Scientists say house dust could make us fat. They say that people should keep their house clean if they want to avoid putting weight. The scientists are Duke University the USA. They did some research how dust affects mice. The researchers collected dust samples 11 different houses and put them the cells of mice. Dust nine of the houses made the mice fatter. The scientists said house dust changed the hormones the mice that create fat in their body. The scientists said that we breathe and swallow small amounts dust. Researcher Dr Heather Stapleton said: "Amounts dust as low as three micrograms…caused measurable effects."
The dust particles contained chemicals called EDCs. These can change or copy the body's hormones. EDCs are found sofas and carpets to make them fire resistant. They are also added to some plastics, to make them bend more, and cosmetics, food packaging, and household cleaning products. The researchers said EDCs are everywhere most houses. They say the chemicals can affect our health, and that children are a higher risk. EDCs also cause other health risks including creating learning disabilities children. Studies have also shown that EDCs can raise the risk cancer and infertility. The researchers said there was a "critical need" to assess things we make that can make us unhealthy.
