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Older Homes Mean Higher Chemical Exposure for Your Family
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/8/2026
The older your house, the more toxic chemicals your family is likely exposed to. Housing age predicts chemical contamination.
Old Houses, Old Chemicals
A 2026 study found that housing age and sociodemographic characteristics predict chemical exposure levels indoors. Older homes have lead paint, asbestos, legacy pesticides, and older building materials that continue to off-gas chemicals decades later. Lower-income families are disproportionately affected.
What You Can Do
If you live in an older home, test for lead paint and asbestos. Use HEPA air purifiers. Wet-mop instead of sweeping. Browse non-toxic home essentials for safer alternatives.
Source: Authors (2026).