Detection of endocrine disrupting activities, organophosphate flame retardants and synthetic phenolic antioxidants in indoor dust from Taiwanese elementary schools

摘要

There are many kinds of chemical compounds in indoor environment. Certain substances, such as organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) may leach out from various commodities by abrasion or volatilization, and further end up in indoor dust due to their high hydrophobicity. Indoor dust, which is absorbed by human body via inhalation or ingestion, may contain numerous contaminants and pose a threat to people staying indoors. It is important to investigate pollutants in indoor dust since people may spend more than 21 hours indoor nowadays. In this study, bioassays were used to detect androgen receptor (AR), thyroid hormone receptor (TR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) disrupting activities of OPFRs, SPAs, and indoor dust samples collected from elementary schools in Taiwan. Concentrations of OPFRs and SPAs in indoor dust were also analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to evaluate children’s exposure to these substances via indoor dust contact.