Regardless of how much we clean on a regular basis, the presence of dust in the house is still one of the most stubborn scenarios. Dust can cause any environment to appear unkempt and it is quite embarrassing if we are planning on hosting guests.
While this airborne substance is indeed annoying, it is also important to recall that there are many dust health risks that should not be taken lightly. You might be surprised to learn that some of these could even cause you to gain weight! The purpose of this article is to address some relevant questions. What causes dust to accumulate? What are the possible dangers to your health? How can you reduce dust without hiring a professional cleaning service? Let’s begin without further delay.
What Causes Dust to Accumulate Within the Home?
There are several reasons why dust represents such a pest within both domestic and business environments. These are due to the fact that dust and particulate matter can be caused by numerous sources. Common objects that tend to collect dust include:
- Carpets.
- Window dressings.
- Bed sheets.
- Clothing.
However, this is really only the beginning.
Pets can contribute to the amount of dust within your house and believe it or not, up to 50 per cent of this material is made up of dead human skin cells! This is why tackling the source of the problem is the best strategy to employ.
Dust Effects on the Health of Residents
Dust in the air and on surfaces can have several negative effects upon your short- and long-term health. For example, those who suffer from allergies are more likely to experience exacerbated symptoms if a significant amount of dust is present. Dust can also carry germs, making it much easier to become ill. This is even more relevant during the colder months of the year when it is not possible for outdoor air to circulate. It should likewise be obvious that dust will directly affect the lungs and this brings us to the next main section.
Can Dust Affect Your Breathing?
Small particles of dust which enter into the lungs can block the alveoli (tiny sacs that allow your body to absorb oxygen). When inhaled in great quantities, you may even begin to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Dust is likewise an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat. This can once again impede your ability to breathe normally. Asthmatics and those who suffer from chronic respiratory conditions should therefore make it a point to regularly clean their homes. This will help to reduce ambient levels of airborne particulate matter.
The Relationship Between Dust and Weight Gain
Recent studies have also indicated that dust within the home may contribute to weight gain. It is thought that this is due to substances known to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals may impact the ways in which your body creates specific hormones. Furthermore, EDCs have been linked to a premature maturation of fat cells. This causes these fat cells to store more triglycerides. Over time, this can lead to pronounced weight gain.
A secondary effect that is just as important to mention involves how dust can deprive the body of oxygen (as mentioned earlier). Low levels of oxygen often lead to feelings of lethargy and malaise. So, it will become much more difficult to find the motivation to perform physical activities (such as heading off to the gym or going for an evening run).
How to Reduce Levels of Dust in the Home
Perhaps the most logical recommendation is to clean your home on a regular basis. Try to set up a weekly schedule and pay particular attention to areas that are prone to collect dust. If the weather permits, open up windows on opposite sides of your home. This will help to improve air circulation and to remove any ambient dust from the environment.
When vacuuming, always be sure to use a machine that is equipped with HEPA filters and change these filters on a regular basis. It may even be wise to invest in standalone filtration units that are specifically intended to remove dust from the air. These are commonly known as “dust collectors” and there are plenty of online brands to examine.
Not only can particles in the air detract from the beauty of your home, but they may lead to possibly serious health effects. Thankfully, all of the suggestions mentioned have been proven to reduce dust in the house.
If you are with your Spatz gastric balloon, we recommend living in a dust and dust mite free environment.
