Where Does Dust Come from?
A lot of it comes from people. Although we may not see it, our shoes bring in tiny dirt particles that become airborne as we travel from room to room. Our bodies also produce dust — almost a pound per person per year — in the form of dead skin cells we shed (which in turn support microscopic dust mites). And cigarette smoke and cooking odors are actually made up of tiny particles that eventually settle as dust. What’s a housekeeper to do? Focus your attention on places that distribute the most dust, such as radiators, heat registers, and wood-burning stoves, and vacuum them frequently. Set out a cocoa-fiber doormat to scrub dirt from the soles of shoes and boots. Take your shoes off at the door, and ask guests to do the same. Keep slippers for your family under a bench where all can sit to take off outdoor shoes. And if you’re in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, invest in one that comes with an air filter to trap dust particles, not just send them from room to room.
Where did all this dust come from? If you’re like most folks, you’ve probably had that thought at one time or another – maybe while cleaning or just before you start in! It seems amazing that so much dust can gather in so short a time inside a protected environment like a house or office, but once you understand how dust forms and where it comes from, it’s actually pretty amazing that we don’t have more dust. Outdoors, the atmosphere is filled with various kinds of dust, from windblown soil to pollutants. Ash from volcanoes, ocean salt, pollen and minute bits of decaying organic matter make up outdoor dust, which can circulate globally. The entire environment, from plants to animals, is constantly shedding dead cells. Industrial plants and vehicles add to particulate matter in the air, and seasonal fires add more ash. Though the air in our homes appears clear and clean, unless you are using an air purifier or some other means of filtration, the air coming in from outside brings in a tr
From a website: One of the frustrating things about house cleaning is that no matter how clean you try to keep things, household dust still accumulates. That grey dust, it turns out, is largely human skin. The tiny flakes of skin that we lose on a daily basis create over seventy percent of the dust in our home. Dry skin is a translucent grey colour. Of course humans come in different colours, but the pigments which colour our skin are found beneath the layer that we shed. Blood vessels, too, are much deeper down, and are not lost as skin sheds. Therefore, there is neither blood nor pigment to colour the grey skin dust. The epidermis, or outer layer of skin, sheds skin cells and replaces them with healthy new cells. The epidermis is completely replaced once a month. It’s estimated that everyone sheds about half a kilogram of skin a year, as our skin cells are continually replaced. Unfortunately, we don’t replace the lower layer of skin called the dermis where scars and stretch marks occ
Dust is fine particles and can come from a variety of sources: Dead skin cells Fabric fibers Pollen Mold Ash Dirt (sand, clay) The particles are so small that they can remain airborne for some time after being kicked up by movement or the wind before they settle down on a surface. have a look at this website… it gives things to do to help get rid of dust. http://www.allerpet.com/info/tips.
It comes from a variety of sources including plants, roads, wind, clothes dryers, electronics, attics, basements, air conditioning and heating ducts and vents, pets, pollen, insects, carpeting, knick knacks. If you live in the south, coastal states, desert, or Southwest, you have more than your fair share of dust due to excess pollen, windy, and dry conditions. But not matter where you live, dust will be a problem and it needs to be addressed. Dust collection areas As mentioned earlier, some places are dustier than others. When you are dusting make sure to concentrate on the following areas: Mini blinds. These attract and trap dust. Vacuum regularly or spray them in the shower with MiniMaids blind hangers. Electronics. Clean often and brush behind the TV with your vacuum brush attachment. Tops. This includes tops of doors, window trim, cabinets, refrigerator and furniture. Fixtures. Lighting and ceiling fans will attract dust, so clean them regularly. Upholstery. Dust mites love uphols
