Bob CollinsThere’s bad news today for those of you who consider dust to be a protective coating. It might be killing you, CBS News says.
A new study, examining two dozen previous reports, finds that 90% of the dust examined contained 10 toxic chemicals.
Phthalates, which is used in toys and vinyl flooring, was the chemical found in the highest concentration.
They were followed by phenols, often used in cleaning products. Then came flame retardants, fragrances and perflouroalkyl substances, which are used in carpets, textiles, and leather to make them water-, oil- and stain-repellent and to create grease-proof and waterproof coatings for products such as paper plates and food packaging.
“Phthalates are linked to multiple health hazards, including reproductive,” Signla said. “And some flame retardants are linked to cancer.”
The authors of the study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, were especially concerned about exposure to children, especially very young children who crawl around on the floor and put their hands in their mouths.
One scientist says some of the chemicals come from fragrances put in household cleaners.
Like furniture spray to clean dust.
