Dust peril in the house

Boston Herald

Dust peril in the house
By Thomas Caywood
Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - Updated: 04:54 AM EST

Dust collected from Massachusetts homes contained traces of toxic chemicals linked to a host of health problems, according to a disturbing new report.
``This analysis confirmed that we are broadly exposed to hazardous chemicals in our homes from common household products that many of us use every day,'' said Cindy Luppi of the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow.
The group tested dust taken last fall from 10 homes in Massachusetts, including three in Boston, as part of a national study. The local samples all contained potentially dangerous concentrations of toxins that leach out of household products - from nail polish to shower curtains - and accumulate on floors and in the air.


The Rev. Bill Loesch, who raised three daughters on Brent Street in Dorchester, said he was shocked and disturbed to learn about all the nasty chemicals found lurking in dust taken from his vacuum.
``It's scary to discover that just molecules sometimes are toxic chemicals that can affect us,'' Loesch said.
His daughter Cynthia, a Boston College student, said she felt betrayed. ``I assumed all the products I use were safe,'' she said.
Activists yesterday called on Gov. Mitt Romney [related, bio] to mandate safer consumer products.
State Department of Public Health spokeswoman Donna Rheaume said the agency actively supports efforts to reduce exposure to toxic contaminants and would review the new report.
Hidden dangers
Samples of dust taken from homes around Massachusetts and the country contained traces of many toxic chemicals such as:
# Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBEs) (flame retardant used in fabrics, furniture and electronics):PBEs accumulate in breast milk and can cause problems with the human hormonal system.

# Phthalates (used in PVC and vinyl products such as shower curtains and personal care products such as nail polish and perfume): Can disrupt the reproductive system and contribute to asthma.

# Organotin compounds (PVC water pipes and glass coatings): Poisonous even in small amounts, toxic to the immune system. [continue]


# Alkyphenols (lubricants and anti-oxidants used in laundry detergents, textiles, paints and other products): Altered sexual development.

Source: Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow