Urban tales and various internet pages might tell you that dust is made up of human skin, but that is not entirely true. Skin makes up a very small percentage of dust, but it is actually a plethora 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 living space comes from two places, outdoors or indoors. The dust from the outdoors is carried in by humans. 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 created indoors is made of several of diverse things. A very minimal part is really 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 courageous, a quick search online will show you what they look like. If you’re not feeling so curious, picture a tiny arachnid that’s primary source of food is dead human skin cells. Dust mites make up a huge portion of dust and their droppings are the leading cause of asthma and allergy flare-ups according to a study done by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. While they are dining on dead skin cells they are thriving in humidity. Preserving the ideal humidity of your home can decrease the affect of dust mites.
What are the solutions?
GV Heating & Air has several of indoor air quality solutions and the experts at GV Heating & Air in Crystal and Twin Cities 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 GV Heating & Air in Crystal and Twin Cities 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 763-535-2000. We look forward to working with you.