Nearly 200 pesticides were found in homes following a research conducted in 10 European countries with scientists studying the dust inside them.

Specifically, in the preliminary findings of the largest study of its kind in 2021, scientists who examined domestic dust found 197 pesticides in total.

Scientists say their research supports the idea that regulators should evaluate the risks involved in pesticides when reacting with other chemicals or even individually. They argue that this should apply to substances already used, as well as those that have not yet been approved.

More than 40% of pesticides in the dust have been linked to extremely toxic effects, including cancer and hormonal disorder in humans.

The number of pesticides in each home ranged between 25 and 121 and pesticides tend to be higher in farmers’ houses.

Professor Paul Scheepers of the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, said: “We have many epidemiological studies showing that diseases are associated with pesticides.”

He argued that pesticides in the dust found their way to people’s homes through shoes, as well as pets such as cats and dogs. “If we don’t take out the shoes out of the house, then we bring a lot of dirt from the outside. Pets are also a source, “Scheepers said.

“There are many studies indicating that animals collect certain infections, including pesticides, outdoors. Another source is the consumer products we bring to our homes … Any pesticides we buy in the store for specific reasons and an important source are the treatments for fleas and ticks for pets. “

Although the concentrations of each pesticide in the dust were small, the mixtures of dozens of chemicals could have an impact on health, as well as increase exposure to pesticides, when they often meet higher concentrations of fruits, vegetables and flowers.

The study found that the DDT remained in the environment despite the fact that the pesticide was banned in some countries in 1972.

PFAS products are also known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down into the environment. They are used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial processes, and some have been linked to serious diseases in humans and animals, including cancers.