Dust and dust mist

Dust and dust mites: what are they?

Dust consists of particles that detach from materials, fabrics, food, the skin and hair of people and pets alike, smoke from stoves and other devices, etc. It comes from outside the house as well as our day-to-day activity inside.

In other words, dust is a mix of substances, and we can’t know their exact nature. If you let dust accumulate inside the home, you are exposing yourself to contaminants that are possibly harmful to health.

Dust mites are microscopic insects that live on dust, feeding on dead skin cells.

Dust and dust mites: where are they found?

Dust particles and their “tenants” are most likely to accumulate in the following areas:

• Carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, curtains;

• Heating and ventilation appliances and ducts;

• Wood fireplaces and stoves;

• High-activity areas (e.g., workshop, kitchen);

• Baseboards, mouldings, etc.

How can dust and dust mites affect my health?

Dust in combination with humidity is conducive to proliferation of dust mites: these tiny parasites can cause skin irritations and respiratory problems in some people.

Besides mites, some airborne dust particles can carry dangerous chemicals, asbestos, mould, bacteria, etc.

These can trigger an allergic reactions in some people: sneezing, watery eyes, sinus pain, and so on. If you or someone at home is allergic or feels unwell, it’s best to consult a doctor. An analysis of your home’s air quality may subsequently be necessary to identify contaminants and determine what corrective measures can be taken.

What should I do about dust and dust mites?

A series of simple actions should be enough to improve things:

• Dust at least once a week, if possible, using microfibre dustcloths, which absorb more dirt than conventional fabrics;

• Vacuum at least once a week as well; A central vacuum system or a recent-model vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter should help reduce the number of airborne particles.

• Wash surfaces to get rid of particles that dustcloths miss, and wash and wipe down humid areas like the bathroom;

• Clean the over regularly;

• Wash your bedding often (sheets, pillowcases, blankets, bedspreads and comforters) to help get rid of dust mites;

• Have everyone take off their shoes when entering the house, so as to bring less dust in from outside;

• Have your ventilation and heating ducts inspected and cleaned. This is especially important if you have pets with a very dense fur, if major renovation work has been done, if you’ve just moved in to an existing home, or if ducts have not been cleaned for five or more years; 

• Periodically change or wash the filters in air purifiers, air conditioners and air exchangers, ideally in the spring and fall.

If need be, some improvements may also be effective for prevention: 

• Improve the airtightness of doors and windows to prevent dust infiltration from outside;

• Reduce the number of carpets and rugs in your home (they trap dust) and opt for smoother surfaces such as wood or ceramic.