You must have noticed some dark smudge or particles on the damp towel while dusting up sitting room, bedroom, office or even inside of the car; They are more than just dirt; they are chemicals congregated dust that are potentially dangerous to health. Dangerous enough to cause cancer and birth defects in babies.
More people spend more time indoors in places like homes, schools, offices, gyms, and cars. These places are usually full of dust that have been contaminated by chemicals shed by household items like televisions, furniture, beauty products, cleaning products, and flooring materials. The chemicals end up in the air and in the dust on our floors.
A study conducted in US by Natural Resources Defense Council Scientists claimed Toxic chemicals are in the very products we’re using to clean our homes and can be a significant source of dust and indoor air pollution. Hazardous chemicals found in our beauty products, candles, furniture, carpets, and flooring can also be released into the air. These chemicals, including phthalates and flame retardants, are released into the air and ultimately turn into dust that can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. .
These chemicals can enter our bodies when we inhale the dust or when we touch contaminated surfaces and accidentally transfer them to our food or mouth with our dusty hands or when fans blow the dust through our nostrils
The study; “Consumer product chemicals in indoor dust” said indoor dust contains chemicals from a wide variety of products. it said indoor dust is parking lot for chemicals in the home. The study did a comprehensive assessment of consumer product chemicals and found a wide range of the chemicals to be toxic and dangerous, especially for children
45 toxic chemicals from five chemical classes were found by the study to be common in. indoor dust. These chemicals, according to the study report, are associated with health hazards such as cancer, endocrine/hormone disruption, and reproductive toxicity.
Young children are at higher risk for exposure to chemicals in indoor dust because they come into much more contact with this dust when they crawl, play on the floor, and put their hands in their mouths. Children may also be more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals because their brains and bodies are still developing.
See data below: The top 10 chemicals in indoor household dust
Many chemicals in dust had the potential to cause the same health harm. The study suggested further research to evaluate the health impact of chemical add up when people get exposed to multiple chemicals at the same time in dust
Veena Singla a co-author of the study said household dust harbors a cocktail of toxic chemicals that have been linked to an increased risk of a range of health hazards, from cancer to fertility issues. “We think our homes are a safe haven but unfortunately they are being polluted by toxic chemicals from all our products,” she said.
POLICY TO REMOVE HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
Governments, companies and individuals should advance policies to remove hazardous chemicals from products and replace them with safer alternatives.
At the national level, the Consumer Protection Council , Standard Organisation of Nigeria and other agencies must ensure hazardous chemicals are removed from household items.
REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO DUST
Here are a few simple steps we can take to protect our families from toxic dust:
- Make the switch to non-toxic products. Spend time educating yourself on which ingredients to avoid when purchasing beauty products and cleaning solutions.
- Seek out furniture, carpets and flooring free from toxic chemicals.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before eating. Make sure to avoid antibacterial soaps and any soaps with fragrance.
- Vacuum floors regularly and use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
- Clean flooring with a wet mop
- Dust furniture and fixtures with a damp cloth
Use the Silent Spring Detox Me app. This free smartphone app walks you through simple, research-based tips on how to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals where you live and work, and it keeps track of your progress.