Dust is a fact of life. The tiny specks settle on every surface in your home, where they can wind up on your hands, in your food and even in the air you breathe. Unfortunately, that dust can contain substances like mold, pollen and other allergens—and even traces of toxic chemicals and microplastics.
Those exposures can be harmful, especially for people with allergies or asthma, says Erica K. Ridley, M.D., an allergist at Henry Ford Health. “The allergens and other substances in dust can increase symptoms in people with environmental allergies and asthma. Allergens in dust can also cause a flare-up of eczema,” she says.
While you can’t avoid dust entirely, you can minimize it. Dr. Ridley explains the downsides of dust, and how to reduce your exposure.
Dust Mites and More: Is Dust Harmful to Your Health?
There’s more to a speck of dust than meets the eye. Dust in your home can contain an assortment of common allergens, including:
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Excrement from mice or cockroaches
- Pet hair or dander
- Pollen
Exposure to those tiny triggers can cause symptoms in people with asthma, allergies or eczema. What’s more, dust often contains trace amounts of potentially harmful chemicals and compounds, including lead paint, phthalates, perfluorinated chemicals such as perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) and microplastics. When you’re exposed to these chemicals through household dust, they can end up in your lungs and even get absorbed into the bloodstream.
Chemicals like PFAS are concerning because they can act as endocrine disrupters, affecting the function of hormones in the body. Microplastics, meanwhile, may affect organs like the heart and lungs. “Inhaled microplastics can cause inflammation and damage in the lungs,” Dr. Ridley says. “It’s likely that could lead to more asthma symptoms, and possibly cause more severe allergy symptoms.”
How to Get Rid of Dust
Unfortunately, dust isn’t something you can avoid. There’s no need to go to extremes trying to keep your home dust-free. Still, you can reduce your exposure with some common-sense strategies, Dr. Ridley says.
Allergy Care At Henry Ford
- Dust: It’s not something to fear; instead, it’s an action you can take. Dust surfaces like shelves and tables frequently. Consider cutting down on knick-knacks and clutter to make surfaces easier to clean.
- Get help from HEPA: Keep dust levels in check by using an air purifier equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters trap smaller particles in the air, including many allergens.
- Control humidity: Dust mites are found in every home, and they are a common trigger for people with asthma and household allergies. These microscopic critters thrive in humid environments, so Dr. Ridley recommends using a dehumidifier to lower the moisture level in your home. “Try to maintain the humidity level of your home between 35% and 50%,” she advises.
- Plan for the plush: Dust (and dust mites) can build up in plush surfaces like bedding, curtains and upholstery. Wash these items often in hot water.
- Avoid carpeting: Rugs and carpets offer lots of nooks and crannies where dust can hide. If you’re redecorating, consider tile or hardwood floors instead of wall-to-wall shag.
- Clean floors: Vacuum regularly, especially if you have carpeting or area rugs. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for maximum impact. And don’t forget to use a wet mop to clear dust from hard flooring surfaces and baseboards.
- Kick off your shoes: Shoes bring dirt, pollen and microbes in from the outdoors, which can contribute to dust in your home. “I’m a big proponent of taking off shoes when you come inside so you don’t track those things into the house,” Dr. Ridley says.
- Hit the sink: Wash your hands (and children’s hands) often, using soap and water. Make sure everyone in the family stops to suds up before eating.
- Mask up: Keeping a clean house is important, but it can also stir up dust—which can increase symptoms of asthma or allergies. Consider wearing a mask if you’re clearing out a dusty attic, say, or vacuuming the rug. “Using masks can be a great option for people whose symptoms are triggered by cleaning,” Dr. Ridley says.
Taking these steps can go a long way toward reducing the amount of dust in your home. But if you’re still having allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, or a runny nose, it’s a good idea to see a specialist.
“If minimizing dust in your home isn’t enough, see an allergist for some extra assistance,” Dr. Ridley says. “Treatments including oral medications and allergy shots can help control your symptoms.”
Reviewed by Erica K. Ridley, M.D., an allergist at Henry Ford Health who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center – Fairlane and Henry Ford Medical Center – Royal Oak.
