Ashes to ashes, dust to dust - how airborne particles affect the fate of SVOCs in the indoor environment

摘要

Background: Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including phthalates, flame retardants and biocides, are present in many indoor products. Human exposure to some of these SVOCs is associated with adverse health effects. Airborne particles enhance emission rates of SVOCs from indoor products, play an important role in the transport of SVOCs in the indoor environment, and contribute to inhalation exposure to SVOCs. Less well understood is the potential for particles with sorbed SVOCs to substantially increase the potential for dermal sorption. Also, airborne particles contribute to the accumulation of dust, which is an important determinant of exposure to some SVOCs via ingestion. Aims: The aim of this talk is to experimentally demonstrate the enhancing effect of airborne particles on emissions of SVOCs from indoor products and to use the results to estimate the potential enhancing effect of airborne particles on exposure to SVOCs via inhalation, dermal sorption and the ingestion of dust. Methods:An experimental chamber is used to measure emissions of di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) from vinyl flooring, with ammonium sulfate particles introduced to examine their influence on the emission rate. Simple mechanistic models are then used to quantify the potential influence of airborne particles on exposure to SVOCs. Results:Particles introduced to the experimental chamber increased the total airborne (gas + particle) DEHP concentrations by a factor of between three and eight, illustrating a clear potential for enhanced exposure. Conclusions:Airborne particles strongly influence the fate and transport of SVOCs in the indoor environment, and this mechanism must be considered when evaluating exposure and human health effects.