Phthalate levels in Norwegian indoor air related to particle size fraction.
Phthalates are found in numerous consumer products, including interior materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Several studies have identified phthalates in indoor air. A recent case-control study demonstrated associations between allergic symptoms in children and the concentration of phthalates in dust collected from their homes. Here we have analyzed the content of selected phthalates in particulate matter (PM): PM(10) and PM(2.5) filter samples collected in 14 different indoor environments. The results showed the presence of the phthalates di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) and diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) in the samples. The dominating phthalate in both PM(10) and PM(2.5) samples from all locations was DBP. More than a 10-fold variation in the mean concentration of total phthalates between sampling sites was observed. The highest levels of total phthalates were detected in one children's room, one kindergarten, in two primary schools, and in a computer room. The relative contribution of total phthalates in PM(10) and PM(2.5) was 1.1 +/- 0.3% for both size fractions. The contribution of total phthalates in PM(2.5) to total phthalates in PM(10) ranged from 23-81%, suggesting different sources. Of the phthalates that were analyzed in the PM material, DBP was found to be the major phthalate in rubber from car tyres. However, our analyses indicate that tyre wear was of minor importance for indoor levels of both DBP as well as total phthalates. Overall, these results support the notion that inhalation of indoor PM contributes to the total phthalate exposure.
Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Oslo, Norway. kirsten.eline.rakkestad@fhi.no
Kirsten Eline
KE
Rakkestad
Christian Jarle
CJ
Dye
Karl Espen
KE
Yttri
Jørn Andreas
JA
Holme
Jan Kenneth
JK
Hongslo
Per Everhard
PE
Schwarze
Rune
R
Becher
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006798:Housing; D009664:Norway; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D012574:Schools
D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D002244:Carbon