According to folklore, dust is made up of human skin. Of course in reality, it’s not correct. Although human skin does make up some of what is dust, dust is actually a variety of things. So what exactly is dust made of and how is it changing your indoor air quality?
The Source
There are only two areas that dust can stem from, indoors and outdoors, and we are the culprits that are tracking dust inside from the outdoors. The outdoor part of dust forms from soil particles and pollen tracked in on our shoes or through open doors and windows. This contributes to about two-thirds of the dust in your interior.
The indoor source of your dust is a number of various things. A small part of which is, in fact, human skin. A large amount of it is fibers from your carpet, furniture or bedding, and if you include a pet, there is also some pet dander and fur also.
Dust Mites
Whenever we speak of dust, we must also talk about dust mites. Dust mites are miniscule arachnids and their top food source is dead human skin cells and they make up a huge percentage of dust. Dust mite droppings are the top cause of allergy and asthma symptoms according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Dust mites also prosper in humidity, so by managing a properly humidified home, you’re able to cushion their impact.
What Can You Do?
Lennox provides a number of products that advance your indoor air quality. We carry a PureAirTM air purification system which is the only single indoor air quality system that fights all three classes of contaminants. We also have whole-home ventilation systems which brings fresh air into today’s tightly sealed homes. And, of course, we have many whole-home humidity control options.
Your indoor air quality is crucial to us. We will work with you to keep your home environment as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions about your air quality or anything related to the comfort of your home, our experts are just a phone call away. We make it effortless to schedule an appointment with us by giving us a call at 805-242-9638.