Pesticides and biocides are widely used in agriculture, building materials, and urban gardening to control pests and protect crops and public health. While much attention has been paid to pesticide residues in food, water, and outdoor environments, far less is known about their presence inside homes, where people spend the majority of their time. A new RECETOX study published in Indoor Environments addresses this gap by examining pesticides detected in house dust and their relevance for human exposure.
The study reveals that Czech household dust commonly contains multiple pesticide residues, highlighting the persistence of both historic and current chemical use indoors. Modern pesticides were detected in 93% of homes, with two fungicides (carbendazim and propiconazole) most frequently found, while compounds related to the long‑banned pesticide DDT were present in dust from all homes, and were at higher levels in homes over 40 years old. Homes located closer to agricultural areas showed higher levels of current‑use pesticides in spring, indicating an influence of nearby farming activities.
House dust acts as a sink for chemicals transported indoors from outdoor sources as well as from indoor use. Many pesticides can persist in dust for long periods, leading to continuous exposure in indoor spaces. This is particularly important for young children, who have higher exposure to dust from playing on the floor and mouthing toys and objects. The research underscores that indoor environments are not isolated from their surroundings. Understanding what ends up in house dust is a crucial step toward protecting public health and developing more comprehensive approaches to managing chemical risks in everyday life.
The study can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indenv.2026.100169
A new study by experts from RECETOX and St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno brings important insights into the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It shows that modern targeted and biological therapies not only relieve eczema symptoms, but also restore the skin’s natural bacterial balance and suppress bacteria linked to worsening of the disease.
Sabina Cerulová originally planned to study veterinary medicine, but coincidence, the covid‑19 pandemic, and her bachelor’s project led her to research at RECETOX. Today, she studies a rare genetic mutation responsible for severe symptoms in a specific patient, and she works with animal models, microbiome, and advanced imaging methods.
