Virtual House

Become a Toxic Detective


Now it's your turn to become a toxic detective. Navigate your way through our virtual house to uncover fascinating facts about the toxic time bombs lurking in your home. Test your knowledge and discover the latest scientific facts about the place you call home.

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While all due care and attention has been taken to establish the accuracy of the material presented, Essential Viewing, Tallstoreez, CSIRO and the authors disclaim liability for any loss which may arise from any person acting in reliance upon the contents of this document.

Fascinating Fact

  • 'We can now estimate from sampling dust on carpets, upholstery and other surfaces, that each day, the average urban infant will ingest 110 nanograms of benzopyrene (compounds which can cause cancer in animals and is thought to induce cancer in humans)... this is the equivalent to a child smoking three cigarettes a day.'
    SOURCE: Scientific American

  • 'When unflued gas heaters are operating, indoor air generally exhibits substantially higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide than the highest concentrations measured in ambient air in Australia.'
    SOURCE: Department for the Environment and Water Resources

  • It was [Lead Paint] used mainly on exterior surfaces and to a lesser extent on interior doors and architraves, especially in undercoats and primers here concentrations of up to 20% lead were commonly used.
    SOURCE: Master Painters Australia

  • 'Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.'
    SOURCE: US Environment Protection Agency

  • 'If paint is known to be pre-1970, is in poor condition and is accessible to children, it may present a health hazard, and the paint should be tested for the presence of lead.'
    SOURCE: Lead Paint Information (Master Painters Australia)

  • Lead makes things taste sweet. The Romans used lead to sweeten their wines. So children and pets are attracted to the taste of lead paint chips and especially to lead dust.
    SOURCE: Frequently Asked Questions About Lead (US Environment Protection Agency)

  • Paint with more than 1% lead, or paint containing white lead, was prohibited for domestic use after 1970.
    SOURCE: Master Painters Australia

  • 'We can now estimate from sampling dust on carpets, upholstery and other surfaces, that each day, the average urban infant will ingest 110 nanograms of benzopyrene (compounds which can cause cancer in animals and is thought to induce cancer in humans)... this is the equivalent to a child smoking three cigarettes a day.'
    SOURCE: Scientific American