Simply reading about dust inhalation makes you want to sneeze, doesn’t it?
That reaction should come as no surprise, especially to those who are asthmatic or suffer from extreme allergies. It isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Breathing in dust can create lasting health issues for a number of different reasons. In this blog, we’ll highlight 3 dangers of dust inhalation and list preventative measures you can take to limit potential health problems caused by dust, especially when it comes to home renovation projects.
Risks of Dust Inhalation
Can Trigger Asthma Symptoms
Dust allergies usually cause itchiness in the throat, watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Breathing in dust can cause these symptoms to worsen and lead to inflammation in the nose and throat.
If you’re working in a dusty environment, it is important that you wear a disposable respirator in order to avoid dust inhalation. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, exposure to dust while on the job, or “occupational asthma” affects an estimated 15% of Americans.
Dust Contains Bacteria And Fungi
Did you know that the average American household contains up to 7,000 types of dust-related bacteria and 2,000 species of fungi? Your carpet alone can contain up to 200,000 bacteria per square inch. That’s a lot of germs!
The best way to limit germs from multiplying (leading to hazardous dust inhalation) is to keep your carpets dry, vacuumed regularly and steam cleaned 1-2 times yearly. If your carpet is older than 10 years, it might be time to remove your old carpet to make way for new, healthy carpet that won’t aggravate your allergies.
Exposure to Chemicals
When you see dust in your home, you probably don’t stop to think about what it is made of. While most dust is made up of tiny waste particles, there can be dangerous chemicals lurking in dust which can cause serious health issues.
Dust particles created from the removal of flooring, tile and more can contain chemicals known as crystalline silica. According to the United States Department of Labor, “Silica dust is hazardous when very small (respirable) particles are inhaled. These respirable dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause disabling and sometimes fatal lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer, as well as kidney disease.”
Materials which create crystalline silica dust include:
- Quartz
- Stone
- Rock
- Sand
- Brick
- And many other materials found in your flooring!
Home Renovation Projects Stir Up Dust
Choosing to take on remodeling projects yourself will require more energy and increase your chances of dust inhalation. Without proper equipment and technology designed to capture the smallest dust particles, you can wind up feeling the effects of dust inhalation from particles circling in your air. Removing your floor by yourself is time consuming, stressful, and worse for your health.
Take the Stress Out of Floor Removal with Speedy
As you can see, there are many dangers of dust inhalation. If you are removing tile, hardwood, or carpet flooring, it is almost impossible to have a dustless floor removal unless you have the proper equipment. Luckily, if you are in North and Central Florida, you have Speedy Floor Removal to count on. Our floor removal experts use state of the art equipment in homes and commercial properties to capture dust particles so you can breathe easier and healthier!
Ready to remove your floor the stress and dust-free way? Contact us in your service area to receive a free project estimate.
