Your dusty house may make you sick

A tip that may keep you healthy — clean your dusty house.

That’s the takeaway of a new study that found that everyday dust may harm you because it harbors hazardous chemicals — and lots of them.

After sifting through dust-related data covering 14 states, the research team learned that 45 toxic chemicals are commonly contained in house dust — with 10 of them present in 90% of homes across the country.

The potential poisons come from consumer products and building materials and belong to five classes of compounds: Phthalates, which make plastic softer; flame retardants; phenols, which are preservatives in products like shampoo; fragrances; and highly fluorinated chemicals used in an array of stain- and water-repellents. The chemicals have been linked to cancer, hormone problems and fertility issues.

Exposure comes through contact with the skin and the simple act of breathing. What to do? Avoid products with dangerous chemicals, vacuum frequently, mop uncarpeted floors and pay special attention to places kids place. Children may be at higher risk to dust dangers since they crawl on the floor and put their hands and their mouths.

The study is the first comprehensive analysis of consumer product chemicals found in household dust, according to Ami Zota, an assistant professor of environmental occupational health at George Washington University who led the study. Researchers noted that more research must be done to fully understand the health risks of dust.