engleski

Household variables affecting PBDE and trace element concentrations in house dust

House dust is a heterogeneous mixture of particulate matter that, due to its large specific surface area and high organic content, acts as a sink for indoor contaminants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and trace elements. PBDEs are banned flame retardants that have been mainly used as additives in polyurethane foams, curtains, carpets, and housing components for electrical and electronic equipment. Elements are ubiquitous and as well extensively found in many household products. PBDE and trace element exposure from dust can occur via inhalation, alongside to ingestion and dermal absorption. Since both of these groups of compounds have been proven to be toxic, human exposure to them represents a growing health concern. To evaluate the possible indoor sources of 7 PBDEs and 18 trace elements in house dust, 68 dust samples were collected from households of different districts of Zagreb and surrounding places within Zagreb County, Croatia. Mass fractions of ΣPBDE ranged from 0.16 to 200.09 ng g-1 dust, with median 4.19 ng g-1 dust. Al and Fe were found in the highest fractions (median values 9234 and 8035 mg kg-1, respectively), followed by Zn, Mn and Cu in descending order. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis for each individual element and ΣPBDE congeners was used to identify which of the considered household variables (e.g. number of residents, renovation activity, number of electronic devices…) were the best predictors of element/ΣPBDE fraction. Results suggested that number of residents and hours spent using electronic devices are positive predictors for ΣPBDE fractions in dust, while house renovation was a negative predictor, most likely due to the use of new materials produced after PBDEs commercial mixtures ban. For most trace elements, age of house and house area were identified as the most important contributors, followed by number of windows, number of curtains and time spent using electronic devices. The maximum mass fraction of ΣPBDE was detected in dust sample collected from the house with the highest number of residents and curtains. Furthermore, the smallest ventilation and vacuum cleaning frequency was reported, and the lack of these activities can contribute to the retention of contaminants in indoor air and dust. In an area like Zagreb, with no known significant sources of pollution, it is important to assess which household variables most affect PBDE and trace element fractions in house dust. Nevertheless, the impact of soil/street dust and outdoor air containing suspended particulate matter from anthropogenic activities (industrialization, vehicular traffic) should be taken into account.

polybrominated diphenyl ethers, elements, house dust, contaminants

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