Air pollution has created a mess in Delhi-NCR. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding the ‘very poor’ category, residents have been facing a tough time breathing which has led to severe respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. Though AQI has come down from 500 to 160, the dust particles that are in your house can still create a lot of problems for you. If you’ve skipped dusting for some days as the house looks ‘clean to you,’ then you need to think again.

Our eyes can’t see beyond their limit which often fools us. The dust particles, often referred to as particulate matter (PM) are a collection of microscopic particles of material. The dust inside your home can be composed of dirt, skin cells, mould spores, bacteria, dust mites, and mycotoxins among others. From coughing and bronchitis to even cancer, these tiny dust particles can cause you a lot of trouble.

How Can Unhealthy Levels Of PM2.5 Pose Health Risks

Unhealthy levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) pose significant risks to human health. These particles, with diameters of 2.5 micrometres or smaller, are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Their sources include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to PM2.5 is linked to severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It exacerbates asthma, reduces lung function, and increases the risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. PM2.5 exposure is also associated with premature mortality, contributing to millions of deaths globally each year.

Research by the New York State Department of Health highlights that PM2.5 can cause acute health effects such as airway inflammation, increased blood pressure, and altered heart rhythms. Chronic exposure leads to heightened risks of chronic diseases and can reduce life expectancy. Studies show that for every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5, average life expectancy drops by more than half a year.

Furthermore, urban air quality surveys reveal that local sources, like traffic and industrial emissions, significantly influence PM2.5 levels in specific areas. Communities in proximity to these sources often experience higher health burdens, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including low-income groups.

Mitigating PM2.5 pollution requires concerted global and local efforts, such as transitioning to cleaner energy sources, improving public transportation, and implementing stricter emission regulations. Public awareness and preventive measures, such as using air purifiers and avoiding outdoor activities during high-pollution periods, are also critical in reducing health risks.

How To Get Rid Of Dust Completely From Your Home?

Getting rid of dust in your home is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Here we have listed some effective ways to reduce dust accumulation:

- Vacuum with a HEPA Filter: Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap fine dust particles. Focus on carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, which are major dust collectors.

- Mop Hard Floors: Damp-mop hardwood, tile, or laminate floors to pick up dust without scattering it into the air.

- Dust with Microfibre Cloths: Use microfibre cloths or electrostatic dusters, which trap dust rather than disperse it.

- Air Purifiers: Install an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne particles.

- Humidifiers: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50 per cent. Too much humidity can encourage dust mites, while too little can make dust more airborne.

- Change HVAC Filters: Regularly replace HVAC filters with high-quality options designed to reduce dust.

- Minimize clutter that can collect dust, such as unused items, knick-knacks, and paper stacks. Store items in closed containers when possible.

4. Prevent Dust Entry

- Door Mats: Place mats at entryways to reduce dirt tracked indoors.

- Seal Cracks: Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent dust from entering.

- Regularly wash bed linens, and curtains, and throw pillows in hot water to remove dust mites.

- Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, which traps dust. Consider washable area rugs instead.

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