The air we breathe

[taylweaver]

So yesterday, I noticed that the fan in our livingroom was blowing little bits of dust everywhere - onto the couch, the blanket on the couch, the clean laundry on the couch... okay, so maybe it was only blowing dust at the couch, but that was where it was pointed at the time. Well, after taking a lint brush to my formerly clean laundry (which, admittedly, has now been sitting on the couch for close to two days), I decided I couldn't deal with the little dust bunnies being spewed in all - well, mostly couchward - directions.

So, at 11:30 last night, I finally cleaned the fan.

On the up-side, I discovered that it is incredibly easy to remove the front of this particular fan.
On the disturbing side, it took two swiffer cloths - rather well-used, and ten incredibly dirty fingers - yes, they are still attached to my hands, and much cleaner now, so don't worry - to get the majority - and not even all, just the majority - of the dust off.

And the most disturbing part of all: New York City dust is a uniform dark gray. The kind of dark gray that is almost black. And forms dust bunnies. It was rather disgusting.

It made me think: this is what we put into our lungs?

Yuck.

But at least the fan is clean now.
And back to its old habits of feeling like it is on high when I put it on low.

Comments

[rymenhild.livejournal.com]

You should name the grey dustbunnies.

[taylweaver.livejournal.com]

I am open to suggestions.

[maric23.livejournal.com]

You start to notice it when you get used to places that have notably cleaner air. Most places it is safe to leave the windows wide open and not expect that thin film of black dust to settle quickly over the furniture. Always throws me when I go visit ny for any length of time.

I do agree though. Bunnies should definitely be named.

IAQ

[mysticengineer.livejournal.com]

I have noticed that my skin noticably improves when I stay outside of New York City for an extended period of time. What does that say about the quality of the air?
And I do know that AC filters must be replaced more often in NYC buildings than in other places (or at least they *should* be replaced - it depends on how good the maintenance guys are).
That having been said, the only advice I have for you is this: in order to protect your lungs, breathe through your nose.

Re: IAQ

[taylweaver.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice...

Ironically, my skin has been in better shape since moving here. My theory: NYC may have worse air, but it has better water.

Maybe it's due to all those microscopic (or not) crustaceans floating around in it. :)

Re: IAQ

[mysticengineer.livejournal.com]

Of course,
I'm comparing NYC air to Long Island air.
Whereas you... you're comparing it to NJ.
'Nuf said.

Re: IAQ

[taylweaver.livejournal.com]

:P

Be glad we're in (relatively) calm times in NYC

[margavriel.livejournal.com]

Ever since September 11th, 2001, I have come to appreciate the NYC dust a lot more than I had before that infamous day.

Right after the attacks, the wind blew the dust across the river, to the part of Brooklyn where my parents live, where I was living at the time. The dust formed thick layers on top of fences, streets, and especially cars. At first, I thought it was merely disgusting and choking, but then I stopped to realize what its components must have been. I realized, with horror, that it was made of steel, paper, and-- *gasp*-- incinerated human remains.

Ever since then, I have come to appreciate normal New York city dust. The fact that it does not contain the horrific substances of September 11th is a reminder that we are living in (relatively) normal times!

Hooray for normality!