Anna Hartz
What’s in Your Dust? Nearly 200 Chemicals Discovered in Homes
Others are reading now
Most of us think our homes are safe. We clean regularly, vacuum, and try to create a healthy space.
But a new study shows that even clean homes across Europe are full of harmful substances, according to Ziare.
The danger comes in the form of tiny particles that we barely notice—dust.
Dutch researchers recently analyzed dust collected from homes in ten European countries.
What they found was disturbing. The dust contained a mix of pesticides—some of which have been banned for decades.
In total, they discovered 197 different pesticide chemicals. Many of these are known to affect hormones or increase the risk of cancer.
The study is the largest of its kind in Europe. It found that many homes had traces of over 100 different chemicals.
Homes with pets had even higher levels. Flea and tick treatments are a major reason for this.
Even one dog or cat in the house raised the number of harmful substances in the air and on the floor.
Most pesticides enter through dust that comes in from outside. Shoes and clothing can bring them indoors.
Once inside, they stick to surfaces or settle in carpets. Children and pets are most at risk since they spend more time close to the floor.
The researchers also found traces of DDT. This is a pesticide banned in most countries since the 1970s.
Despite the ban, it’s still showing up in homes today. That’s because it sticks around in the environment for a long time.
Professor Paul Scheepers, who led the study, compared the problem to PFAs—another group of chemicals that don’t break down easily.
Each substance may appear in low amounts. But when combined, the effects can be harmful.
The researchers say that safety tests need to look at the full mix of chemicals, not just each one on its own.
This study is a reminder that what we bring into our homes matters.
Dust isn’t just dirt. It can carry a long list of chemicals that affect our health every day.