Experts detect dangerous substances in house dust
Scientists have discovered dangerous chemical compounds in house dust that disrupt the work of the human hormonal system, and these compounds are released from household things.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research reports that modern humans are completely surrounded by flammable materials. In order for an accidental misstep not to cause a tragedy, manufacturers usually add flame retardants to their products. These materials have been used extensively since the 1970s, as they are added to mattresses, carpets, furnishings and more.
As a result of consuming these things around us over time, these chemical compounds can mix with household dust and into the food, water and air that we breathe.
Among the flame retardants used are polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). But it became clear recently that these substances are harmful to the human body, especially the endocrine system (hormones).
Canadian researchers decided to verify the presence of flame retardants in household dust, although Canadian legislation has prohibited the use of these materials in the production of consumer goods since 2008. But things produced before the issuance of these legislation are still used in homes until now.
The results of a study and analysis of samples of house dust taken by researchers from twenty households in rural areas confirmed that all of them contain bromine at a concentration of 2-19 micrograms per gram of dust. And that some samples contain bromine as a flame retardant component such as PBDEs.
Experts advise, that to get rid of this problem, old furniture must be replaced with new furniture that does not contain these chemicals. When there is no such possibility, the house must be cleaned daily with a vacuum cleaner.
