House dust may contain toxic chemicals, research says

A study finds that the house dusts are possibly carrying toxic chemicals in our homes. The toxic chemicals in the house dusts came from the household items.

Researchers had an analysis of house dust particles from samples acquired from different locations across the U.S. They were able to identify toxic chemicals that can disrupt or impair the hormones that cause reproductive system problems, according to the Chicago Tribune.

People are prone to toxic chemical exposures because of the house dusts that could not be 100 percent eliminated. The household items contain chemicals that cause health hazards and health risks, as CNN reported.

Here are some of the chemicals found in house dust:

•  Phthalates are found in the fragrances, personal care products, food packaging, vinyl blinds and to the vinyl flooring. This causes hormone disruption, developmental toxicity and reproductive system diseases.
•  Phenols can be found in cleaning products such as detergents, reusable water bottles, cosmetics, lotions and shampoos. Phenols cause hormone disruption and reproductive system toxicity.
•  Flame retardants can be found in the polystyrene building insulation, electronics, baby products, and in the furniture. Flame retardants cause hormone disruption, and nervous and reproductive system toxicity.
•  Fluorinated chemicals are found in food papers, and in water resistant treatments for carpets and upholstery. It could cause developmental, digestive, liver, reproductive and nervous system toxicity.

The Americans, especially the vulnerable children are exposed to the house dusts or dirt every day as the study suggests. Unfortunately, children who are still growing and having physical developments are facing intense risks. The toxic chemicals in house dusts when ingested or inhaled for a long time could lead to health diseases in the long run.

To protect people from the toxic chemicals, they must prevent using household products and personal care chemicals. Other strategies to prevent exposures to house dirt particles containing the toxic chemicals are by utilizing a heavy duty vacuum with HEPA filter and by constant hand washing.

In early 2016, the Silent Spring Institute unveiled a smartphone app that aids the consumers with the methods to prevent exposures to house dirt's toxic chemicals. Also, the Silent Spring Institute helped with this recent research.