DANGERS FROM DUST by Mary Alice Hare Loper, M. S.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 28, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 16.

DANGERS FROM DUST

By Mary Alice Hare Loper, M. S.

Common Sense and Helpful Suggestions — Preventive Measures Invaluable

By MARY ALICE HARE LOPER, M. S.

MILTON beautifully describes the Galaxy — Milky Way — as "a broad and ample road whose dust is gold and pavement stars." But there is certainly little in the average dusty highway of earth to appeal to the poetic fancy of the muse. It is one of those decidedly real visions that must be encountered at times, although not enjoyed, and that must be taken as a part of the experience of life.

Climates where rain may be reasonably expected at any season of the year do not present such a barrier to health and happiness in the way of dust as do climates where the rainfall is confined usually to a certain portion of the year.

A COMMON MEDIUM OF DISEASE

We read that in the world to come, "dust shall be the serpent's meat." But surely dust is not physically beneficial to human beings in this world. It is a common medium whereby all sorts of disease germs may be taken easily into the physical system. It would render many localities unfit for human habitation, did not the powerful rays of the sun serve to destroy disease germs that contaminate it.

Dust itself is irritating to the mucous membrane of nose, throat, and lungs; and when charged with disease germs, it becomes a serious menace to health. Some persons suffer of eye trouble as the result of dust. Before the completion of the first transcontinental railway, blindness was sometimes occasioned by encountering dust in crossing the plains in the old-fashioned way.

PREDISPOSED TO THESE DISEASES

Persons who are predisposed to nasal, throat, or lung trouble should studiously avoid dust. They should as conscientiously shun disease from this source, as the dyspeptic should shun suffering from articles of food that he knows will, if he indulges in them, give him trouble.

There are those who seem to be so immune against harm from dust that they can act in the capacity of janitors of large public school buildings, year after year, and apparently suffer no permanent inconvenience as the result; while others would risk their lives if they performed the duties incumbent upon such a position.

THE CAUSE OF MANY A COLD

Many a so-called "cold," accompanied, perhaps, with temporary loss of voice, may simply be the result of coming into contact with dust, and taking no precautions against results. It is hazardous for any person to repeat frequently this experience.

Dust at best is an unpleasant feature of the summer vacation trip, especially in the mountains; and for one accustomed to suffer in health as a result of such exposure, a yearly outing amid nature's most majestic scenery is robbed of much of its pleasure.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

There is no way whereby one can travel on land, and be free from this unpleasant accompaniment. In many localities, during dry seasons, the air is contaminated with dust and disease germs. The air of the average railway coach, during all seasons, is constantly charged with dust, in which various disease germs are likely to be present, unless the coach is frequently fumigated. It is well for all to consider precautionary measures against disease as among the important duties of life.

But surely persons who are sensitive to dust, should not wait until disease symptoms develop, before using measures to prevent difficulty. It is wise, when traveling, to cleanse thoroughly the nose, the mouth, and the throat every day, with some good disinfectant solution. One half teaspoonful each of listerine and peroxid of hydrogen to three tablespoonfuls of water will answer the purpose. One should practise breathing through the nose, and not through the mouth.

HOW TO MINIMIZE THE DUST NUISANCE

In the daily routine of housekeeping, sweeping and dusting are included in the list of indispensable tasks. Rugs are much more sanitary than carpets, in that they can be easily cleaned frequently, and floors can be kept much freer from dust. Vacuum sweepers and oiled mops fill a long-felt want in household economy, and are hailed with joy by many who have become weary of the old-fashioned broom, carpet-sweeper, and duster. They surely are life-preservers in a broad sense, and their wide-spread use should be encouraged.

Bric-a-brac is an unnecessary dust accumulator that should be banished from the home of every busy housewife. It is always unsightly if covered with dust, and to keep it presentable requires time that could be put to better use.

PROTECTION WHILE SWEEPING

Many do not realize the danger to which they subject themselves in ordinary sweeping and dusting, and during so-called "house-cleaning" seasons. Covering the nostrils with several thicknesses of gauze dampened with the foregoing disinfectant solution, affords a measure of relief from the ill effects of encountering dust, but is likely not to be a sufficient precaution. Multitudes suffering of nasal catarrh, habitually aggravate the trouble through the medium of dust. Children should be guarded on this point, and should not be permitted to lay the foundation for disease when it might be easily avoided.

PREVENTION THE IMPORTANT THING

The sweeping and dusting should be delegated, if possible, to some one who can perform that task without injury. "To every man his work." One may be able to retain health while performing a work that might mean illness and death to another. Wisdom in little things is well worthy of cultivation. When one who is not rugged encounters the dust problem, he should use good judgment in its solution, remembering that in all the realm of therapeutics, there is no remedy so satisfactory as prevention.

NOT BEING AFRAID IS NO BARRIER

To be forewarned should mean to be forearmed. It is not safe for delicate persons to ignore the dust problem. Not being afraid is not sufficient barrier against serious results. On the other hand, it does not pay to worry over the fact that near relatives, perhaps, have died of tuberculosis. There is no sufficient reason why one should die of any certain malady simply because some of his ancestors did so. One should be wise to take precautionary measures, the best that he can secure, and then not worry.

A PRIME FACTOR OF LONG LIFE

A popular writer has tritely said: "I have made it a practise to put all of my worries down in the bottom of my heart, then set on the lid, and smile." "Can't none of us help what traits we start out in life with, but we kin help what we end up with." If one is naturally inclined to worry, let him cultivate a cheerful disposition, which is a prime factor of longevity.