Could It Be Your Carpet That Is Making You Sick?

If you can’t see it, it doesn’t exist… right? When it comes to dust, most home owners could care less that it is sifted in the cracks of your carpet, or upholstery fabric. It does not become bothersome until it starts stacking on top of itself forming a layer heavy enough to where it is visible to the eye. In fact, dust can be quite damaging to your health, especially those allergic to dust mites, even before it reaches this point.

So what exactly is Dust?

Dust is made up of particles from organic and inorganic objects. Did you know that the majority of dust is actually made up of shed skin cells? Gross! Dust mites like to eat skin cells. Areas in your home that are occupied the most tend to have more dust than those unoccupied. The areas in your home that have the most dust mites lurking around is your carpet, mattresses, bedding, and sofas.

More Dust = More Dust Mites: Achoo!

Plain and simple, dust makes you sneeze and is very inconvenient. The most common allergy is derived from the dust mite. Even with the dust mite being small in size, it can actually be quite harmful and sometimes toxic. Toxins from cigarette smoke and flame retardants are just a few of the compounds that be found in your carpet or upholstery. These toxins can be easily kicked up and inhaled making their way into your body with each breath you take.

The Common Household Dust Consists of:

• Shed human skin cells
• Flame Retardants - Polychlorinated Biphenyls ethers (PCBE)
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Lead, Cadmium and Mercury
• Pesticides
• Paint Particles
• Cigarette Smoke
• Fabric Fibers
• Soil and Sand
• Insect Parts
• Mold Spores
• Pet Dander & Feathers
• Dust Mites and their feces
• Viruses
• Rodent Waste
• Construction Debris
• Pollen
• Bacteria
• Asbestos

Dust Damaging Your Health

The smallest task, such as walking across your carpet, sitting down, lying in bed, and even vacuuming can stir up dust; tossing toxic chemicals into the air. There is no doubt that you are going to inhale these toxins, but did you know that even without breathing you could be harmed? As these toxic chemicals settle from the air, they can be absorbed by your skin!

If you have any little ones running around, this can be quite alarming. Were you aware that a child who crawls on the floor and puts their fingers into their mouth can ingest on average 10 grams of dust per day? Since a child’s system is smaller and still developing, they are at a much higher risk from contaminates.

Dust causes various health effects such as allergies, asthma, itchy eyes, coughing and a runny nose. These health conditions can vary the longer you are exposed to specific contaminants. I was shockingly surprised that a U.S study found flame retardants (PBDE) present in every home they tested. Being exposed to these types of chemicals can affect brain development and reproductive hormones.

Think inhaling dust isn’t bad enough? Research shows that 2/3rds of PBDEs found in adults’ bodies came from household dust! Infants were found to have nearly 90% of their PBDE levels coming from household dust.
Don’t Let Dust Take Over!

It is impossible to completely rid of dust in your home. However, there are ways to minimize its presence; thus reducing your risk of dust related illnesses.

Step 1: Minimize the use of carpet. The best way to rid of dust in your home is by removing carpeted areas. Carpet is the #1 place that dust likes to cling to and has the most potential of being kicked back into the air.

Step 2: Dust! Dusting with the right cleaning products can remove a large amount of dust from flat surfaces. An ordinary cleaning cloth normally just pushes dust around. Micro fiber clothes tend to pick up more dust than regular clothes.

Step 3: Leave your shoes at the door. Most dirt and dust is brought into your home by you. In fact 90% of dirt within the home is tracked in from outside. Purchase a doormat and wipe your shoes before entering your home. Better yet, remove your shoes before entering the house to dramatically reduce the amount of dust tracked into your home.

Step 4: Purchase an Air Purifier. The American Lung Association, along with some of the most respected health experts, has made it clear that air pollution is dangerous and every home needs an air purifier. When looking into purchasing, make sure to research whether they rid of dust mites, and small particles.

Step 5: Get your carpet and upholstery cleaned professionally. Hire a professional carpet cleaning company to come out to thoroughly clean your carpet and upholstery every 6 to 12 months. This will dramatically reduce and limit the amount of dust mites and toxic chemicals found all throughout your house.