Pesticides in household dust

A walk in the countryside could be bringing pesticides into your home – that’s what research suggests when pesticide residues across rural locations in ten countries in the EU were analysed. The study analysed more than 600 environmental samples in agricultural settings including soil, water, and household dust.

Whilst you might expect pesticides to be detected in fields and surface water, finding them in household dust might be more surprising. In total, 197 pesticide residues were found in household dust measured in samples from farmhouses. In each case, researchers detected a mix of pesticide residues, including glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide. Further, the indoor dust samples tested contained the highest levels of residues measured of all the environmental samples, and at some of the highest concentrations.  

Residue levels of pesticides in soil were found to be lower in organic fields, as expected, and slightly lower residues were found in household dust in ‘organic’ farmhouses. However, residues of pesticides already banned in the EU were also detected at high concentrations in soil and dust, contributing to the likelihood that pesticides and other chemicals persist in the environment for many years after they are no longer used. 

But how do pesticides get inside the home? It’s probable that farm workers bring pesticide residues inside on their shoes and clothing, and even in their hair and on their skin, presenting a possible health risk. The findings highlight that almost 66 % of the residues found in household dust have been linked to adverse human health effects such as cancer. 

And whilst not everyone might live in, or nearby to a farmhouse, many of us enjoy a walk in the countryside for leisure. It seems that not only can pesticides be blown about on windy days, but they can persist in soil and surface water, which is how we can pick them up on our shoes and clothing and bring them into our homes. The research also suggests we might breathe pesticide in as 20 of the samples of outdoor air collected, a total of 76 pesticide residues were also found. The number of pesticides detected in this study gives an idea of the complexity of the mixtures, and the possible ‘cocktail effect’ of exposure from multiple sources and chemicals. 

Health risks linked to pesticides

Pesticides and herbicides have been linked to a wide range of health conditions including higher rates of still birth and obesity rates, and adverse effects on microbiome (gut) health. The World Health Organization classifies glyphosate, the world’s most widely used chemical herbicide as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans and it has strong links with higher rates of cancer. It’s thought that many chemical pesticides and herbicides are possible endocrine disrupting chemicals due to their ability to mimic the actions of hormones in the body that regulate growth, development, and the immune system.

How can you reduce exposure to pesticides? 

If you are concerned about any of the potential harmful effects of pesticides there are some simple actions you can take to reduce your exposure to them.

• Take your shoes off at the door when you arrive home, and leave any pesticide chemicals on your shoes outside. 

• Brush the soles of your shoes off and keep them in an airtight container in the boot of your car if you walk regularly in the countryside. 

• Use an air purifier to filter out pesticide residues in household dust, especially if you live in a rural location. 

• Eat more food grown using organic farming methods. 

Read full study here. 

Image credit: A3pfamily

The information on our website should not be used as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.  If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.