Factors influencing human exposure assessment of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRS) via indoor dust ingestion

Ortiz Carrizales, Yessica Patricia (2018). Factors influencing human exposure assessment of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRS) via indoor dust ingestion. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Concentrations of selected organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) were determined in samples of living room dust from differents countries with international differences in absolute concentrations and relative abundance of different PFRs. Other substantial international differences were observed that are likely attributable to variations in flame retardant legislation and use between different countries. Within-room, within-home, and between home temporal and spatial variation in concentrations of PFRs in floor dust and elevated surface dust was studied in 3 homes from Birmingham, UK. Of particular note are the seasonal variations in PFR concentrations where by higher concentrations were observed in spring and summer; and that between-home spatial variation was largely attributable to differences in flooring composition. Moreover, higher concentrations were generally found in elevated surface rather than floor dust. Concentrations of PFRs were determined in indoor air from houses and offices in Birmingham, UK. Finally, controlled chamber experiments were conducted to examine the magnitude and rate of PFR transfer from a treated fabric to dust via direct fabric-dust contact. A key finding was that source-to-dust transfer via direct contact occurs and over the time period of our experiments was proportional to the duration of contact; with the majority of PFRs, transfer from fabric to dust via direct contact occurs within the first 4 days of contact.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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