Simultaneous assessment of organophosphate flame retardants, plasticizers, trace metals, and house dust mite allergens in settled house dust

Abstract

Settled house dust (SHD) is a reservoir for various contaminants, including endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs), trace metals, and house dust mite allergens. This study aimed to characterize various chemical and biological contaminants in SHD and identify determinants governing the indoor contaminants. In total, 106 SHD samples were collected from 106 houses in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, Korea, in 2021. Bedding dust samples were collected from 30 of these 106 houses. All participants completed a questionnaire comprised of housing and lifestyle‐related factors. The samples were analyzed for 18 organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), 16 phthalates, five alternative plasticizers (APs), seven trace metals, and two house dust mite allergens (Dermatophagoides farinae type 1 [Der f1] and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus type 1 [Der p1]). A multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the determinants governing the concentrations and profiles of various contaminants. OPFRs, phthalates, APs, and trace metals were detected in all SHD samples, indicating ubiquitous contamination in indoor environments. Among the three EDC groups, APs were detected at the highest concentrations (geometric mean [GM] (geometric standard deviation, [GSD]): 1452 (1.6) μg/g in total), followed by phthalates (GM (GSD): 676 (1.4) μg/g in total) and OPFRs (GM (GSD): 10 (1.4) μg/g in total). Der f1 was detected in all bedding dust samples with significantly higher levels than Der p1 (GM (GSD): 0.1 (1.8) μg/g vs. 1.4 × 10−3 (2.3) μg/g). The concentrations of OPFRs, plasticizers, and trace metals in SHD were significantly associated with the type and number of electronic appliances and combustion activities. Der f1 was significantly associated with the number of occupants and water penetration. Ventilation, vacuum cleaning, and wet cleaning or dry mopping significantly reduced the levels of most contaminants in SHD. As residents are persistently exposed to a wide array of pollutants, comprehensive and adequate measures are required to prevent potential exposures.

PM2.5-Bound Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Hong Kong: Occurrence, Origins, and Source-Specific Health Risks

“…As shown in Figure S6 , most OPFRs were mainly apportioned to this source in PMF, especially for TCEP, TCPP, EHDPP, and TnBP. TCPP and TPHP are mainly applied in polyurethane foam; 39 , 40 EHDPP is primarily used in food packaging, paints, and rubber, 8 , 40 while TMPP and TBOEP are used in abandoned automobiles and electric wires. 41 Like our results, Wang et al 42 also found waste recycling as an important source of environmental chlorinated- and aryl-OPFRs by measuring dust and soil samples collected from a waste recycling area.…”