February 21, 2025, 8:52 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Household products contain numerous chemicals that remain in the air, in dust, and on surfaces — and they could be more dangerous than previously thought. A new study shows that dogs with increased exposure to these substances are more likely to develop bladder cancer. The research findings also raise questions about human health.
Numerous household chemicals are toxic and have the potential to cause cancer in both humans and dogs. This was the finding of a study by Duke University. Dogs that come into heavy contact with certain chemicals in the household have an increased risk of bladder cancer. Many of the substances are found in products that are used every day. This poses risks to both animals and humans, the researchers caution.
Study Investigates Chemical Exposure in Dogs
In order to find out which household chemicals dogs are particularly frequently exposed to in everyday life, researchers at Duke University attached special sensors to the collars of over 100 animals. These collected chemical residues from their environment over a period of five days. The team analyzed the samples for a comprehensive list of 115 chemicals. Of these, 39 were detected in at least half of the dogs. Notably, both the concentration and the variety of chemicals were higher in warmer regions.
Health Risks from Flame Retardants and Phthalates
The researchers then compared these findings with cell samples from the urinary bladders of dogs. They focused on a specific cell mutation that is considered an indicator of bladder cancer. Their investigations revealed that it is not primarily household chemicals from cleaning products that are responsible for causing cancer in dogs. The researchers identified polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a group of highly toxic flame retardants used in electronics and furniture, as being of particular concern. Although PBDEs were banned in 2004, they are still present in old household items and are extremely persistent—they can take hundreds of years to degrade.
Phthalates are also considered carcinogenic. They are mainly used as plasticizers for plastics and can be found in PVC flooring, for example, and wallpaper.1 For instance, vinyl flooring often includes the phthalate benzyl butyl, which was banned for floor coverings in 2015 but may still be present in older homes or vintage children’s toys.
Anthracene, a common air pollutant, has also been linked to bladder cancer markers. Anthracene is released into the environment through industrial combustion processes, domestic furnaces, traffic exhaust, and manufacturing processes. It is minimally biodegradable. It, therefore, accumulates primarily in soils and sediments.2
Dust is the Main Source of Pollution
However, how do dogs come into contact with these substances? As a rule, household chemicals and cleaning agents are well-sealed. At most, it is conceivable that the dog could run over the freshly mopped parquet and ingest potentially toxic substances. However, the study shows that the greatest danger lies in the air, as the most common source of exposure to these substances is probably household dust.
Chemicals can be released from products, dispersed in the air, and ultimately inhaled or ingested via the dust. Previous research has also shown that plastic toys for dogs can also release harmful substances. In addition to household sources, air and water pollution also contribute to exposure, although the latter was not investigated in the current study.
Higher Levels in Warm Climate Zones
One striking finding of the study is that dogs in warmer regions are exposed to higher levels of chemicals. Many pollutants are volatile and are released from products at higher temperatures. General exposure to a wider range of chemicals also appears to increase concentrations in the body, indicating a cumulative effect.
Multiple Exposure to Chemicals Still Underestimated
“When you start to look at this cumulative exposure to chemicals, it seems a little daunting,” says Catherine Wise, researcher and co-author of the study, especially when you’re trying to decide which cleaning products you shouldn’t buy. This is because the problem is often not due to a single ingredient. The study showed that most dogs with bladder cancer were exposed to up to 25 substances.
Wise emphasizes that the problem also lies in the current regulatory structure, as chemicals are usually assessed in isolation. However, the combination of different substances and long-term exposure could actually play a decisive role in the development of diseases — not only for dogs but also for humans. The study “strengthens the case” for more comprehensive research and regulation of multiple chemical exposures, says Wise.
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Reducing Exposure in the Home
According to Wise, it is not possible to completely avoid these household chemicals for dogs, as they are omnipresent. However, she recommends being more aware of the products that enter the home. Fragrances, in particular, often contain toxic substances, which is why she advises using fragrance-free cleaning and household products. Regular dusting with a damp cloth or using a vacuum cleaner with a Hepa filter can also help to minimize chemical exposure. “Even with a minor adjustment, you can choose to reduce your exposure,” Wise advises.