Dangerous for rabbits? – – Avoid direct contact with dust near the electronics

Dinside.no has already written about a study conducted by the Norwegian Institute for Aeronautical Research (NILU) on rabbits, in which they collected and studied dust and rabbits from Norway to measure the presence of various pollutants.

They then discovered that Norwegian hybrids contain large amounts of environmental pollutants that may pose risks to both the environment and health.

At present, the environmental department has asked the Bergfall environmental consulting firm to conduct a more in-depth review of several studies on household dust, in order to list the environmental risks detected in the brackets of Norwegian homes, how they have arrived there and what steps can be taken to reduce the exposure of these environmental pollutants. .

Because, of course, you do not eat hybrids, or they jump and attack you, they still represent a danger in exposing you to dangerous contaminants.

There are many environmental pollutants in household dust

In the report, Bergfall has been the subject of several Norwegian studies, as well as a Swedish study and a major American study.

They conclude that the most commonly detected compounds in house dust are PFAS and brominated and organophosphorus flame retardants.

In an American survey, phthalates were detected at the highest concentration – and it is assumed that since the uses in the United States and Norway are relatively similar, this could also be the case here.

According to the report, dust can bind all types of environmental pollutants – and environmental toxicity comes from products we have at home or imported from home.

Dust on and around electrical products can have higher levels of environmental pollutants than elsewhere. In particular, these flame retardant compounds apply.

Senior researcher Helle Katrine Knutsen of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) has already told Dinside that what is as important as the discovery of environmental hazards in rabbits to the skin is what it tells us about the substances we are exposed to at home. And children are more likely to penetrate the environmental poisons actually present in the dust of the house because they are more likely to stay on the ground.

– Avoid direct contact with dust in the immediate vicinity of the electronics

The different environmental poisons have different properties and are related to dust in different ways. Thus, the best way to eliminate dust can vary depending on the environmental risks of dust.

Generally, there is dry disposal in the form of vacuum cleaner that applies.

But pay particular attention to the dust on and around the electronics:

Studies have shown a greater presence of organophosphates in house dust located on and around the electronics.

It is therefore advisable to regularly remove accumulated dust around and on electronic components.

"In addition, skin contact is an equally important route of exposure, such as the ingestion of dust, for both children and mothers, so it may be beneficial to avoid direct contact with dust in the immediate vicinity of the electronics, "says Bergfall.

– More pollutants than others

Heidi Morka, head of section at the Environmental Directorate, told Dinside.no that the results of environmental pollutants contained in house dust show that these substances are used in products that we treat daily.

It adds that Bergfall's report does not make it possible to determine whether the amount of environmental pollutants in house dust is increasing or decreasing – but it points out that it can confirm that there are more environmental pollutants than others:

"Right now, we do not have enough results for every environmental toxicity to indicate whether the amount of dust in the house dust goes up or down. But Bergfall's documentation for us shows that some environmental pollutants appear more frequently in dust than others. These include PFAS and brominated flame retardants, which we are using to phase out, Morka told Dinside.

"Norway is at the origin of several international regulatory proposals for these two groups of environmental pollutants and when we formulate such proposals, we use the knowledge of environmental pollutants in household dust. Other regulations are important to reduce the overall burden to which people and the environment are exposed, even through dust, she concludes.

– Not surprised

Anja Bakken Riise, leader of the future in our hands, tells Dinside that they are not surprised at the results:

– Unfortunately, we are not surprised at the results of the investigation. The high purchasing power of Norwegians allows us to be present around the world in terms of the number of environmental problems we encounter when we buy products.

She added that, according to them, the regulation of chemicals is going too slowly.

"Many more pollutants should be banned and similar substances should be dealt with in groups instead of forbidding one connection at a time," she said, adding that Norway should go from there. before and introduce taxes on priority pollutants in the expectation of stricter regulation in the EU.

"It is very problematic that consumers are not getting enough information about the chemicals in the items we buy, and we think products like toys, electronics and textiles need to have a table of materials such as cosmetics and cleaning products will make it easier to choose products that contain harmful chemicals, "says Riise.

She adds that there are several things you can do to prevent harmful chemicals.

"It is obvious to buy fewer things.If you first need something, it may also be wise to buy second-hand products, since releases of environmental pollutants will often be more important in the beginning We also recommend that you choose products bearing the Swan label if you wish to have the guarantee that they are free from the environment, advises Riise.

This is how he enters the house

According to the report, little can be done to prevent the formation of dust, but it may be wise to limit the amount of dust introduced into the housing by dirty clothes and shoes.

Another measure may be to limit the use of certain aerosol products, such as hairspray, shine, polish, but also the limited use of candles, naked flames, smoke and fumes. 39; incense.

The report also states that it is difficult in most cases to avoid taking home the environmental poison because it is present in the product without necessarily being indicated on it. packaging or otherwise.

It's wise to do

Aspiration suction can be an effective way of removing dust and associated environmental poisons. The use of a HEPA filter or a central vacuum is recommended. For some of the poison, exposure can also occur on the skin.

The main point of this survey includes:

• It is possible to reduce the formation of dust of mineral origin (earth and sand) by carefully cleaning the entrance of the house.

• It is possible to reduce dust formation by avoiding products that generate dust, such as spray products and hair spray inside.

• It is possible to reduce the formation of dust by avoiding dust generating activities such as smoking, candles, incense and open fire

• It is possible to reduce exposure to harmful connections by avoiding buying products containing such substances. This is not always possible, but perfumes and their supports in cosmetics, cleaning and personal care products can be avoided because it is often indicated on the product what it contains, may not contain

• A reduction in exposure to harmful compounds can be achieved by aspiration. Preferably use a HEPA filter or a central vacuum

• Carpets and areas with a lot of electronics are special sources of dust exposure at home.