The Vacuum: Reducing chemicals in Household Dust

Warning:  you can’t unknow what I am about to tell you. And if you choose to read on:  you might become as obsessed with dust as I am.

Dust is nasty.  Household dust is has been found to harbor over 45 different well studied toxins including: phthalate chemicals, fragrance chemicals, flame retardants, phenols PFAS chemicals, heavy metals and more.  

These chemicals are linked to diverse health effects including birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births and early puberty in laboratory animals, among other serious health problems

Because of this an often overlook, but quite useful tool for reducing toxins at home, is a good vacuum.  This household staple can actually significantly reduce your exposure to some of you home’s worse chemical offenders.

But, of course, not all vacuums are created equal.   When choosing a vacuum to help decrease toxins at home look for one that:

1. Has a true HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that can trap 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size… Vacuums with true HEPA filters are generally more expensive.

2. Make sure it is a ‘sealed’ HEPA vacuum that will keep the dust trapped inside, and doesn’t spew it back into the air

3. Suction: you want a strong suction that is capable of removing embedded dirt and more from both carpeting and bare floors

According to GoodHousekeeping & Consumer Reports the best vacuums are: 

Best Overall HEPA Vacuum Cleaner: Miele Dynamic U1 Fresh Air Upright

Best Value HEPA Vacuum Cleaner: Shark APEX Powered Lift-Away Upright

Best Cordless HEPA Vacuum Cleaner: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Blue (also available at Target ) V10 has similar features and has a slightly lower price point (plus this link give you $70 off)

Best HEPA Vacuum for Asthma Sufferers: Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly Upright

I recently purchased the Dyson Cordless Vacuum and absolutely loved it because in addition to using it on hard floor and carpets I use it on:

1. Upholstered bed frame: most upholstered bed frames contain flame retardants and many contain PFAS chemicals. Vacuuming them can catch dust mites and avoids chemicals from migrating into the dust in the room or on the bed

2. Upholstered furniture: some sofas have both PFAS and flame retardant chemicals. Vacuuming helps minimize these from migrating into the dust nearby

3. Window screens: very carefully allows me to remove impurities trying to come in from outside

4. Inside the car/ kids carseat: Our cars are filled with flame retardant and phthalates that migrate to dust so the dust inside our cars is quite toxic (Volvo was found to have the lowest levels of phthalates and the second lowest levels of PBDEs, making it the industry leader in terms of indoor air quality!)

True Hepa Filter vacuums are expensive so they are definitely an investment (my favorites are in my Amazon store via link in bio)   If you or someone in your home has allergies or chemical sensitivities, it can be quite helpful.  If you live in an old home with lead paint - it would be prudent to consider a high quality vacuum   

But, if you can’t afford a true Hepa Filter vacuum I recommend mopping floors with a damp cloth & perhaps using an air filter 

SOURCES

https://www.ecocenter.org/article/news/new-ecology-center-guide-toxic-chemicals-cars-helps-consumers-avoid-major-source-indoor

https://www.consumerreports.org/vacuum-cleaners/vacuum-for-allergies/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/a29991896/best-hepa-vacuums/

https://www.nrdc.org/resources/not-just-dirt-toxic-chemicals-indoor-dust#:~:text=These%20commonly%20measured%20chemicals%20in,dust%20samples%20across%20multiple%20studies.