How Does Dust Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Dust! It might seem like it’s everywhere, especially during the dry season here in the normally-humid Coastal Bend. But dust isn’t something you should ignore – it can become a serious problem.

Dust is simply a mass of various fine particles. It includes things like human skin and hair, plant pollen, fibers from textiles and paper, and minerals that originated in the soil outside your home.

In short, you can’t escape dust here in our area. And even if you’re very careful to keep your home clean, some of it will always be there. But it’s important to be aware of how it can affect your health.

Indoor Air Can Be Even More Polluted Than Outdoor – and Dust is the Culprit

According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This is especially the case in older buildings and those with poor ventilation or narrow air ducts.

When dust buildup becomes serious throughout the home, it can contribute to health problems:

• “Mysterious” persistent cough, often accompanied by headache and sinus issues
• Greater likelihood of respiratory infection, which may recur repeatedly over time
• The potential for chronic breathing problems to develop (for example, asthma)

Children, elders, and adults with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk. However, any adult can experience health complaints related to polluted indoor air when dust is involved.

Your HVAC System is Your Greatest Ally in Protecting Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC system can be your greatest ally in maintaining healthy indoor quality across your home. A modern HVAC has a number of features that will make things easier:

• Advanced filters that capture more dust, even when the particles are very small
• Wider, more efficient ducts that allow air to travel easily throughout the home
• In some cases, ultraviolet lights that destroy some bacteria and other pathogens

To learn more about maximizing indoor air quality in your home, contact us at Mathews CCAC today.