What's in Your DUST?

Research conducted at the University of Arizona Tucson resulted in a method of modeling and quantifying household dust.  Their study suggests that 60% of dust inside a house actually comes from outside the home.  As a result of a homes negative pressure (10% by design) it is sucked into the home through doors, windows, fixtures, outlets and it is also tracked into the home by humans and pets and large quantities. To the human eye the air appears clear - it is not.  Microscopically, the dust particulate are a growing concern.

Many people believe the primary source of indoor dust is dead human skin cells.  This is only fractionally true. The particulate include small clusters of dust that form under furniture and in corners, hard to reach countertops, shelving and the HVAC ductwork that are not cleaned regularly. The dust clusters are made of hair, lint, dead skin cells, mold spores, spider webs, insect parts (biodetritus), dust, house dust mites and their fecal matter, or other parasites, black particulate deposition, cockroach feces, pollen grains, carbon particles, pesticides, chemicals, dog and cat dander, building materials, carpet fibers, fiberglass fibers. fibers from clothing, drapes and furniture, lead and arsenic and are held together by static electricity.

They can and can lower the efficiency of dust filters by clogging them.  The movement of a single large particle can start the formation of a dust bunny.  Additionally, dust particles are harmful to electronics, as they can obstruct air flow through heat sinks, severely raising temperatures and shortening the life of electronic components.

Can DUST make me Sick?

Unfortunately, household dust poses a very real and serious health risk.  The complete make up of most of the dust are millions of allergens that can trigger allergic reactions on the spot.  They are hazardous to our health and are the cause of respiratory irritation, emphazema, chronic sinusitis, contact dermatitis, asthma and other ailments.  Residential dust is associated with exacerbating respiratory and dermatological conditions and as a risk factor for serious diseases including cancer.  Becoming aware of the sources of household or commercial dust is an important first step to prevention. 

"Indoor dust can be swallowed or inhaled by young children and adults through normal hand-to-mouth activities and house cleaning, exposing them to unwanted allergens and/or chemical which are in the dust," stated Dr. Rajiv Sahay world renowned environmental microbiologist and laboratory director at Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) an AIHA accredited laboratory.

What can I do to safeguard against Dust?

Identification of the unwanted dust can be performed by the do-it-yourself (DIY) IAQ test kits available at INDOORAIRTEST, SEARS, Grainger, Hunter Fan or other distributors.  Prevention can be addressed in many ways including the use high MERV air filtering systems, changing filters often, controlling pests, removing shoes before entering the home, cleaning evaporator coils and duct work properly and good house cleaning procedures utilizing HEPA fitted vacuum cleaners.

For more information on the identification and/or remediation of the unwanted dust call the Building Remediation Scientists at Pure Air Control Services toll free at 1-800-422-7873.

About Pure Air Control Services, Inc.:

Alan Wozniak founded Pure Air Control Services, Inc. in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm. Today, the firm sets the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis and remediation.

Pure Air’s nationally performed services include: Building Sciences Evaluation; Building Health Check; an AIHA accredited Environmental Microbiology Laboratory; Environmental Project Management; and Mold Remediation Services, among other indoor environmental services.

The company’s expanding client roster includes the FAA, Walt Disney World, General Services Administration (GSA); Allstate Insurance; CBRE, Carrier Air Conditioning; NAVFAC, DOT, USACE, US Army, and many other Fortune 500 companies, school boards, and city, state, and county governments, making Pure Air Control Services the reliable industry leader.

For more information on Pure Air Control Services, Inc. please contact Cy Garner at (800) 422-7873  ext 804, or visit www.pureaircontrols.com.