São Paulo - The dust allergy affects millions of people worldwide. But the mites present in the dirt are not the only health threats. A new study indicates that house dust can contain dozens of residues of potentially harmful chemicals to the human body.
household products, cleaning products, toiletries and cosmetics, furniture and televisions, nonstick cookware and even wall coverings and floors contains substances that come off with time and use and end up accumulating in the air and dust from houses.
These chemicals can get into our bodies when we breathe and touch contaminated surfaces or when accidentally transferred to our food and mouth through the hands (although they do not look dirty).
Babies and children are the most vulnerable
The problem is that some of these substances can trigger not only allergies, but also lead to the development of cancer and interfere with the proper functioning of the body's hormones (so-called ability to endocrine disruption). Babies and children are the most vulnerable because they are in the development phase and in frequent contact with the ground.
The breath analysis was conducted by a team of major institutions of researchers from Harvard University, George Washington University, University of California at San Francisco and the Defense Council Natural Resources (NRDC) and the Silent Spring Institute.
In an unprecedented onslaught, the scientists analyzed dust samples from homes in 14 states and crossed with the data of more than 26 scientific articles reviewed by experts on common chemicals present in everyday life.
The results, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, identified 45 potentially toxic chemicals found in everyday household use articles. They were gathered in five big classes present in house dust. See below:
1. Phthalates
What is: a class with the highest concentration was phthalates which are used to make softer, flexible plastic, especially vinyl (PVC) for materials such as floors and blinds and food packaging, medical devices (such catheters, bags blood and serum), children's items (toys to tighten, mats for changing diapers, teething rings) and packaging (transparent film, disposable bottles). They can also be found in personal care products and scented products.
Health risk: this group of compounds is considered carcinogenic, can damage the liver, kidney and lung, as well as abnormalities in the reproductive system.
Examples: DEHP (phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl); BBzP (butyl benzyl phthalate).
2. Flame retardants
What is: the group of compounds widely used to inhibit or retard the spread of flame. In commercial use, they are used as additives in polyurethane foams used in mattresses, furniture upholstery, car and carpets. They are also present in computers and other electronic equipment and polymers used in adhesives, insulating wires, casings for televisions and computers, and in some tissues.
health threats: epidemiological studies in Europe and the US have shown neurodevelopmental deficits in children with increased prenatal exposure to these compounds.
Total chemical class identified in this study: 15
Examples: TCEP (Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate); BEH-TEBP one (tetrabromophthalate)
3. PFCs (perfluorinated compounds)
What is: compounds with unique properties for the production of materials resistant to stains, oils and water and widely used in various applications such as waterproofing agents and adhesion.
Where found: kitchen utensils, pans with non-stick coating; popcorn packages to microwaves and fast food packaging, textiles and carpets treated to make them impermeable to liquids and resistant to stains, furniture, paper coatings, etc.
health threats: potentially toxic, interfere with the immune and endocrine system.
Total number of chemicals such class identified in the study: 11
Examples: PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid); PFOS (perfluorooctanessulfônico acid)
4. Synthetic Fragrances
What it is: used as a perfume in a wide variety of products, including toiletries, perfumes, candles and air fresheners.
Health risk: you can trigger allergies and hormonal changes.
Total number of chemicals that class identified in the study: 1
Example: HHCB (Galaxolide)
5. Phenols
What it is: a class of widely used preservatives in cosmetics and cleaning. They are inexpensive and a small amount is sufficient to fulfill its function.
Health risk: can irritate the mucous membranes and mimic estrogen behavior (female hormone), lead to early puberty and reproductive problems.
Total number of chemicals that class identified in our study: 10
Examples: PEM (methyl paraben), BPA (bisphenol A)
Check out measures to shoo the toxic dust
The study says that governments and businesses must promote policies to eliminate hazardous chemicals and replace them with safer alternatives. This is a debate that has grown around the world. United States, Canada and the European Union is reviewing its regulations of chemicals in the light of the new risks identified in scientific research.
The subject also begins to gain prominence in Brazil, which put to public consultation until 28 September, the draft bill which provides for the registration, evaluation and control of chemicals.
But what you can do at home to minimize the rich?
According to the study, simple actions of cleaning can help reduce exposure to these substances. One tip is to wash your hands and children's hands often, especially before eating. Use plain soap and water, avoid scented soaps and antibacterial, that most harm than help (the US recently banned soaps that "kill up to 99.9% of bacteria").
Try to keep the house clean and without dust accumulation. At the time of cleaning, prefer to use a damp cloth instead of the broom, not to raise dust, or use a vacuum with a high efficiency filter (HEPA), which leaves no dust to escape at all. And last but not least, as far as possible, seek safer alternatives to everyday products which do not contain synthetic chemical risk found in the study.
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