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

June 09, 2016

Urban legend and several internet pages may inform you that dust is made up of human skin, but that is not completely accurate. Skin makes up a tiny percentage of dust, but it is actually 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 house originates from two places, outdoors or indoors. The dust from the outdoors is carried in by people. 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 almost two-thirds of the dust in our homes.

Dust originated indoors is made of several of different sources. A very tiny 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 swift search online will show you what they look like. If you’re not feeling so bold, picture a tiny arachnid that’s first source of food is dead human skin cells. Dust mites make up a large portion of dust and their droppings are the top cause of asthma and allergy flare-ups according to a study published by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. While they are feasting on dead skin cells they are thriving in humidity. Preserving the proper humidity of your home can minimize the affect of dust mites.

What are the solutions?

J & J Air Conditioning has several of indoor air quality solutions and the team at J & J Air Conditioning in Eastland 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 J & J Air Conditioning in Eastland 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 254-355-3833. We look forward to working with you.