Researchers at Duke University have discovered a link between the
ubiquitous particles covering our tables and the all-too-ubiquitous fat
cells in our bodies.
The scientists took pre-fat cells from mice and exposed them to house
dust — and found that seven of 11 dust samples caused the cells to
prematurely develop into adult fat cells. And nine of 11 dust samples
spurred the cells to divide, creating more pre-fat cells — all with the
potential to cause weight gain.
Dust is comprised of many elements including hormone-affecting
chemicals called endocrine disruptors that can damage reproductive
systems, the thyroid, metabolic rates and the heart, as well as cause
cancer.
More research is being done because the amount of disruptor-laced dust
which affected the cells is way below the government acknowledged levels
of exposure seen in children daily.
These disruptors can be found in plastics and many household products,
including flame retardant, pesticides, cosmetics, packaging and cleaning
fluids — which get into our dust.
And then under our waistbands.
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