Wednesday, March 23 2005 12:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: There are dangerous chemicals that leach from everyday products, a study of common household dust in 70 homes across the US shows.

The study, titled "Sick of Dust: Chemicals in Common Products - a Needless Health Threat to our Homes," looks at a new and wide range of chemicals used in computers, cosmetics, upholstery, pesticides and other products.

All of these chemicals are legal despite the fact that they are internationally recognized as toxic or harmful to the immune and reproductive systems.

Babies and young children are particularly at risk from exposure. Sick of Dust outlines all of the major chemicals that were found in the dust samples, their health risks, and the products they are found in.

The report also ranks brand name companies and retailers on their use of hazardous chemicals and reveals what fundamental changes are needed to bring American chemical regulation up to a level that will protect the basic health of the current and future generations.

Beverley Thorpe, International Director of Clean Production Action, said at a press conference, "Manufacturers and retailers need to stop using toxic chemicals which are building up in our bodies and switch to safer alternatives, which are readily available."