What is dust made of? © iStock

What is dust made of?

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Think it's human skin? Think again...

Asked by: Tim Sully, Colchester

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There's a common misconception that it’s mostly human skin. It's not: that mainly ends up in the bath or shower.

Two thirds of the dust in your house comes from outside, as dirt tracked in on your feet, and airborne particles like pollen and soot. The rest is mostly carpet fluff, clothes fibres and pet hair.

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Authors

luis villazon
Luis VillazonQ&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.

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