1. Dust is unsightly and makes your collection look poorly maintained.
2. Dust is abrasive on a microscopic scale due to tiny sharp mineral particles, such as quartz.
3. Dust contains pollens, skin cells, insect bits, and other organic matter that feeds biological growth.
4. Dust can be acidic.
5. Dust is “hygroscopic,” meaning it attracts water and holds it against the surface of an object, contributing to staining, corrosion, and biological growth.
via Dust in Museum Exhibits « Ellen Carrlee Conservation.
Write dust into a story. Now that you’ve read this list where does dust fit in and how does it change your story? Will you make dust the monster or just a victim of circumstance?