Spatiotemporal analysis of human exposure to halogenated flame retardant chemicals

Abstract

Human exposure to flame retardants occurs in microenvironments due to their ubiquitous presence in consumer products and building materials. Recent research suggests higher levels of exposure through elevated surface dust (ESD) compared to floor dust (FD). However, it is unclear whether this pattern is consistent in different microenvironments beyond the home. We hypothesized that time spent in various microenvironments will significantly modify the pattern of human exposure to flame retardant chemicals in ESD and FD. We tested this hypothesis by collecting time activity diaries from 43 participants; and by estimating human exposure to 10 polybrominated diphenyl ether and 8 non-polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant chemicals, based on chemical concentrations measured in different microenvironments visited by the participants. The results of paired t-tests show that, with some notable exceptions, estimates of human exposure to most chemicals through ESD are statistically significantly higher for ∑PBDE (p=0.00) and ∑non-PBDEs (p=0.00) than through FD. This study reinforces the need to integrate temporal, locational, and elevation dimensions in assessing human exposure to potentially toxic flame retardant chemicals.

Emerging halogenated flame retardants in the indoor environment

“…Acting as a repository for organic compounds, indoor dust is often used to evaluate levels of HFRs [42] and is generally collected by suction with a plain filter or with a commercially available vacuum cleaner bag, by surface wiping, or by passive sampling with collecting devices [68]. The most common technique is to collect floor dust, although elevated surface dust can also be used, potentially affecting the levels of contamination detected [3,42,83]. However, while reading this chapter, it is necessary to keep in mind that most studies covering single/multiple indoor environments do not account for this difference and, in order to limit the influence of spatial heterogeneity, single dust samples are often considered representative of whole-room or even whole-building conditions [3].…”

“…The most common technique is to collect floor dust, although elevated surface dust can also be used, potentially affecting the levels of contamination detected [3,42,83]. However, while reading this chapter, it is necessary to keep in mind that most studies covering single/multiple indoor environments do not account for this difference and, in order to limit the influence of spatial heterogeneity, single dust samples are often considered representative of whole-room or even whole-building conditions [3].…”

Chemicals management approach to sustainable development of materials

“…13 Metals such as lead and mercury are toxic to a wide range of biological species; [14][15][16] heavily used halogenated flame retardants such as polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), including decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) are toxic and recalcitrant in the environment, where they contribute to the depletion of the planet's layer of ozone in the stratosphere thereby exhibiting global impacts. 17 Chemicals such as bisphenol A and phthalates not only have direct toxicity effects on organisms, but they are also associated with plastic products that are subject to physical disintegration leading to more burdensome microplastics that have spread worldwide. [18][19][20] Despite compelling evidence linking asbestos fibers to severe lung disease in every population that has been exposed, international trade in asbestos continues, further prolonging the likelihood of exposure for future generations.…”