Research Shows Most Benzene Exposure Happens at Home
Recent reports from Stanford University claim that the amount of toxins in home carpets is equivalent to the toxins, like benzene, that are given off in cigarettes. Dr. Wayne Ott PhD explains that oftentimes community leaders put too much blame on industry in terms of benzene exposure when in fact the causes of many illnesses is right beneath are feet, literally.
“We have measurements, lots and lots of measurements, lots of studies, showing that most of the pollution and most of the exposure to toxic chemicals occurs in your homes, like in your carpet. And these are all things that you can change easily,” says Dr. Ott.
Studies Reveal New Source of Exposure
EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants, like the toxic chemical benzene, show that indoor air levels of many pollutants are two to five times higher than any outdoor levels. Researchers estimate that the majority of people spend about eighty to ninety percent of their time indoors. So with all of this time spent on the floor, the research proves that toddlers can ingest anywhere from 0.02 to 10 grams of dust and soil each day. And much of this dust and soil contains harmful chemicals that exist within the carpet and are brought in by outdoor sources.
For years, outside sources and certain industries known to use benzene in their products and work days have been the primary source of blame for benzene exposure. Although benzene does cause harm to many through these sources, Dr. Ott explains that in many cases, people have to look no further than themselves and their own homes for the bad air they breathe.
Cigarette smoke, which contains benzene, has been found to be the number one source of indoor toxic air. Pollution meters can reportedly detect the harm of cigarette smoke lingering in the air for up to five hours.
