The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

House dust from 35 countries reveals our global toxic contaminant exposure and health risk

  • Written by Cynthia Faye Isley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Environmental Science, Macquarie University
House dust from 35 countries reveals our global toxic contaminant exposure and health risk

Everyone’s home gets dusty, but is yours the same as house dust in China or the US? Researchers around the world have united to capture the world’s first trans-continental data on household dust.[1]

People from 35 countries vacuumed their homes and sent their dust to universities in different countries, where it was tested for potentially toxic trace metals. Researchers gathered data on the human and household factors that might affect how much humans are exposed to these contaminants.

This is the first effort to collect global data of this type in a single study[2]. It shed new light on the sources and risks associated with trace metal exposure, which can lead to concerning neurocognitive effects in people of all ages.

The study[3] shows it doesn’t matter whether you live in a high or low income country, are rich or poor – we’re all exposed to contaminants via dust.

Read more: What is dust? And where does it all come from?[4]

A man sneezes in a dusty room
It doesn’t matter whether you live in a high or low income country, we are all exposed to contaminants in dust. Shutterstock

Differences between countries

Local environmental factors and contamination histories can make a difference.

In New Caledonia[5], elevated chromium, nickel and manganese were evident, due to local rock, soil and nickel smelters. These may be linked to increased lung[6] and thyroid[7] cancers in New Caledonia.

In New Zealand, arsenic concentrations are naturally high[8]. One in three New Zealand homes exceeded the acceptable health risk for children under two, set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Australia has concerning levels of arsenic and lead contamination in house dust. One in six Australian homes exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency acceptable health risk. Arsenic exposure can increase cancer risk[9] and cause problems to respiratory health and immune function. Lead[10] can affect children’s brain and nervous system development, causing behavioural and developmental problems.

It’s clear lead mining[11] and smelting[12] activities cause high lead levels in dust for local communities. But the study shows inner city areas are equally affected, commonly from legacy sources like emissions[13] from the leaded petrol era[14], or peeling lead paint in homes.

Data from Accra, in Ghana showed homes contained elevated lead concentrations, likely due to nearby electronic recycling operations. Old wiring and circuitry are burned to extract metals[15], causing trace metals such as lead, nickel and copper to fall out as dust across the city.

So where do contaminants in house dust come from?

One source reflects lead from past leaded petrol emissions and paints. Another reflects the degradation of building materials, rich in copper and zinc. This was more prevalent in older homes, which have seen more wear and tear and have been exposed to traffic emissions longer.

The third common source is soil, which gets blown in from outside and walked into homes[16] by people and pets.

A woman cleans a vent. Simple home cleaning practices, like frequently vacuuming, mopping and dusting with a damp cloth can reduce your exposure to contaminants in dust. Shutterstock

What factors affect how risky your dust is?

We also gathered global data on building materials, pets, hobbies, habits and home characteristics.

What made the most difference to metals in dust were house age, peeling paint, having a garden and smoking.

Interestingly, homes with garden access had higher dust concentrations of lead and arsenic.

Older homes had higher levels of all metals except chromium, and are likely to have residues from peeling paints, traffic and industrial pollutants, pest treatments and other chemicals.

Other factors, such as home type, building material, heating fuel didn’t appear to influence trace metal concentrations in homes.

Critically, what’s outside ends up in our homes[17], where it can be inhaled and ingested[18].

While global averages were within accepted thresholds, many individual homes exceeded these, particularly homes in Australia for lead-related risks, New Caledonia and the US for chromium-related risks, and New Zealand for arsenic-related risks.

A person wipes dust from a shoe area. Reduce the amount of dust entering your home by taking your shoes off at the door. Shutterstock

How to reduce your exposure to contaminants in dust

Frequent vacuuming, mopping and dusting with a damp cloth can reduce your risk. Vacuuming reduces contaminants like microplastics[19] in house dust.

If you live in an older home, keep the paint in good condition so it’s not flaking off.

When painting or renovating, follow safety guidance[20] from your state’s environmental protection authority – or call a professional[21].

Hobbies involving lead, like fishing, shooting and metal work, can affect your trace metal exposure. Choosing not to smoke inside will reduce exposures to chromium and manganese.

Cover exposed soil in your garden with mulch or grass, use a dual system of outdoor and indoor mats, take shoes off at the door and towel down muddy pets before letting them inside.

Considering we spend most of our lives indoors[22], there is growing international interest[23] in setting public health guidelines for chemicals in indoor settled dust.

In Australia[24] and the US, we have guidance for lead dust, but not other contaminants.

The best way to know what’s in your house dust is to have it tested by DustSafe[25] researchers.

Read more: We're all ingesting microplastics at home, and these might be toxic for our health. Here are some tips to reduce your risk[26]

References

  1. ^ world’s first trans-continental data on household dust. (doi.org)
  2. ^ study (doi.org)
  3. ^ study (doi.org)
  4. ^ What is dust? And where does it all come from? (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ New Caledonia (www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  6. ^ lung (www-jstor-org.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  7. ^ thyroid (www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  8. ^ naturally high (doi.org)
  9. ^ cancer risk (www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  10. ^ Lead (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ lead mining (www.sciencedirect.com)
  12. ^ smelting (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ emissions (www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  14. ^ leaded petrol era (www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  15. ^ burned to extract metals (greatforest.com)
  16. ^ walked into homes (www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  17. ^ in our homes (www-sciencedirect-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  18. ^ ingested (pubs-acs-org.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  19. ^ microplastics (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ guidance (www.epa.nsw.gov.au)
  21. ^ professional (painters.edu.au)
  22. ^ indoors (doi.org)
  23. ^ international interest (onlinelibrary-wiley-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au)
  24. ^ Australia (www.epa.nsw.gov.au)
  25. ^ DustSafe (www.360dustanalysis.com)
  26. ^ We're all ingesting microplastics at home, and these might be toxic for our health. Here are some tips to reduce your risk (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping