How Healthy Is My Home?

Surface Dust

Most people have a method for cleaning their homes: sweep, vacuum, dust the furniture, and so on. However, how much do we know when it comes to what it is we’re sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting? What winds up swirling into the air of our homes as we clean? In this post, we’re going to dive into dust and have a better idea about what the pesky lingering stuff is made of, and what to look out for when it comes to the health of the home and its residents.

Composition

Dirt gets tracked in the house with our shoes, and pets shed hair like there is no tomorrow. But when it comes to the collected dust on counters, shelves, fan blades, and other surfaces- what is it that we battle to keep at bay?

While dirt and hair do contribute to the composition of dust, skin cells, dust mites, pieces of dead bugs, dust mites, and other microscopic bits are extremely common in every household. While the exact ratio differs from home to home, understanding what is in your home and how it affects your health is important.

Chemicals

One additional ingredient in every home’s dust recipe is chemicals. While these vary both in form as well as source, some chemicals in the home can be damaging. Most chemicals are associated with products- namely the primary compounds that act as flame retardants and are found in vinyl flooring, carpet mats, and furniture. Low levels of these chemicals have been studied to prove minimal health concerns, though higher levels can be attributed to reproductive system toxicity, hormone disruption, cancer, and more.

Mold Spores

The majority of homeowners concerned about the health and safety of their home call mold into question. Can mold spores exist in the air, on surfaces, in dust? Answer- absolutely. Mold spores thrive in dark, damp conditions. However, they can attach to dust particles and float around the home before settling. Mold is fairly easy to differentiate from dust, as it adheres to and penetrates the surfaces it lands on, while dust simply wipes away.

I Think I Need Testing

Surface dust is a collection of minuscule pollutants in the home’s air circulation. If you have concerns regarding the air quality in your home, give The BrickKicker a call today! Our trusted team of experts is here to help you ensure your home is healthy and will help guide you through the steps to get it there. We look forward to helping you stay healthy!