Get rid of the dust!

Dust may not be as harmless as we think. According to new Canadian research, household dust is the principal source of exposure of flame retardants. This is a class of chemicals which some scientists believe with regular exposure may lead to serious learning and developmental problems. These flame retardants are found in carpets and furniture.

"Dust is the greatest route of exposure to brominated flame retardants said Miriam Diamond, a professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Toronto. Flame retardants are used in the manufacture of a broad range of materials such as foams, textiles and plastics and as a result most household products including sofas, carpets, hairdryers, television and computers give off PBDEs. These chemicals turn into dust that sticks to windows, gathers in small balls under the bed and is also found in the lint in the dryer.

Who are those most exposed to ingesting of these flame retardants?
Dr. Diamond estimates that the average urban Canadian ingests 155 to 1,965 nangrams daily of poly brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) with the highest level found in babies.

According to the article in the Globe and mail newspaper written by Andre Picard, animals exposed to high levels of PBDEs develop memory problems and disruptions to the thyroid hormone and some scientists believe the above mentioned problems in animals could lead into disabilities and stunted growth in humans. These chemicals are present in very low levels in our bodies and can build up into a level that will cause problems!

Class A Service specializes in home cleaning that can help reduce the risk to exposure of flame retardants which are found in dust in our homes. Home cleaning teams can thoroughly dust and vacuum your home on a regular or occasional basis, thus reducing the amount of PBDE’s in your home. Call for a free estimate today!

Excerpt from "The Globe and Mail"
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
By Andre Picard
Public Health reporter