Why dust in your house can make you gain weight
The dust in our homes can harbor many chemicals that can accelerate the development of fat cells.
Researchers have found that the dust in our homes can harbor many chemicals that can accelerate the development of fat cells, potentially contributing to obesity.
The dust in your home may contain harmful chemicals. In recent years, researchers have expressed concerns about the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, a class of substances that can interfere with the functioning of the endocrine or hormonal system. These substances are sometimes present in household cleaning products and even in objects that we use daily.
Many plastics, for example, contain phthalates, which are endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Researchers have warned that these chemicals pose a threat to public health, as studies have linked them to fertility problems, liver disease, cancers and childhood obesity.
One study found evidence to suggest that house dust may promote the development of fat cells. For what ? Because this dust may contain chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system.
Do certain chemicals contribute to obesity?
The researchers drew on existing research that indicates a link between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and impaired lipid (fat) regulation in animal models. This evidence joins that of other studies which have suggested that this mechanism could contribute to the development of obesity in humans.
For the current research, the team collected samples of house dust from 194 homes in central North Carolina (US), aiming to study the effect of chemical components of dust on the metabolic health of residents. . To do this, the researchers first extracted chemicals from the dust samples. They then tested the effects of these substances in vitro, particularly looking at whether the chemical mixtures promoted the development of fat cells.
The researchers report that even very low concentrations of the chemicals in the dust samples actually promoted the growth of precursor fat cells (from which adult fat cells develop) and, therefore, the growth of fat cells. This finding is particularly concerning because children most likely ingest between 60 and 100 milligrams of dust and dirt per day.
Two-thirds of the dust extracts were able to promote the development of fat cells and half could promote the proliferation of precursor fat cells at 100 micrograms, levels approximately 1,000 times lower than those children consume daily. In total, the researchers identified the presence of more than 100 different chemicals in house dust samples, and about 70 of these substances played a role in the growth of fat cells.
About 40 of these chemicals played a role in the development of precursor fat cells. This suggests that mixtures of chemicals in the indoor environment could be causing these effects.
Additionally, the researchers say that several of the chemicals that induced the growth of fat cells were present at high levels in dust samples taken from homes inhabited by overweight or obese children.
These chemicals are found in a range of products we encounter every day, including pesticides, cosmetics, food packaging and household cleaning products.
Bisphenol A, phthalates, and flame retardants are some of the most common EDCs we are exposed to.
A new potential health threat
Although more studies are needed to better understand how house dust may interfere with metabolic health, the researchers say their findings are concerning.
Adipogenic activity in house dust occurred at concentrations below exposure levels estimated to be healthy for children and raises concerns about impacts on human health, particularly in children. These findings delineate a potential new health threat and identify SVOCs [semi-volatile organic chemicals] as likely contributing to this hazard.