Sick Dust Report
By examining the vacuum cleaner dust in 70 homes in 7 states, a new report paints a disturbing picture of just how toxic the air is in the average home. This study found a prevalence of six toxic chemicals in these homes; chemicals that can cause cancer, developmental disorders and hormone changes in young children.
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Check Your Area🔬 Study Findings: 6 Toxic Chemical Classes
Study Scope
70
Homes Tested
7
States Covered
6
Toxic Chemicals
⚠️ Health Risks Identified:
- • Cancer - increased risk from chemical exposure
- • Developmental disorders - especially in children
- • Hormone disruption - affecting growth and development
☣️ The 6 Toxic Chemical Classes Found
1 Alkylphenols
Found In:
- • Laundry detergents
- • Textiles and fabrics
- • Hair-coloring products
- • All-purpose cleaners
- • Paints
Solutions:
- • Use non-toxic paints
- • Switch to natural laundry products
- • Choose eco-friendly textiles
- • Avoid synthetic fragrances
2 Organotin Compounds
Found In:
- • PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes
- • PVC food packaging materials
- • Glass coatings
- • Polyurethane foams
- • Various consumer products
Health Concerns:
- • Hormone disruption
- • Immune system effects
- • Reproductive toxicity
- • Bioaccumulation in tissues
3 Perfluorinated Organics (PFAS)
Found In:
- • Teflon non-stick cookware
- • Gore-Tex waterproof materials
- • Stain-resistant carpets
- • Water/oil-resistant furniture
- • Stain-proof clothing
Known As:
- • "Forever chemicals"
- • PFOA, PFOS compounds
- • Extremely persistent in environment
- • Bioaccumulate in body
4 Pesticides
Sources:
- • Indoor pest control applications
- • Carpets with pesticide treatments
- • Lawn and garden chemicals tracked inside
- • Professional pest treatments
Safer Alternatives:
- • Natural pest control methods
- • Integrated pest management
- • Physical barriers and traps
- • Essential oil deterrents
5 Phthalates
Common Sources:
- • Vinyl shower curtains
- • Raincoats and vinyl clothing
- • Plastic toys
- • Vinyl furniture
- • Vinyl flooring
Health Effects:
- • Endocrine disruption
- • Reproductive health issues
- • Childhood development concerns
- • Asthma and allergies
6 Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
Applied To:
- • Textiles and upholstery
- • Plastic electronics cases
- • Foam cushions and mattresses
- • Electrical goods and cables
Purpose & Risk:
- • Prevent/slow fire spread
- • Accumulate in dust over time
- • Persistent in environment
- • Linked to developmental issues
📢 Advocacy & Action
Study Organizations Call for Bans
The groups that performed the study -- the Citizen's Environmental Coalition and the Learning Disabilities Association of New York -- are calling for bans on these substances, which are common in many household products.
🏛️ Policy Changes Needed
- • Stricter chemical regulation
- • Mandatory safety testing
- • Product labeling requirements
- • Safer alternatives development
✊ What You Can Do
- • Support chemical policy reform
- • Choose safer product alternatives
- • Contact elected representatives
- • Share this information with others
🏠 Protect Your Home Today
🔍 Assess Your Risk
- • Take the Household Toxics Tour
- • Identify products containing these chemicals
- • Check air quality in your area
- • Learn about ozone toxicity
🛡️ Take Action Now
- • Switch to non-toxic cleaning products
- • Use safer personal care products
- • Improve indoor air circulation
- • Regular cleaning with HEPA filtration