Understanding the Difference Between Dust and Dust Mites

If you are an allergy sufferer, you may have been told by some people that you're allergic to dust and by others that you're allergic to dust mites. You may have wondered about the different kinds of dust and whether some might cause allergic reaction while others do not. The reality is that the range of sizes of dust and their potential irritation varies greatly depending upon the source of the dust, composition of the dust, and your geographical location. Luckily good HEPA air purifiers trap all of the irritants. These air purifiers remove very small particles from the airstream.

Dust from the atmosphere that is heavy and settles quickly may not be problematic for you because the cilia (tiny hairs) in your nose and sinuses tends to catch this type of dust before it enters the lungs. This is removed by air purifiers. However, the so-called "dust bunnies" in your house or office are generally more than simply dust. They are most likely a combination of irritants including dust mites, dust mite fecal matter, fibers, hair, shed skin cells, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, and pet dander in you own pets. In metropolitan areas, dust in the home may contain particles of smoke and soot from the atmosphere. This is also removed by air purifiers.

Many allergy and asthma physicians will specify that "dust mites" might be leading to the allergy symptoms. Dust mites are microscopic "mites" or nest-building insect-like creatures that thrive, unfortunately, on discarded skin cells in damp, dark places like the beds of human beings. It's actually the enzymes in their fecal matter that trigger allergy symptoms, and for such small creatures they have a lot of droppings, about 20 per day for each mite. Because they dwell in places that move a lot - cushions, mattresses, pillows, carpets, etc. - due to human use, they easily become airborne. Thus the application of room air purifiers in controlling allergic reactions to dust mites.

In summary, there are innumerable kinds of dust, but it's most likely the "dust mite" that should be one of your major concerns in allergy and asthma relief. Air Purifiers can help!

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