust At Home Affects Our Health – Conclusion
The above are the 7 common sources of dust particles in the air – you should be observant and aware of these sources. Dust is not a disease, but it can trigger allergies which lead to asthma. Therefore, if you have dust allergies, please consult your doctor to find out whether this is a serious medical condition or not.
