Dust is more than just that stuff you wipe off your bookshelves once in a while. It is actually something that can make you sick. Dust is a mix of particles, including paper fibers, skin cells, animal and human hairs, pollen, textiles and other substances.
At its best, dust is unattractive and an annoyance. It can, however, be a health hazard if it contains particles of mold, pollen, fiberglass, insects and other common irritants. For those who have an allergy or a sensitivity, these particles can cause unpleasant reactions and can affect overall health. Worse, dust can negatively impact air quality, which can lead to heart and lung disease. In cities such as Los Angeles, dust can include toxins such as pesticides as well.
Even worse, modern homes are well-insulated and much more air-tight than homes a few decades ago. This can mean that irritants and pollutants can become trapped inside and can be distributed over the home through forced air heating systems and fans. If you are worried about air quality in your home, there are several things you can do:
- Clean your home regularly to remove pollutants.
- Ventilate your home by periodically opening the windows.
- Stay aware of moisture levels in your home and use a dehumidifier if you have to reduce moisture. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth.
- If you have respiratory problems, allergies, irritated eyes, headaches and other unexplained symptoms, consider visiting your doctor for an allergy test and medical advice.
- Invest in a high quality air purifier or air cleaner to remove pollutants and allergens from your home.
- Replace filters on your HVAC systems regularly to prevent pollutants from being distributed all over your home. If you have a forced-air system, have your ducts cleaned regularly as well to prevent mold and mildew from building up.
- Avoid bringing pollutants into the home. Use natural cleaners and avoid synthetic fibers in your home. Opt for hard surface floors over carpeting, which can trap pollutants.
If you need help finding HVAC systems that keep air quality high, contact Around The Clock Heating & Air Conditioning, a Los Angeles HVAC specialist since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about improving air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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