Urban legend and various internet pages could tell you that dust is made up of human skin, but that is not completely true. Skin makes up a very small percentage of dust, but it is honestly a combination of things. If it’s not skin, what is dust made of and how is dust affecting your home’s indoor air quality?
Sources
Dust in your home comes from two places, outdoors or indoors. The dust from the outdoors is carried in by people. This dust consists of soil or pollen that is clinging on our clothing or through open windows. The dust brought in from the outside is approximately two-thirds of the dust in our homes.
Dust formed indoors is made of a variety of diverse culprits. A tremendously minimal portion is indeed human skin. The majority of indoor dust is made up of furniture and carpet fibers and, if you have a pet, pet dander and fur.
Dust Mites
Where there is dust there is also dust mites. If you’re feeling brave, a quick search online will show you what they look like. If you’re not feeling so brave, imagine a tiny arachnid that’s main source of food is dead human skin cells. Dust mites make up a huge portion of dust and their droppings are the number one cause of asthma and allergy symptoms according to a study completed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. While they are feasting on dead skin cells they are thriving in humidity. Managing the proper humidity of your home can reduce the impact of dust mites.
What are the solutions?
B & G HVAC has several of indoor air quality solutions and the team at B & G HVAC in Marshalltown can help you find the best choice for your home’s needs. We carry the a PureAirTM air purification system which fights off all three classes of contaminants and is the only single indoor air quality system to do so. We offer a wide-range of whole-home humidity control options to keep those dust mites at bay. We also offer whole-home ventilation systems which are helpful in bringing fresh air into today’s tightly sealed homes.
Our team at B & G HVAC in Marshalltown will work with you to keep you healthy and comfortable in your home. If you have any questions about improving your indoor air quality or anything home comfort related give us a call at 641-316-3360. We look forward to working with you.