In a study published in the June 15th edition of the journal Environmental Science and Technology, researchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted a survey measuring lead, allergens, and insecticides in a randomly selected nationally representative sample of residential homes. Researchers wiped hard surface floors of 500 homes to collect dust samples and these samples were analyzed for a suite of 24 compounds which included insecticides in the organochloride, organophosphate, pyrethroid, and phenylpyrazole classes, and the insecticide synergist piperonyl butoxide. All 24 insecticides tested for were found in some of the homes. Fipronil and permethrin, both currently used, were found in 40% and 89% of homes, respectively. Chlorpyrifos, which is no longer permitted for residential use, was detected in 78% of homes. Other commonly detected insecticides were piperonyl butoxide (in 52% of homes) and cypermethrin (46%). The results showed that most floors in occupied homes in the U.S. have measurable levels of insecticides that may serve as sources of exposure to occupants.

To view the abstract or the complete study, visit //pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es8030243.