Are Phthalates Lurking in the Dust of California Homes?

A recent study by researchers from a university in Washington, D.C. found that dust in homes often contain up to 45 toxic chemicals, 10 of which are found in 90% of homes throughout the country. The researchers analyzed past studies of sampled indoor environments from across the United States dating back to 2000. Of the 45 chemicals identified, the pollutants found in the highest concentrations are known as phthalates.

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics and vinyl more flexible and durable. Some are used as solvents for other materials and are also used in numerous products that most people are exposed to on a daily basis. These chemicals are used in hundreds of consumer products and can be found in some cosmetics and personal care products, including perfumes, hair sprays, soaps, shampoos, nail polish and skin moisturizers. They are also used in consumer products such as shower curtains, wallpaper, vinyl mini-blinds, food packaging and plastic wraps.  Phthalates can even be found in some wood finishes, detergents, adhesives, plastic plumbing pipes, lubricants, medical tubing and fluid bags, solvents, insecticides, and various building materials, in addition to vinyl flooring.

“Because some phthalates are suspected to be endocrine disruptors, their use has already been restricted in certain child care articles and toys since children can be exposed to the chemicals by chewing on the items,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The fact that this new study found phthalates as the chemical pollutant with the highest concentrations in household dusts is concerning because the human health effects of exposure to phthalates are still not fully understood.”

California residents concerned about exposure to phthalates can turn to LA Testing for comprehensive analytical services to identify potential exposure risks in their homes or other indoor environments. LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about phthalates in the home that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/u5jA4JWa9p8.

To learn more about phthalates or other indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Leandro and South Pasadena.
 

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

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