Dust is everywhere! On your table, cabinet, floor spaces and even right on your skin and in the air you breathe! The universal truth about dust is that it comes from a number of sources including dead skin cells, pieces of food, pollen and even space rock particles. The location of the dust often determines its composition. So your dust in-house will typically comprise dead skin cells, while your dust-covered vehicle will feature predominantly road debris.
Whatever the source and composition, dust usually creates problems to individuals exposed to it. This reaction to the effects of dust is termed Dust Allergies. If you have sore eyes, a runny nose, sore throat among other signs, it means you have a Dust Allergy. This is because dust comes along with undesirable constituents like dirt, pollen grains,molds, funguses, dead skin cells, feces, and parasites. For the last on the list, think of dust mite. These are microscopic creatures whose body parts and waste products are allergens individuals react to.
Symptoms of Dust Allergy
The tell-tale signs that you could be reacting to the presence of duct in the home, office or any other area include:
- Sneezing: This constitutes your body’s response to dirt and particles that get into your airway
- Stuffy/Runny Nose: Another natural defense mechanism that involves the inflammation of nasal canal
- Other notable signs are nasal congestion, sinus pain, itchy/red/watery eyes, itchy nose/roof of the mouth, sore throat, post nasal drip and bouts of cough among others
Toxic means that the mold can cause damage to your health when you inhale a large number of spores.
Some toxic mold species from the above categories can cause allergic reactions while others can lead to death. All the above mold types can potentially live in your home.
If you think you have a mold allergy, then check out our guide to find out
Remedies for Mitigating Dust Allergies?
While it is true that dust will always be around and upon us, we can still put in place measures to reduce our susceptibility to the effects of dust. These tips will require determination and consistency in order to live, as much as possible, a dust-allergy free life. The tips are as follows:
Replace Furnace Filters
Furnace filters are prime places that accumulate allergens like dust and pet dander in the air ducts. You should go for a high-efficiency furnace filter to reduce the amount of harmful indoor allergens that circulate through your home. Cultivate the habit of cleaning/changing the filters on a regular basis.
Change Your Bedding and other sleeping materials
Dust mites are found in copious numbers in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. Put all your mattresses, bedspreads as well as pillows in allergen-proof covers. Washing your sheets and pillowcases in hot water at least once a week can also hinder the activities of these harmful creatures.
Clean Your House Regularly
Cleanliness is always the first line of defense against allergies and asthma. Ensure that living spaces and quarters are thoroughly washed. Where possible avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in bedrooms. Go for hardwood floors because they are easier to clean.
Keep Pets under control
Observe the highest standards of hygiene with your pets. Ensure that they receive thorough washing of their fur on a regular basis. Schedule regular visits to the Vet Clinic. It is also important you wash your hands after touching or playing with your pet.
Get an Air purifier
When looking for an air purifier specifically designed to target dust problems – Go for purifiers that come with special HEPA filters. These purifiers ensure that the air you breath go through a multiple stage filtration process. This process ensures that dust, dirt, pollen, mites and other contaminants are extracted, leaving you with clean and fresh air.
This article was written by Fin Tatello – check out his author bio here