Concentrations of organophosphate flame retardants in dust from cars, homes, and offices: An international comparison

Abstract

a b s t r a c tConcentrations of a number of organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) were measured in floor dust collected from living rooms in Australia (n ¼ 42), Canada (n ¼ 14), Germany (n ¼ 22), and Kazakhstan (n ¼ 9); cars from Australia (n ¼ 39) and Germany (n ¼ 19); and offices from Germany (n ¼ 25) and Kazahkstan (n ¼ 8). PFR concentrations in these samples were compared with each other and with previously reported data for PFRs in dust from similar microenvironments in the UK. Our data reveal significant between-country differences in both absolute concentrations and the relative abundance of specific PFRs in each of the microenvironments studied. Most notably, concentrations of TCIPP in UK living room dust (median ¼ 21 mg g À1 ) exceeded significantly (p < 0.05) those in all other countries studied here; a substantial number of car dust samples contained elevated concentrations of TDCIPP, and German samples generally contained lower levels of PFRs in all microenvironments studied. In addition, PFRs were determined in dust samples collected from living room couches in both Australia (n ¼ 41) and the UK (n ¼ 10). The elevated concentrations of TCIPP in UK living room dust are likely attributable to the favoured use of this PFR in UK couch foam. This is indicated by concentrations of TCIPP in UK couch dust (median ¼ 610 mg g À1 ) exceeding significantly those in Australian couch dust (median ¼ 2.9 mg g À1 ).Moreover, concentrations of TCIPP in UK couch dust originating from couches 15 years old or less, display a marked relationship with the age of the couch, with concentrations in such samples increasing significantly (p < 0.01) with couch age.

Development and validation of a multi-residue method for the analysis of brominated and organophosphate flame retardants in indoor dust

“…results showed a good agreement with both OPFR and PBDE concentrations previously reported in Australian indoor dust [36,37]. Compared with the concentrations found in other countries, OPFR concentrations here were lower than those in Germany [12], but comparable with those in Netherlands [38], Canada and Kazakhstan [36]. PBDE concentrations in this study were lower than those of the USA [39], but were similar to UK concentrations [40].…”

“…Fig 3 and Table S3 summarised the concentrations of OPFRs and PBDEs in Australian dust. results showed a good agreement with both OPFR and PBDE concentrations previously reported in Australian indoor dust [36,37]. Compared with the concentrations found in other countries, OPFR concentrations here were lower than those in Germany [12], but comparable with those in Netherlands [38], Canada and Kazakhstan [36].…”

Occurrence and human exposure assessment of organophosphate flame retardants in indoor dust from various microenvironments of the Rhine/Main region, Germany

“…The profiles of OPFRs in car dust showed a large variation among countries (Figure D). In general, car dust in this study was dominated by TBOEP, TCIPP, and TDCIPP; in Egypt, Kuwait, and the UK, it was dominated by TCIPP; in the Netherlands, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Germany by TDCIPP; and in Pakistan and Australia by TPHP. Ali et al .…”

“…Moreover, data on human exposure to OPFRs in various microenvironments are scarce for the German population. To the best of our knowledge, three studies have reported levels of OPFRs in dust from private homes, offices, and private cars, while only one study reported the occurrence of OPFRs in indoor dust from daycare centers in Germany.…”

Predictors of urinary flame retardant concentration among pregnant women

“…For example, PFRs are commonly detected in dust samples collected in cars (e.g. Harrada, 2016). It is possible that exposure inside cars in the summer is higher due to higher temperatures.…”