Dirt

Dirt is any matter that people consider unclean, especially when it gets on our clothes, skin, or things we own. When this happens, we say something is dirty. There are many kinds of dirt all around us.

One common type of dirt is debris, which are scattered pieces of waste or remains. Another is dust, a fine powder made from both organic and mineral matter. Filth is foul matter, such as excrement. Grime is a kind of black, stuck-on dirt like soot. And soil is the mix of clay, sand, and humus that sits on top of bedrock. Sometimes, the word "soil" is used to talk about unwanted dirt that gets on surfaces like clothing.

Etymology

The word dirt first appeared in Middle English. It likely came from an Old Norse word meaning 'excrement'.

Exhibitions and studies

In 2011, the Wellcome Trust supported a series of artworks and exhibits about dirt. The main show was at the Wellcome Collection. It featured images and stories about famous dirty places, like the big dust piles at Euston and King's Cross in the 1800s, and the Fresh Kills landfill, which was once the world's largest landfill.

Cleaning

When things get dirty, we clean them using special liquids like hard surface cleaner. At home, we spend a lot of time washing and sweeping to keep things tidy.

In places like restaurants, looking dirty can make people not want to visit. Dirt can be different types: temporary dirt can be cleaned away each day, permanent dirt needs big fixes to remove, and deliberate dirt is when someone chooses a messy style on purpose.

Disposal

As cities grew, they needed ways to handle trash. In the United Kingdom, a law from 1875 required homes to put their waste in containers that could be moved and taken away. This was the first time the dustbin, or trash bin, was created by law.

Health

Today, people often live in cleaner environments. Some scientists think that not being around enough dirt when we are young might lead to health problems like allergies and asthma. Our bodies need to be active to stay healthy, and being around dirt can help this happen. For instance, tiny germs on our skin can help control how our bodies react when we get hurt.

Even when things look clean, they can still have tiny germs that make them dirty. For example, computer keyboards often have more germs than toilet seats. Sometimes, people and animals might eat dirt because they need more minerals, especially pregnant women.

Neurosis

Some people might become very focused on dirt and have strong feelings about it. They may even imagine or feel the need to play with mud, like making and eating mud pies and pastries. Scientists think this might be because many people naturally feel a strong reaction called disgust, and there could be a special part of the brain that handles these feelings.