What are persistent toxic chemicals? Why are they a problem?

Is it true that toxic chemicals accumulate in house dust? What can I do to protect my family?

I heard about a study that found toxic chemicals in people in Washington. Can you tell me more about this?

Learn more about specific chemicals and chemical groups by clicking on items in the lefthand column:

What are persistent toxic chemicals? Why are they a problem?

Dioxin, mercury, toxic flame retardants (PBDEs), DDT, and PCBs are among a class of chemicals called persistent toxic chemicals. These chemicals are toxic in small amounts, are long lasting in the environment, and build up in food, animals, and people.

Persistent toxic chemicals are passed to children in the womb and through breastfeeding, impacting them at the most vulnerable time of their lives. Health impacts of persistent toxic chemicals include reproductive disorders, cancer, birth defects, declines in wildlife populations, hormone disruption, and learning disabilities. For information on specific chemicals, explore the chart above. Click here to learn about Washington Toxics Coalition’s work to eliminate persistent toxic chemicals.

Is it true that toxic chemicals accumulate in house dust? What can I do to protect my family?

‘Sick of Dust,’ a study released in 2005 by Clean Production Action, examined toxic chemicals in house dust from 70 homes in seven states. The study found that all the dust samples were contaminated by all six of the chemical classes investigated: phthalates, pesticides, alkylphenols, brominated flame retardants (PBDEs), organotins, and perfluorinated compounds. Most of the chemicals found in this study have also been detected in breast milk as well as blood and/or urine. Read more about the study here.

The Pollution in People study, released by the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition in May 2006, found toxic chemicals, including phthalates, pesticides, brominated flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds, in Washington residents. Read more about Pollution in People here.

House dust is the primary medium of exposure to lead, and other studies have shown that pesticides, especially those used in lawns, are tracked in from outside and accumulate indoors, where they can persist for long periods. Pesticides used indoors also may persist for long periods. Toxic chemicals are also released from everyday household products such as vinyl flooring, carpeting, furniture, and electronics. House dust also harbors dust mites and other allergens.

These steps will help to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals in house dust:

• remove shoes at the door and use door mats

• vacuum and clean regularly: try to wipe surfaces with a damp cloth and vacuum floors and upholstery once a week, especially in homes with small children

• choose household products carefully: explore our other FastFacts sections, and also explore the Safer Alternatives section of the Pollution in People website.

I heard about a study that found toxic chemicals in people in Washington. Can you tell me more about this?

The Pollution in People study, released by the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition of Washington in May 2006, examined the toxic chemicals found in the hair, blood, and urine of ten Washington residents. The study found that:

• Every person tested had at least 26 and as many as 39 toxic chemicals in his or her body.

• For some chemicals, the levels found were at or near those believed to be capable of causing serious problems such as infertility and learning deficits.

• Three participants had mercury exposures above the Environmental Protection Agency’s “safe” levels.

• All ten participants were contaminated with PCBs (banned industrial coolants), PBDEs (toxic flame retardants), perfluorinated chemicals (“Teflon chemicals”), phthalates (plasticizers and fragrance carriers), and mercury.

This pollution comes from food, household dust, everyday products such as cosmetics, electronics, and stain-resistant furniture, and contaminated soil, air and water. Our study revealed that toxic chemicals have traveled to the worst possible destination – our bodies – and that new chemicals policies are needed to keep harmful chemicals out of industries and everyday products.

Read more about the study and ways to get involved on the Pollution in People website. Please also consider taking action to eliminate toxic flame retardants (PBDEs) in Washington!