Exposure to organophosphate and polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants via indoor dust and childhood asthma

Abstract

Although the ubiquitous detection of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) in indoor dust has raised health concerns, only very few epidemiological studies have assessed their impact on human health. Inhalation of dust is one of the exposure routes of FRs, especially in children and can be hazardous for the respiratory health. Moreover, PFRs are structurally similar to organophosphate pesticides, which have been associated with allergic asthma. Thus, we investigated whether the concentrations of PFRs and PBDEs in indoor dust are associated with the development of childhood asthma. We selected 110 children who developed asthma at 4 or at 8 years old and 110 matched controls from a large prospective birth cohort (BAMSE - Barn, Allergy, Milieu Stockholm Epidemiology). We analyzed the concentrations of 7 PFRs and 21 PBDEs in dust collected around 2 months after birth from the mother's mattress. The abundance rank in dust was as follows: TBOEP⪢TPHP>mmp-TMPP>EHDPHP~TDCIPP>TCEP~TCIPP~BDE-209⪢BDE-99>BDE-47>BDE-153>BDE-183>BDE-100. There was no positive association between the FRs in mattress dust and the development of childhood asthma. In contrast, dust collected from mattresses of the mothers of children who would develop asthma contained significant lower levels of TPHP and mmp-TMPP. This study provides data on a wide range of PFRs and PBDEs in dust samples and development of asthma in children.

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in house dust in Central Poland

“…At the same time, we noted a weak negative correlation between the levels of BDE‐99 and TV and TT. A weak negative correlation was also detected between the levels of BDE‐209 and E. It may be assumed that the negative value of the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ( r s ) may have resulted from electronic equipment which did not contain PBDEs and could not be the source of origin of these dust compounds, while other elements of home furnishings and fittings may be such a source (Canbaz et al., ; Rauert et al., ; de Wit et al., ). Cunha et al.…”

Quantitative filter forensics with residential HVAC filters to assess indoor concentrations

“…Previous studies have identified associations between asthma and exposure to biological particle‐bound contaminants such as gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, endotoxins, and several airborne fungi . Exposure to particle‐bound semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) is also implicated in the development and exacerbation of asthma and allergies . Phthalate exposure is associated with the prevalence of children's asthma; however, organophosphate ester (OPE) exposure and its association with asthma are less clear …”

“…Exposure to particle‐bound semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) is also implicated in the development and exacerbation of asthma and allergies . Phthalate exposure is associated with the prevalence of children's asthma; however, organophosphate ester (OPE) exposure and its association with asthma are less clear …”

Levels of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Air-Conditioner Filter Dust Used to Assess Health Risks in Clinic and Electronic Plant Employees

“…Exposure to PBDEs occurs in the indoor environment through several routes including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Much attention has been paid to indoor dust, which is a major sink for PBDEs and an important pathway for human exposure to PBDEs (Chao et al, 2014c;Canbaz et al, 2015;Newton et al, 2015). Furthermore, several reports indicate that most PBDEs exposures are from indoor dust and not food (Lorber, 2008;Johnson-Restrepo and Kannan, 2009;Kang et al, 2011).…”

“…Furthermore, several reports indicate that most PBDEs exposures are from indoor dust and not food (Lorber, 2008;Johnson-Restrepo and Kannan, 2009;Kang et al, 2011). A recent study failed to find a significant relationship between PBDEs in mattress dust (indoor dust) and development of childhood asthma (Canbaz et al, 2015).…”