What Are the Dangers of Dust Buildup in the Home?

All homes contain dust buildup comprised of tiny particles of skin flakes and other natural debris in the air. However, keeping dust levels down is very important for several reasons. Here are just some dangers of dust buildup you should be aware of:

Health Problems

Most people have some sensitivity to dust because it irritates respiratory passages. This causes sneezing and general respiratory discomfort. Many people also develop allergic reactions to dust allergens, which include pollen, dander, mold spores and dust mite waste products. These allergens cause a histamine response, which can range from moderate to severe.

Dust allergies can cause wheezing, asthma attacks, bronchial infections, dermatitis and other allergy-related problems. Dust also contains chemical particles, including pesticides and other dangerous substances found in and around your home. Exposure to these may cause long-term health problems.

Dirty Ductwork

Dust in the air will eventually collect in your home’s ductwork. There, it may attract mold growth and contribute to poor indoor air quality. HVAC Problems Even if your HVAC system has a filter, dust can enter your system, usually through the ductwork. Dust buildup in HVAC components can result in maintenance issues and may shorten the lifespan of your unit.

Dust Solutions

• Remove carpeting. It’s difficult to keep your carpets totally free of dust. Switch to tile, laminate or wood, which are easier surfaces to keep clean.
• Buy microfiber dusting cloths or dampen your regular cloths before dusting. This way these cloths collect dust instead of moving it around.
• Use good air filters for your HVAC system and change them regularly. Good quality air filters collect and hold more dust particles than cheap ones.
• Reduce home humidity. This may seem counterintuitive, as dust is often associated with dry air. However, dust mites, which are a significant allergen, thrive in high humidity.
• Aim to keep your indoor humidity below 50 percent by using exhaust fans in bathrooms, maintaining adequate ventilation throughout your home and using dehumidifiers when necessary.

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

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