Adults ingest up to 100 mg of household dust per day, and children up to 200 mg per day. This single statistic highlights people’s significant daily exposure to indoor dust, especially children, who are more vulnerable due to their behaviors and time spent close to the ground.
How Does Dust Affect the Body?
Dust in indoor environments poses significant risks to human health due to the contaminants it carries and how they enter the body.
Dust can be inhaled when it is resuspended in the air, absorbed through the skin or ingested, particularly in children who frequently exhibit hand-to-mouth behavior.
On average, adults ingest up to 100 mg of dust per day, while children ingest up to 200 mg.
This dust acts as a reservoir for harmful substances such as outdoor pollutants, bacteria, mold spores, pet dander, and toxic chemicals like lead and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
These chemicals can remain in dust for years, continuously exposing occupants to potential health risks.
How Do Pesticides Affect the Body?
The presence of pests further exacerbates indoor air quality by introducing allergens from dust mites, cockroaches, rodents, and pets.
Dust mites, commonly found in bedding and upholstery, release allergens that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions, especially in children. Cockroach allergens have been linked to asthma hospitalizations, while mouse and rat urine allergens can become airborne and inhaled.
Pet allergens, especially those from cats, are sticky and can be found even in pet-free environments, such as schools or offices.
What Can We Do to Prevent It?
Prevention begins with indoor hygiene measures and pest control.
Regular cleaning to reduce dust accumulation, the use of air purifiers, and good ventilation can minimize exposure.
Furthermore, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended over chemical pesticides for pest control, as pesticide exposure itself can cause long-term health problems such as cancer, respiratory issues, and reproductive health effects.
Reducing harmful dust and allergens in indoor environments is essential to protect human health.
@CAMPUS CONTERN is:
- We use a biotechnological air purification system that reduces airborne dust by 50%, thereby reducing the risk of airborne transmission and persistence.
- We have a regular cleaning program using chemical-free products and vacuuming.
- We have a policy prohibiting pets in coworking spaces.
- We limit the use of disinfectants and pesticides as much as possible and carefully review labels to minimize impact.
Our Goal:
- To ensure our tenants benefit from a healthy and safe working environment. They spend a lot of time in our buildings, and it is our responsibility to do our best to reduce the causes of fatigue and absenteeism, and to promote concentration and performance.
- Protecting our tenants from chronic diseases and playing our part in the National Health Plan
Source: “The 9 Foundations of a Healthy Building” Harvard School of Public Health – forhealth.org