Dust bunnies aren’t as cute as they sound. Especially, when you realize how harmful they can be. 

Though you are under the impression that dust is mostly just dead skin cells, very little of what makes up dust is actually human. So, what is dust made of?

Dust particles form from dirt, pet dander, fibers from furniture and fabrics, insects, and other naturally occurring particles.  

If you are someone who doesn’t dust often or thinks that a thin layer on your entertainment center and fans are no big deal– think again. 

What is Dust?

Dust is the accumulation of small, solid particles in a particular environment. Its contents will vary depending on where you live, your lifestyle, how often you clean, and how many people and pets are in your home. 

It is made up of so many different particles that the term ‘dust’ is used as a broad descriptor for thousands of tiny, microscopic things. 

While some of those particles are harmless, there are some that can impact your health and well-being. 

Breathing in Dust Particles  

When you vacuum, open your windows, turn on your ceiling fan, sweep your floors, you are kicking up dust particles into the air around you. 

Hidden in these particles– you may find asbestos from insulation in your attic, lead from the paint in your walls, viruses and bacteria, chemicals from the dirt brought in on your shoes. All these create a tough job for your lungs. 

Breathing in these chemicals is not only bad for your health but can lead to serious issues down the road. It can trigger asthma, inflame allergies, or make other pulmonary issues worse. 

Dust mites, that survive from the dust in your home are directly linked to asthma flare-ups. 

Particles Effect on Your Body

Dust mites in your bed and furniture are not the only things you should worry about when it comes to dust and its effects on your body. 

20 million Americans are allergic to or form allergies to dust. From watery eyes, breaking out in hives or rashes, difficulty breathing, to sneezing and congestion– dust will make you miserable. 

Exposure to household dust that can contain toxins from dirt– like pesticides or waste materials are also irritants to your skin. You may find yourself itchy more often or get migraines from absorbing those toxins into your body.  

These are some of the ways dust can impact your health and cause adverse reactions. 

Prevention through Cleaning 

Have you noticed any of these health issues? You may want to consider a plan to reduce the number of dust particles in your home. 

While dust isn’t something you can eliminate completely, there are ways to keep the number of harmful particles in your home down.

If you have severe allergies the best thing to do is take out any carpeting in your home. Wash your clothing and bedding often to reduce the amount of dead skin left behind. And be sure to clean as often as possible. 

Lemon Blossom Cleaning Services can help! There are plenty of services to chose from to fit your needs, so get a quote today!