Healthy living is something you shouldn’t take for granted, and one important part of healthy living is keeping your apartment clean.
This why you need to take it serious. A new study has found that dust could increase a person’s risk of cancer and infertility. According to the study, there are potentially harmful chemicals lurk in dust that could increase the risk of cancer and infertility.
The researchers discovered household dust typically contains high levels of phenols – used in disinfectants -and flame retardant chemicals.
Chemicals found in day-to-day products are released into the air and end up in dust, which can settle on household items or the floor.
People can then inhale or ingest small particles of the dust, or absorb the toxins through their skin, the researchers warned.
Babies and toddlers are at particular risk because they typically crawl, roll and play on dusty floors and put their hands in their mouths.
Dr Zota and her team examined data from 26-peer reviewed research papers, which analysed dust samples taken from homes across 14 US states.
They found 45 potentially toxic chemicals that are used in many consumer and household products, including vinyl flooring, cosmetics, cleaning products, building materials and home furnishings.
The team discovered the following:
- Ten harmful chemicals are found in 90 per cent of the dust samples taken – including known cancer-causing toxin TDCIPP, a flame retardant frequently used in furniture, baby products and other house hold items
- Dust contains four classes of harmful chemicals in high quantities: Phthalates found in cosmetics, toys, vinyl flooring and phenols, found in cleaning products, as well as flame retardants and chemicals used in non-stick cookware
- Chemicals found in dust are likely to get into young children’s bodies
- Phthalates are not only found in high quantities in dust, but are linked to many serious health hazards, they are thought to interfere with hormones and scientists believe they cause respiratory problems in children and lower IQs
- Chemicals found in mobile phones, pizza boxes, non-stick cookware, waterproof and stain resistant products are often found in dust, and are thought to cause problems with the immune, digestive, developmental and endocrine systems
- Small amounts can add up. Many of the chemicals linked to cancer, developmental problems and infertility may be acting together and even exposure to small quantities of chemicals can lead to greater health risks, particularly for children and infants
According to Dr Ami Zota, the study’s lead author: “The findings suggest that people, and especially children, are exposed on a daily basis to multiple chemicals in dust that are linked to serious health problems.”
Dr Veena Singla, co-author from the Natural Resources Defense Council, in the US, said: “The number and levels of toxic and untested chemicals that are likely in every one of our living rooms was shocking to me.
“Harmful chemicals used in everyday products and building materials result in widespread contamination of our homes – these dangerous chemicals should be replaced with safer alternatives.”
By keeping dust in your home to a minimum, washing your hands and avoiding cosmetics and cleaning products with potentially harmful chemicals, you can lower your risks of serious health problems, including infertility, experts say.
S.O.Z