News — dust

Get out your vacuum: Scientists find harmful chemicals in household dust SASKATOON – Since the 1970s, chemicals called brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been added to a host of consumer and household products, ranging from electronics and mattresses to upholstery and carpets. While they were intended to improve fire safety, one form -- polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs -- has proved harmful to human health, specifically our hormonal systems. Although the use of PBDEs has been restricted in Canada since 2008, older household electronics and furniture with these compounds are still in use. Additionally, the process used to add this...