 Did you ever wonder what was in the dust that winds up in your vacuum bag or on your dusting tool? Since we spend about 90% of our time indoors, scientists did, too. And after some recent research studies, we’re finding out some rather disturbing news about it.
A third of household dust is generated inside the home. The researchers found chemicals, pet dander, skin cells, decomposed insects, food debris, and fibers from carpets, bedding and clothes. Two thirds came from outdoor particulates such as pollen, dirt, silt, and even lead. One worrisome finding was that clothing—including children’s sleepwear—and furniture used to be chemically treated with flame retardants and other chemicals by law. But then researchers started identifying those same flame retardants and chemicals in human blood and tissue. Even newborns showed evidence of exposure in utero. How did these molecules end up in people’s bodies? Mostly via inhalation or ingestion of indoor dust. And then there is lead. To prevent lead poisoning, we have focused on sources like peeling paint and lead water pipes. Lead exposure from soil and dust is less well known. It can get carried by the wind into our homes through open windows and tracked in from our shoes. One point is crystal clear: no outdoor shoes in the house. The research showed that 96% of shoes have traces of fecal bacteria on their soles, including the antimicrobial resistant C. diff, and over 90% of these bacteria are transferred to floors. In addition, they found cancer-causing toxins from asphalt road residue and endocrine-disrupting lawn chemicals. Since all of these toxins and chemicals can make you sick, besides the no outdoor shoes rule, keeping surfaces and floors clean—using safe, natural cleaning products—is very important in keeping you and your family healthy. Read the article the post is based on here.
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