Children are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals in household dust because because they encounter it more when they crawl, play on the floor and put their hands in their mouths. ( Dreamstime )Household dust contains a wide range of toxic chemicals — and young children are at a higher risk for exposure, new research shows. The chemicals include flame retardants, environmental phenols, fragrances, phthalates (used to make plastic softer and more flexible) and fluorinated chemicals (used as stain- and water-repellent treatments). Article Continued BelowMany are associated with health hazards that include cancer, endocrine or hormone disruption and reproductive toxicity, the report noted. They’re also at a higher risk for exposure to household dust because they encounter it more when they crawl, play on the floor and put their hands in their mouths.

Source: thestar September 15, 2016 10:52 UTC