Dust
Dust is extremely small pieces of matter that come from whatever is around us. It could be anything like bits of plastic, pieces of hair, skin cells, food, dirt and pollutants like industrial soot or windborne pollutants that are brought in from outside sources. Dust is usually made up of micro particles which are too small for the human eye to see.
Dust is an important part of different aspects of our lives, from bee pollination to forming the basis for planets. Dust particles are essential for the life of many plants and animals, and form an important part of our natural environment. They can help plants grow, regulate air quality and they can even help to protect us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
People often think of dust as being a nuisance in the home, or something to vacuum or dust off surfaces. Dust can also cause allergies and be inhaled and can make symptoms of asthma or emphysema worse. Dust in the environment has also been blamed for causing respiratory diseases, when the dust contains pollutants or toxic substances.
Unshielded dust particles can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Respiratory problems such as asthma can be caused by airborne dust particles, and people with asthma can experience a reaction if they are exposed to dust particles in high concentrations. Dust particles can also cause minor skin irritations, such as an itchy feeling, on contact.
In order to ensure that dust levels remain at an acceptable level in the workplace and at home, it is important to clean and vacuum frequently, as well as ensuring that air conditioning systems are running properly. It is also beneficial to use a mask, such as the N95 respirator, when working with large concentrations of dust particles. Dust can also be controlled and removed by using a HEPA filter, which is capable of removing up to 99.7% of airborne particles.
Understanding the effects and sources of dust is important in order to reduce exposure to dust particles, and to help prevent health issues caused by them. It is also important to take the necessary precautions when working with dust, such as wearing a mask and using a filter, as well as cleaning frequently, to help minimize the risk of health problems caused by dust exposure.
