Americans spend over 90 percent of our time indoors and we expect our homes to be a place of comfort, security, and good health. However, a new report has found that household dust found in the average American indoor environment contains high levels of certain chemicals that are linked to health problems such as endocrine disruption, cancer, and reproductive toxicity. Researchers analyzed twenty six studies starting in the year 2000 measuring levels of contaminants in indoor dust in a variety of locations, including schools, homes, and gyms. Their findings were published in the September 2016 issue of Environmental Science and Technology.

Forty five toxic chemicals were highlighted in the research, such as phthalates, flame retardants (FRs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), synthetic fragrances, and environmental phenols. Ten chemicals, including several phthalates, FRs, and environmental phenols, were found in 90% or more of the dust samples. The Natural Resources Defense Council, one of the authoring organizations, has a very user friendly interactive graph illustrating the findings and the health implications for each chemical.

Health Care Without Harm's Safer Chemicals Campaign, Healthier Hospitals Safer Chemicals Challenge, and Practice Greenhealth provide guidance and resources for health care institutions who are interested in reducing exposure to toxic indoor dust by purchasing healthier furniture and supply options.

[Source: The Guardian]