Dust is always around us, so it is always difficult to contain and limit it. But dust is not just annoying and dirty; it can contain dangerous particles that can cause serious health problems. A new study from Consumer Reports reveals the unhealthy substances found in dust. “On the surface, dust looks like skin, hair, and dander, but look closer and you’ll find unhealthy substances like heavy metal debris like lead paint, fungi, mold, dust mites, microplastics, and permanent chemicals (PFAS),” says Kevin Loria of Consumer Reports. Because dust surrounds us, we inhale it, and in the short term, it irritates our lungs and causes allergies and asthma. In the long term, the chemicals found in dust have been linked to diabetes, cancer, reproductive disorders, and other serious health problems. Fighting dust is certainly difficult, but not impossible. There are preventative health measures you can take to limit your exposure to dust. “A good air purifier that uses a HEPA filter is designed to capture at least 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 micrometers in diameter, the same size as many dust particles,” says Loria. Consumer Reports recommends the GermGuardian for small rooms and the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max for larger rooms. A vacuum cleaner with a tight seal and good filters can also help prevent the debris you vacuum from floating up into the air. In Customer Reports’ rigorous testing, the Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly Upright was the best option. Dehumidifiers are great for lowering humidity throughout your home and reducing the spread of dust mites and the allergens they produce. In Consumer Reports’ tests, the Midea was the top-rated dehumidifier. Finally, storing shoes in a closet or shoe rack near the door, replacing fabric curtains with shades, and choosing area rugs or bare floors instead of carpets are also ways to significantly reduce your exposure.
Dust is always around us, so it is always difficult to contain and limit it.
But dust is not just unpleasant and dirty; it can contain dangerous particles that can cause serious health problems.
A new study from Consumer Reports has revealed that dust contains unhealthy substances.
“On the surface, the dust looks like skin, hair, or dandruff, but look closer and you’ll find unhealthy materials like heavy metal flakes like lead paint, fungi, mold, dust mites, microplastics, and permanent chemicals (PFAS),” said Kevin Loria of Consumer Reports.
We are surrounded by dust and when we inhale it it irritates the lungs and in the short term causes allergies and asthma.
In the long term, chemicals found in dust have been linked to diabetes, cancer, reproductive problems, and other serious health problems.
Combating dust is certainly difficult, but not impossible.
There are preventative health measures you can take to limit your exposure to dust.
“A good air purifier that uses a HEPA filter is designed to capture at least 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 micrometers in diameter, which is the size of most dust particles,” Loria said.
Consumer Reports recommends the GermGuardian for small rooms and the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max for larger rooms.
A vacuum cleaner with a good seal and good filtering will also help prevent dust and dirt from becoming airborne.
In rigorous testing by customer reports, the Kenmore Elite Pet-Friendly Upright was the best option.
Dehumidifiers are great for reducing humidity throughout your home and limiting the spread of dust mites and the allergens they produce.
The Midea was the top-rated dehumidifier in Consumer Reports’ tests.
Finally, storing your shoes in a closet or on a shoe rack near the door, replacing fabric curtains with shades, and opting for area rugs and bare floors instead of carpeting are also ways to significantly reduce your exposure.
