HEI AGM + Contaminants In Your Environment – Dust and Soil Analysis in Your Home

Following the 2021 HEI Annual General Meeting, this webinar explored household exposure to environmental contaminants through soil and dust. Dr Cynthia Isley presented findings from the internationally recognised DustSafeand VegeSafe programs, which provide free testing for trace metals in household dust and garden soils. The webinar covered how participants across 35 countries have gained insights into the presence of contaminants such as lead, microplastics, perfluorinated chemicals, and antimicrobial resistance markers in their homes and gardens.

Attendees learned about common sources of indoor pollutants, how contaminants accumulate in household dust, and what steps individuals can take to reduce exposure and improve health outcomes. The session also shared new research into the effects of contaminants on microbiomes and innovative methods using bees and lichens as bioindicators of urban pollution.

Guest Speaker

Dr Cynthia Isley – Environmental Scientist and Program Lead, Macquarie University
Dr Isley leads Macquarie University’s DustSafe program and is a key contributor to VegeSafe, empowering community members to better understand contaminants in their homes. Her broader research focuses on air pollutant exposure and environmental health, using biological indicators to monitor pollution across Australia and the Pacific. Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Hons) from the University of Newcastle and a PhD in Environmental Science from Macquarie University.