How to Prevent Breathing Dangerous Dust Particles

It's no secret that respiratory illnesses are on the rise. Pollutants spewed into the air by under-regulated plants and factories account for much of this increase, but wind-borne dust and synthetic particles have become causes of concern as well. In general, atmospheric conditions have collaborated to weaken immune systems so simple encounters with everyday dust can exacerbate or trigger breathing problems. If you're concerned about dust inhalation, take the advice of pros in the carpet care, storm and crime scene cleanup industries: use every precaution to protect your airways so you always breathe easily and effortlessly.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum with HEPA filter
• Room air purifier(s)
• Face masks and respirators

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Instructions

• 1

  Check your local weather sources--TV, radio, Internet--to determine the amounts of pollutants in the air on days you'll be encountering large amounts of dust for any reason. Decide if you can put off the project or task in question to another day when air quality is better, and you'll lessen the number of threatening particles to which your respiratory system will be exposed.

• 2

  Wear simple dust masks to accomplish everyday jobs. Whether you're cleaning the house or working in industrial, medical or construction settings that have the potential to compromise your airways, even an inexpensive mask will offer a modicum of protection. These types of masks are usually fabricated of multiple layers of particle-repelling materials, are relatively comfortable and adjust to any user's face. Some offer charcoal or carbon filters as an added barrier.

• 3

  Opt for a more sophisticated face mask if you must work in environmentally compromised areas. Upgraded styles of face masks are manufactured to repel dust that's infused with hazardous chemicals, pollen or fiberglass. Check manufacturer data claims to see how they stand up to toxic dust before you choose one. These industrial grade face coverings are made of cloth, plastic or paper products. They usually feature at least one inhalation/exhalation vent and are designed so the lower contour of the dust mask can be pulled along the jaw line and under the chin for extra protection. Some come equipped with eye protection as well.

• 4

  Cut down on the amount of dust you breathe each day by investing in a quality vacuum system that's fitted with a HEPA filter and requires the use of dust collection bags. While bag-free vacuums have become very popular, they are not as efficient at containing dust as are the machines that require bags. In many instances, bagless sweepers re-scatter dust when the collection chamber is emptied.

• 5

  Invest in room air filtering systems. These come in a wide range of styles, sizes and complexities, from huge units capable of cleaning thousands of square feet of air to tabletop models that use negatively charged ions to do the job. Air filtering systems, in conjunction with donning a mask when dust is heavily present, can offer a double-barrel assault on room pollutants and keep inhalation of nearly every toxin at bay, a particularly important fact for people suffering from serious respiratory health issues and those with immune-compromised systems.

• 6

  Add a respirator to your dust-fighting arsenal if your exposure or vulnerability warrants it. NIOSH- and CDC-approved (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Centers for Disease Control) respirators are mandated by law to protect workers in hazardous environments from over 95 percent of the particles to which they may be exposed on large cleanup sites. These heavy-duty masks have exhalation valves to prevent moisture and heat build-up and offer a modicum of comfort to those required to wear these types of dust masks for hours on end. Respirator-type dust masks tend to be expensive since they are fabricated for heavy-duty, long-term use. Some are so precisely engineered, health workers treating SARS at medical facilities, or confronting other extreme situations, choose them above all other types of dust masks.