What is particulates and what dust components does a vacuum cleaner suck in?
Our house dust consists of crumbs, fibers, skin flakes as well as hair. This mix includes tiny dust particles, so-called particulates (PM₁ - PM₂,₅ - PM₁₀), which are deposited in the fibers of carpets, on surfaces or on textiles. PM is the abbreviation for particulate matter, which is the English term for particulate or granular matter. The number, on the other hand, refers to the size of the particles in micrometers.
Bacteria and the droppings of dust mites are also present in particulates . But also harmful chemicals such as plasticizers, evaporations of plastics and dyes as well as flame retardants enrich the particulates in the apartment. Many of these substances are suspected of being carcinogenic, impairing hormone balance and the immune system, promoting allergies and increasing the risk of asthma.
What are the health effects of increased particulate matter exposure?
particulates threatens health: The smaller the particles, the more far-reaching the health effects caused by particulate matter pollution. While normal dust is already filtered in the nose or bronchial tubes by fine hairs and the mucous membrane, particulates penetrates as far as the filigree ramifications of the lungs and the alveoli. Here, the fine particles can cause inflammation or even tumors, as they often carry pollutants such as toxic heavy metals.
Other health effects of increased particulate matter exposure include:
- Coughing fits, asthma and other respiratory diseases
- Heart and circulatory diseases
- Eye or nose itching
More information about particulates in the apartment can be found in our separate article.
Does a vacuum cleaner cause even more particulate matter pollution?
The use of a "normal" vacuum cleaner quickly spreads particulates. This is because the air drawn in during vacuuming is also blown out again, and with it particulate matter particles. This is caused by missing or dirty filters. Thus one hurls more dirt as well as invisible particulates like mushroom spores, mite excrement, pollen or bacteria and other pollutants by the dwelling when making clean. Vacuuming itself, changing the vacuum cleaner bag or emptying the dirt container also raises dust.
air-Q Test: Battery Vacuum Cleaner Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner G10
We wanted to know how the air quality changes when vacuuming. For this, we performed a practical test with our air-Q air meter and the Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner G10 cordless vacuum cleaner. The stick vacuum contains a HEPA filter. A piece of furniture was set up in our test room shortly before the practical test, so the room had a higher particulate matter value. Unpacking, hammering and drilling spread a thin layer of wood dust on the floor. According to the air-Q air measuring device, the particulate matter load was around 6 μg/m³.
Shortly before the test, the room was aired out and the particulate matter levels dropped to below 3 μg/m³. We then started vacuuming. A lot of dust was stirred up within a very short time and the particulates values doubled. The particulates maximum value was almost 15 μg/m³ after only a few minutes of vacuuming. After about 10 minutes, the increase stagnated and then dropped to a permanently lower value than at the beginning of the particulate matter measurement. The average particulate matter level during the test was 3 μg/m³. The integrated HEPA filter of the Xiaomi battery-powered vacuum cleaner thus shows a clear effect. No additional dust enters the room and the suction performance is very good. So, when buying a vacuum cleaner, make sure that it has a filter.
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particulate matter measurement with the particulate matter sensor from air-Q
Our test clearly shows that vacuuming initially whirls up particulates and thus the particulate matter load is increased. However, significantly lower values are measured after vacuuming.
The air-Q particulate matter sensor detects the small particles by means of optical scattering. Inside the particulate matter sensor, an infrared LED and a detector are separated by a wall. If a particulate matter particle appears in the light of the LED, the detector perceives a flash. If the particulates particles are larger, the flashes are brighter. If the particles are smaller, the flashes are darker. Now the air-Q "counts" these flashes and can inform you with a particularly good measuring accuracy about the particulate matter pollution in your indoor rooms.
You can get the air meter air-Q in different variants.
Tips on how to properly vacuum & remove particulates
Regular ventilation, the right level of humidity and vacuuming with a suitable filter or regular mopping of the floors ensure lower levels of particulate matter indoors.
More advice on how to reduce particulates when vacuuming:
- Use especially hygienic vacuum cleaners with a modern Hepa filter, which can filter out particulates . Or use a vacuum cleaner with water filter, which cleans the exhaust air from particulates and Co.
- Only glide the vacuum cleaner gently over the floor to avoid unnecessary dust whirling.
- Replace the vacuum cleaner bag or dust container in good time.
- Check vacuum cleaner bag for tears and damage.
- Always clean the water tank carefully to prevent contamination and bacteria build-up.
- Replace filter systems, e.g. motor protection and micro exhaust filters, regularly.
- Avoid skin contact with the bag, filter and other parts of the cordless vacuum cleaner - ideally wear gloves when emptying.
- First vacuum, then wipe. This removes particulates more effectively and prevents it from settling directly back onto the surface.
(Contributed image: spb2015/ shutterstock.com/ canva.com editing)
