The risks from exposure to outdoor pollution or sources like tobacco smoke are well known, but indoor dust can also pose health risks, says an article published in the scientific journal Science of the Total Environment. New evidence shows that indoor dust is highly contaminated by persistent and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Endocrine disruptors are substances which disrupt the body’s natural hormonal system. Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals can persist for many years. These include PCBs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), pyrethroids, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), chlorodanes and phthalates.

Endocrine disrupters may be responsible for declining sperm counts, genital malformations, cancers and impaired neural development and sexual behaviour.

Because young children spend a lot of time indoors, often at floor level, and put objects in their mouths, they are particularly at risk from pollutants in indoor dust. This is coupled with physiological factors including smaller body size that increase their risk. Previous studies have shown levels of certain flame retardant chemicals to be two to five times higher in young children than their parents.

The public needs to be made more aware of the risks, as do workers who may face additional exposure, for instance when renovating buildings or removing old carpets containing PBDEs or phthalates. More frequent vacuuming and ventilation could help to reduce the levels of contaminated dust, as could limiting the use of pesticides indoors.