House Dust are Carriers of 45 Harmful Chemicals Related to Cancer and Infertility, Study Reveals
House Dust Contain Harmful Chemicals
We may still be exposed to outdoor pollution even at home, according to a new study.
A new study reveals that house dust contains harmful chemicals that are normally found outside. These hazardous chemicals reportedly come from normal household furniture and items, and these substances were found to be so rampant in house dust that it's alarming.
Toxic House Dust Comes from Furniture, Household Materials
The toxic chemicals found in house dust reportedly come from everyday materials found in a typical home. George Washington University found that 45 of the chemicals found in house dust are harmful and some of them are even linked to cancer and infertility, New York Daily News reports. The researchers found that 10 of the toxic chemicals were found in 90% of homes across the United States.
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First House Dust Study
In their research, the scientists collected various samples of house dust from houses across the country. They found that phthalate DEHP and phenols had the highest amount of concentration in the samples. These are followed by flame retardants, fragrances and fluorinated chemicals. Exposure to these toxic chemicals is as simple as breathing or having these particles absorbed through the skin, according to Daily Mail.
The chemicals that were identified in the collected samples were apparently coming from things found in the house. Some of them include baby products, nail polish, flooring, cosmetics, vinyl products and more.
Those who are at most risk of these chemicals are houses with small children and those with compromised immune systems. Lead research professor Ami Zota adds that being exposed to these chemicals can lead to adverse health effects. These may include breathing and respiratory problems in children, early menopause, developmental problems, cancer, infertility and more.
Dust-Proofing Home Can Prevent Too Much Exposure
Since these chemicals are components of everyday households, regularly dusting the insides of the homes may not be enough. CNN notes that exposure prevention is more efficient with a powerful vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter that can suck up most of the dust in an area. It is also not recommended to use a traditional feather duster as it may propagate dust particles instead.
Researchers say that the research of household dust is still ongoing and that there are still many things unknown about it. However, they advised that household materials can be made with gentler chemicals to minimize toxic exposure among consumers.
