Are you anxious about chemicals in the air outside?
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What’s more, 10 of these chemicals were present in 90 percent of the dust samples collected, which suggests that many people are exposed to these substances, the researchers said. “Especially for building materials there is not as much turnover of a lot of those products, like flooring“, she said, adding: “Unfortunately even though some of these phthalates have been banned from kids products, they are not banned from other kinds of products”. However, it has been associated with various health hazards such as liver cancer and male reproductive problems in mice. With people spending around 90 percent of their time indoors, this can in turn lead to a relatively strong chance of inhaling the dust and these chemicals. Flame retardants, fragrances and phenols (a mildly acidic toxic chemical obtained from coal tar) were among them, and all can be a serious danger to your health.
According to a report from CNN, Dr. Ami Zota who led the study, said that they went into this study wanting to identify the chemicals that were located in the homes at the highest exposure.
But when factoring in the wide range of chemicals we’re exposed to, small amounts can add up, she stressed.
“Indoor dust is a reservoir for commercial consumer product chemicals and many of these chemicals have known and suspected health effects”, Zota said. Number one on the list: DEHP, which belongs to a hazardous class of chemicals called phthalates and is used in products including household cleaners, food packaging, cosmetics, fragrance, and personal-hygiene products.
Consumers who want to reduce their exposure to chemicals in household dust and their surrounding environment can take steps including keeping dust levels low by using a strong vacuum with a high-efficiency filter, washing their hands frequently and avoiding household and personal products with known potentially risky chemicals.
The chemicals originate from common products, such as cleaning products and electrical items.
A report released Wednesday that reviewed 15 years of research showed dust in the typical USA home contains chemicals associated with health defects, especially in children. Phthalate exposure in children “can increase risk of respiratory, behavioral and neurodevelopmental problems”. Researchers noted that more reseach must be done to fully understand the health risks of dust.
Dust samples also contained highly fluorinated chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS, which are found in cellphones, pizza boxes and many nonstick, waterproof and stain-resistant products.
Co-author Dr Veena Singla, of the US Natural Resources Defence Council, said: ‘The number and levels of toxic and untested chemicals that are likely in every one of our living rooms was shocking to me.
Children may be more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals because their brains and bodies are still developing, according to the research.
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Still, Canadian environmental health experts praised the study for shedding light on the potential dangers of dust, and said it’s an issue long-recognized in this country’s environmental health realm.
