¿Is your house-dust making you fatter?

Researchers from Duke University performed a study linking chemical substances found on household dust to development of fat cells. Previous studies in animal models have found a relationship between chemical exposure and an increase in obesity. The scientist researched the composition of these dust to determine which chemicals are responsible for this effect. They found that some of the chemicals identified may come from “harmless” products such as detergents, paints, and cosmetics.

Environment plays a big role in the development or prevention of disease. Concerning dust, it´s an environmental factor that affects our health directly because we basically ingest it when we breath. EPA estimates that children consume 60 to 100 milligrams of dust daily. These alarming estimations invite us to reflect on whether we should be more conscious on the nature of the dust we keep in our house.

There still needs to be further study, but this achievement draws attention to our house cleaning habits and the importance they have on the health of our families. These study implications may result in a new health trend to have “healthier” house dust than the one we currently have. For this, it may be that the products and furniture we use will need to be made of better, more dust-friendly materials. On the mean-time, go outside and try to breath as much fresh air as you can.

Link to the article: 
https://www.genengnews.com/news/chemicals-in-household-dust-linked-to-fat-cell-development/