What is Dust Made of and How Does It Affect Your Indoor Air Quality?

June 09, 2016

Urban legend and various internet pages may persuade you that dust is made up of human skin, but that is not completely accurate. Skin makes up a minuscule percentage of dust, but it is actually a variety of things. If it’s not skin, what is dust comprised of and how is dust affecting your home’s indoor air quality?

Sources

Dust in your house derives from two places, outdoors or indoors. The dust from the outdoors is transferred in by us. This dust consists of soil or pollen that is brought in on our clothing or through open windows. The dust brought in from the outside is about two-thirds of the dust in our homes.

Dust originated indoors is made of several of diverse culprits. A very tiny component 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 simple search online will show you what they look like. If you’re not feeling so curious, imagine a tiny arachnid that’s primary source of food is dead human skin cells. Dust mites make up a large portion of dust and their droppings are the number one cause of asthma and allergy flare-ups according to a study published by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. While they are dining on dead skin cells they are thriving in humidity. Managing the proper humidity of your home can minimize the influence of dust mites.

What are the solutions?

Integrity AC & Heating LLC has a variety of indoor air quality solutions and the experts at Integrity AC & Heating LLC in Phoenix 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 Integrity AC & Heating LLC in Phoenix 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 602-971-0567. We look forward to working with you.