Urban tales and several internet searches may tell you that dust is made up of human skin, but that is not completely true. Skin makes up a very small percentage of dust, but it is honestly a combination of things. If it’s not skin, what is dust made of and how is dust affecting your home’s indoor air quality?
Sources
Dust in your home originates from two places, outdoors or indoors. The dust from the outdoors is transferred in by people. This dust consists of soil or pollen that is attached on our clothing or through open windows. The dust brought in from the outside is almost two-thirds of the dust in our homes.
Dust created indoors is made of a number of different things. An extremely tiny portion 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 swift search online will show you what they look like. If you’re not feeling so brave, think about a tiny arachnid that’s main source of food is dead human skin cells. Dust mites make up a large 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 correct humidity of your home can decrease the affect of dust mites.
What are the solutions?
Lycoming Heating Company has several of indoor air quality solutions and the professionals at Lycoming Heating Company in Williamsport 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 Lycoming Heating Company in Williamsport 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 570-326-4450. We look forward to working with you.