Study finds toxic chemicals in dust samples from U.S. households

[Kadie]

Study finds toxic chemicals in dust samples from U.S. households
By TERENCE CHEA, Associated Press Writer

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

(03-22) 17:42 PST San Francisco (AP) --


Americans are exposed to a variety of potentially dangerous chemicals in their homes from products such as computers, frying pans and shower curtains, according to a new study released Tuesday.


The study, called "Sick of Dust," found 35 hazardous industrial chemicals in household dust samples from 70 homes in seven states, including California. It was commissioned by nine environmental groups, including the Center for Environmental Health in Oakland and the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition in San Jose.


"It literally brings home the fact that hazardous chemicals are in our daily lives," said Beverly Thorpe, international director for Clean Production Action, one of the study's sponsors. "We feel now is a prime opportunity to overhaul chemical regulation in the United States."


The researchers tested the dust samples for six types of chemicals, including pesticides and flame retardants. All the chemicals are legal, but many are known to be harmful to immune, respiratory, cardiovascular and reproductive systems. They said infants and young children are especially vulnerable to exposure.

more...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/03/22/state/n174244S43.DTL&type=health

[Wilms]

1. Europe has been on this for awhile.

"The study's backers said they decided to test dust samples in U.S. homes after seeing similar studies that found high levels of toxic chemicals in households in Europe, where lawmakers are tightening regulation of chemical production."

[leftchick]

2. while here in the US you can guarentee...

there will be NO tightening of rules. :eyes: