Many studies have shown dust to be an important factor in IAQ complaints. Various allergens are sometimes present in dust or in the air. These can include mold, bacteria, cockroach, bird, mouse, cat allergens etc. There are a variety of tests available to sample for dust and/or allergens in both dust and the air. A low-cost option to check for dust is to vacuum up dust from given areas of carpeting (often 1 square meter) and to weigh the dust. Carpets with lots of dust (higher weight) may be in rooms with more complaints than in rooms with cleaner carpets (lower dust weight). Particle counter meters may sometimes also be useful.
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