CONTAMINANTS IN RESIDENTIAL FLOOR DUST

摘要

Indoor dust levels of eighteen pesticides, biological contaminants, lead and ambient conditions were measured during summer and winter seasons in 42 homes in central New York State. Floor dust samples were obtained by vacuuming carpet and hand vacuuming and wet wiping adjacent smooth floor. Pesticide levels were higher in carpet dust than smooth floor dust. Dust mite allergen levels were higher in carpet dust than smooth floor dust, but only for summer samples. Fungal levels were higher in smooth floor dust than carpet dust. Lead levels were lower for summer than winter and unaffected by flooring. Bacteria counts were higher during summer than winter and unaffected by flooring. Cat allergen levels were higher in homes with cats but unaffected by flooring. Cockroach allergen levels were low and unaffected by flooring.