Layers of dust in a home isn't just unsightly. It can also indicate a much bigger health risk. Here's what you need to know.

You might think dust is a cosmetic problem. Moreover, if it's not actually visible, it isn't truly urgent. “But from an air quality perspective, dust is anything but harmless,” warns air quality expert Michael Rubino, “especially when it’s allowed to build up over time.”

Here, our experts break down the health effects of dust buildup and the risks you run by skipping this household chore.

The Hidden Dangers of Dust

The actual composition of dust—from human dead skin cells, bacteria, and dust mites to textile particles—varies by environment. “What makes dust concerning isn’t just what’s in it, but how fine it is,” explains Rubino. "Many dust particles are small enough to become airborne again with normal movement." Over time, dust becomes less about cleanliness and more about exposure, he says.

Excessive dust in your home increases the particulate matter in the air. "The higher the particulate matter, the worse the indoor air quality," says double board-certified allergist Dr. Saira Zafar. Once built up on surfaces, dust becomes part of the air cycle inside a home.

Read More Here: https://www.marthastewart.com/health-effects-of-dust-11884713