What is The Harm of Inhaling Dust Particles?

Dust often exists at home. A quick walk through your house can show you the obvious places that dust tends to gather, from windowsills to book shelves. In fact, most surfaces collect a thin layer of dust. You may not find it easily, but you know it's there. Fortunately, common dust may not be a big problem, as it may clear these areas regularly.

As dust attracts more dust, it is also important to place the less obvious dust:

1. Blinds.

The slats on your blinds are a prime gathering spot for dust, so make sure to wipe in between each slat.

2. Electronics.

Dust is bad news for your electronics and can collect on and behind computers, televisions, and video game consoles. Anything that operates electrically should be dusted regularly.

3. Ceiling fans and lighting fixtures.

As dust and all of the things it’s made up of float in the air, they begin to settle on any available surfaces. This means your ceiling fans and light fixtures are first to get covered.

4. Tops of doors, windows, and cabinets.

Again, these higher surfaces may be out of sight, out of mind but the amount of dust they gather can be alarming.

5. Upholstery.

Dust mites, pet dander, and dead skin can get into your upholstered furniture, curtains, and bedding.

6. Baseboards and carpeting.

Dirt, pollen, and other outdoor contaminants are tracked in and distributed onto the floors in your home.

Dust is a common pollutant and it is harmful, dust not only makes your home look dirty, but also affects your health. Generally, the type and size of a dust particle determine how toxic it is and which part of your respiratory tract it irritates.

Dust particles can be divided into larger dust particles and finer dust particles, the larger dust particles are usually trapped in your nose and mouth and are easily breathed out. Finer dust particles pose more risk, they are able to penetrate your lungs and, if ultrafine, can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream.

Other factors that can impact your health are the amount of dust in the air and how long you’re exposed to it. Even small amounts of dust can trigger allergic reactions in those with dust allergies. It is important to understand that even if you don't have a so-called dust allergy, you may be allergic to any particles contained in it-from pet dander to cockroaches to pollen. Even for people without specific allergies, inhaling a lot of dust can be harmful to your health.

Symptoms of allergies to dust include:

1. Watery eyes

2. Itchy throat

3. Runny nose

4. Nasal congestion

5. Sneezing

6. Cough

If you have asthma that is triggered by a dust allergy, you may experience more severe symptoms like trouble breathing, chest tightness, and wheezing. Regardless of whether you have an allergy, it’s important to minimize the amount of dust you’re exposed to.

If you want to know more about How To Get Rid of Dust In Your Home, you can read our another article.