The horrible things that lurk in dust

Dust is a nuisance that always gathers, no matter how many times we get the duster out. You might not think much of it, after all it’s just a matter of wiping it away every now and then, right? Well, there’s actually a lot more to dust than meets the eye. Not only can it be detrimental to human health but it can also be responsible for damaging equipment. Suddenly, dusting seems a far more important task!

Dust is simply particulate matter that can either be suspended in the air around us or settle on surfaces. Dust particles can vary in size depending on what type of dust it is. For example, there are both organic and inorganic sources of dust. Organic includes things like hair, skin, pollen, seeds and insects whilst inorganic includes plastic and metals.

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The ways in which dust can damage equipment is that if the particles are left to become ingrained into an object, it can be harder to clean that object and cause surface damage. Some dust particles can be quite abrasive against different surfaces. Dust can absorb moisture from the atmosphere and this makes it harmful to metal objects in particular.

Dust that gets inside electrical equipment can cause problems with overheating, affecting the components and causing breakdowns to occur more frequently. Mould can also live in dust, thanks to the moisture it absorbs. Mould also stains objects and if disturbed, the spores can be harmful to health. The makeup of the dust can also attract insects and other pests, causing further damage to equipment and also endangering health.

Respiratory problems exacerbated by dust include asthma. For asthma sufferers, dust can become a major issue and this is why regular cleaning of homes and workplaces is so important. For more information on Office Cleaning Cheltenham, visit a site like https://intocleaning.co.uk/services/office-cleaning-gloucestershire/office-cleaning-cheltenham/

It is truly frightening to learn that there could be 7,000 different types of bacteria lurking in the dust in your home or workplace. And it;s not just bacteria, but an average home can have 2,000 varieties of fungi contained in dust! Whilst these are often harmless, they can cause serious problems with those with weakened immune systems.

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Dust mites are another element of the dust that settles on our windowsills and work surfaces. People can develop an allergy to these mites, who are tiny arachnids in the same family as spiders and ticks! It’s a horrible thought that these creepy crawlies could be sharing your bed, your sofa and your carpet with you. Thankfully, they are so small we can’t see them – out of sight, out of mind! Not for those who suffer allergies, however. For these people, getting rid of dust and the associated mites is a matter of great importance.

So, now you know what lurks in your dust, you probably want to get cleaning right away! Thankfully, it is quite easy to keep on top of regular dust clearance, including wiping surfaces and regular vacuuming.

Author: Richard Brown

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