What are dust and fibers?

Dust is a fine powder made up of tiny particles of various materials, such as dirt, skin cells, pollen, and other substances. It can be found in the air and on surfaces in indoor and outdoor environments.

Fibers are thin, thread-like structures that are found in various materials, such as clothing, textiles, and building materials. They can be natural, like cotton or wool, or synthetic, like polyester or nylon. Fibers can become airborne and contribute to dust accumulation in indoor spaces.

Dust

- Definition: Fine, loose particles of matter that settle on surfaces.
- Sources:
- Soil and minerals
- Plants and pollen
- Animal dander
- Human skin cells
- Fibers from clothing and carpets
- Combustion products (smoke, exhaust)

Fibers

- Definition: Long, slender, thread-like structures.
- Sources:
- Natural fibers: wool, cotton, silk, jute
- Synthetic fibers: nylon, polyester, acrylic, rayon
- Inorganic fibers: asbestos, fiberglass, mineral wool

Interrelationship between Dust and Fibers

- Dust often contains fibers as a component.
- Fibers can trap and retain dust particles, creating larger dust aggregates.
- The combination of dust and fibers can be an irritant to the respiratory system, especially for people with allergies or asthma.