Why your household dust could fuel the growth of fat cells

The dust in your house may contain harmful chemicals.

In recent years, researchers and international policymakers have expressed concerns about the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, a class of substances that can interfere with the functioning of the endocrine — or hormone — system.

Such substances are sometimes present in household cleaning products, and even in objects that we use on a daily basis.

Many plastics, for instance, contain phthalates, which are endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Researchers have warned that these chemicals are a threat to public health, as studies have tied them to fertility problems, liver disease, cancer, and childhood obesity.

Now, a study led by Christopher Kassotis, Ph.D., from Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment, in Durham, NC, has found evidence suggesting that household dust may promote the development of fat cells. Why? Because this dust can contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Kassotis presented these findings yesterday at ENDO 2019, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, which was held in New Orleans, LA.

"This is some of the first research investigating links between exposure to chemical mixtures present in the indoor environment and metabolic health of children living in those homes," emphasizes Kassotis.

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