Air purifiers clean the air by reducing dust particles. These particles contaminate our air triggering allergies and making it hard to breathe. Dust can do a lot of damage even injuring the lungs. But in addition to air purifiers drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated can help to thin mucus and aid immune system function.
Not all dust can be remediated by air purifiers. Asbestos typically found in homes built before the 1980s is harmful to the lungs. Long-term exposure can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Attempts at an outright ban have failed. Asbestos use has been reduced but it still can be found in some products like electrical insulation and automotive products.
If you suspect your home or business contains asbestos contact an abatement specialist for testing and removal.
Table of Contents
- What is dust?
- Home Still Dusty with Air Purifier
- Dust Particle Risks
- Dust Triggering Allergies
- On the Whole
What is dust?
It is sometimes the residue of life. In an organic sense, it could mean what is left over after the main cycle of life has been completed for that particular substance as with dead skin cells, dead insect particles or hair. However, not all dust particles have what we typically consider organic connections. Some are inorganic like clothing fibers and plastic particles.
Home Still Dusty with Air Purifier
An air purifier paid link can greatly reduce dust particles but it is not a panacea. You still have to do some work on your own like continuing to vacuum and clean regularly to finish removing those dust particles the air purifier could not trap in the filter.
Dust does not just settle on the low surfaces where we have more contact. But overhead spaces collect dust too. Use one of the many microfiber or Swiffer dusters that come with an extendable handle making it easier to get into those hard-to-reach areas.
Don’t forget that walls are another surface on which dust can settle. Choosing a wider edge duster can help get the job done more quickly covering larger areas faster.
There are many types of dusters not all are very effective.
Microfiber dusters paid link are considered very effective with the option to use the cleaning cloth version.
Some microfiber clothes have one side smooth and a ribbed texture on the flip side. The smooth side is best used for dusting and the ribbed side for scrubbing and cleaning.
One feature that stands out about a microfiber duster is that it uses static charge to attract and remove dust. These cloths are machine washable and therefore reusable
Another option is disposable dusters, no need to clean them. One major drawback is that they can be rather pricey. So over time, the cost can add up if you do a lot of dusting.
On the list of least effective dusters are feathered. The cheap ones aren’t very good at picking up dust but tend to just move it around. A more effective feather duster is made of ostrich feathers because it can pick up and remove dust. Great for delicate items.
But there could be another reason your home is still dusty after using an air purifier.
If filters aren’t changed according to recommendations and, in some cases, more often for purifiers frequently run at high speeds. Also, check your filter for particle buildup. Replace if found. This will also help with air re-contamination by preventing the dirt on the filter from being released back into the air. Stock up if you can so you’ll always have replacement filters ready to go when needed. But be careful of cheaper off-brand filters of poor quality and do not get the job done. If you’re considering a cheaper brand to save money read product reviews to get some sense of how well they may perform.
Dust Particle Risks
There is no one type of dust it comes in many shapes, sizes, and classes. Dust is classified according to its level of risk to health low, medium, and high. The type of dust particle determines how much of a risk it is to human health. For example, this would be dust particles coming from things like asbestos, coal, or crystalline silica dust.
There is combustible dust that poses a risk of fire and explosion found in industries like:
- Pharmaceutical
- Agriculture
- Farming
- Fertilizer
- Rubber industry
- But here is a more complete list
Wood dust from work settings and woodshops can form a dangerous fire hazard and risk of explosion. The initial explosion can trigger a series of explosions resulting in massive fallout
So if you dabble or work professionally in the woodworking industry keeping sawdust, and wood dust under control is vital for your safety and others.
Dust Triggering Allergies
Pollen dust the enemy of allergy suffers is a great pollutant. In some areas, it can get really bad. Car owners get to deal with this nuisance having to clean off the thick sheet green of pebbles from their windshield. Hopefully, you don’t have to deal with allergies because the trip to clean your car can mean a sudden attack of sneezing, coughing and itchy red eyes.
Saline nasal sprays and Neti Pots may provide some relief.
Dust is a constant evil.
The trick is to lower or remove their ability to trigger allergic reactions this is where air purifiers can be of great use by capturing the offenders and holding them hostage in the filter.
On the Whole
Air purifiers can suck and remove dust particles out of the air keeping it clean, with some exceptions like asbestos.
Do not depend on air purifiers alone to keep the air clean. Pair with regular vacuuming and cleaning. Use microfiber dusters for maximum effectiveness.
Dust is classified depending on the level of health risk low-high.
Wood dust is very creepy potentially causing explosions and fire.
Dust can make breathing difficult. Pollen dust may trigger allergies.
Using the aforementioned tools can help reduce dust in your home and improve your overall air quality.