NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — No matter how well or how often you clean your house, you've probably got something that’s everywhere and always all around us.
It can be a constant battle to keep it at bay. But often dust isn’t just annoying. It may also contain dangerous particles that can cause serious health problems.
“On the surface, dust appears to be skin, hair, and dander. But look even closer; you can find unhealthy substances including heavy metal fragments like lead paint, fungi, mold, mites, microplastics, and forever chemicals, or PFAS," said Consumer Reports' Kevin Loria.
Because we are surrounded by dust, we breathe it, which can irritate our lungs and trigger allergies and asthma in the short term. In the long term, some of the chemicals are linked to diabetes, various cancers, reproductive problems, and other serious health issues.
While battling dust is certainly a challenge, it’s not impossible.
“A good air purifier that uses HEPA filters is designed to capture at least 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter – the size of many dust particles,” Loria said.
For a small room, Consumer Reports recommends this GermGuardian model.
For larger rooms, check out the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max.
Another weapon in your dust-battling arsenal -- a good vacuum with tight seals and excellent filters to keep vacuumed-up debris from spewing back into the air.
In Consumer Reports' rigorous tests, the Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly upright checked all those boxes.
Running a dehumidifier in the basement may help reduce humidity in the whole house and limit the spread of dust mites and the allergens they produce.
This Midea is the highest-rated dehumidifier in Consumer Reports' tests.
Finally, keeping shoes in a closet or on a shoe rack near the door, swapping out fabric curtains for shades, and opting for area rugs or just bare floors instead of carpets are other ways to help you greatly reduce your exposure to dust.
Consumer Reports recommends vacuuming and dusting at least once a week, and be sure to get places where dust likes to hide, like under furniture, on drapes, and in high places like shelves and windows.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at (jennifer.kraus@newschannel5.com).
It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.
-Rhori Johnston
