01 Oct Dusting Tips: What Hides In Your Dust?

A study by the Safer Product Project took dust samples from 70 homes in 7 different states across the U.S. They wanted to know just what type of chemicals are in the dust we breath and live with every single day. What they found was shocking. In a world becoming more and more aware of our responsibility to use sustainable, non-toxic consumer products, we now know more than ever that the dust in your carpet can affect your health. It’s important to keep this in mind when you are dusting and cleaning.

The study tested for six types of chemical agents whose names are too long and polysyllabic to list in this blog but are found in most plastics, mattresses, cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides, preservatives on wood, and common household cleaning supplies. The study had each homeowner vacuum and send off the dust collected from the vacuum where it was then processed and tested for these six types of chemicals.

Of the dust samples, the highest concentrated chemicals were phthalates (thal-lates). These chemicals are found in PVC pipes, furniture, nail polish, pesticides, shower curtains, flooring, wall coverings, shoes, and more.

Studies on animals linked this category of chemical to problems in the reproductive system and asthma in children. Infertile males were found to have the highest concentrated levels of phthalates.

The majority of Americans spend 69-90% of their time indoor which tells us how important it is to ensure the that our homes are livable and healthy.The report poses many implications for the future of our household products and the chemicals we use to manufacture home-products. So what can we do to help keep our houses free of toxic chemicals?

We recommend a thorough cleaning throughout your house. Here are some dusting tips:

• Take your time while dusting, set a timer to stay focused, play your favorite music album, or put on an audio book
• Start by dusting from the highest parts of your house and work your way down
• Use non-toxic cleaning methods and products
• Call us and choose one of our specials to get all the dust and toxicity out from the depths of your carpet.
• Maintain a weekly routine cleaning schedule. Just ten minutes a day can make a huge difference.

Keeping our houses clean isn’t just important for our compulsions and presentation, it is important for our mind and body’s well being. We feel good when everything is clean. More importantly, our body’s can thrive when we keep our environment healthy.