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Wang Z, Qi A, Lv J, Zhang T, Xu P, Wang M, Xiao Y, Yang L, Ji Y, Wang W. Occurrence and seasonal variations of organophosphate flame retardants in air and dust from college microenvironments at Qingdao, China: Implications for student's exposure and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 937:173182. [PMID: 38740192 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are widely used as alternatives to brominated flame retardants in a variety of consumer products and their consumption has continuously increased in recent years. However, their concentrations and human exposures in indoor microenvironments, particularly in a university environment, have received limited attention. In this study, the concentrations and seasonal variations of 15 OPFRs were assessed in typical microenvironments of two universities, including dormitories, offices, public microenvironments (PMEs: classroom, dining hall, gymnasium and library), and laboratories on the northern coast of China. Analysis of the OPFRs in both air and dust samples indicated widespread distribution in college campuses. The average concentration of ∑15OPFRs in the winter (12,774.4 ng/g and 5.3 ng/m3 for dust and air, respectively) was higher than in the summer (2460.4 ng/g and 4.6 ng/m3 for dust and air, respectively). The dust and air samples collected from PMEs and laboratories exhibited higher concentrations of OPFRs, followed by offices and dormitories. An equilibrium was reached between dust and air in all collected microenvironments. The daily intakes of OPFRs were significantly lower than the reference dose. Dust ingestion was the primary intake pathway in the winter, while inhalation and dust ingestion were the main intake pathways in the summer. The non-carcinogenic hazard quotients fell within the range of 10-7-10-3 in both the summer and winter, which are below the theoretical risk threshold. For the carcinogenic risk, the LCR values ranged from 10-10 to 10-8, indicating no elevated carcinogenic risk due to TnBP, TCEP, and TDCP in indoor dust and air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Wang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Anan Qi
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jianhua Lv
- Qingdao Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Tianqi Zhang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Miao Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lingxiao Yang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Climate Change, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Yaqin Ji
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Wenxing Wang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
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Wang Z, Geng S, Zhang J, Yang H, Shi S, Zhao L, Luo X, Cao Z. Methods for the characterisation of dermal uptake: Progress and perspectives for organophosphate esters. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108400. [PMID: 38142534 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a group of pollutants that are widely detected in the environment at high concentrations. They can adversely affect human health through multiple routes of exposure, including dermal uptake. Although attention has been paid to achieving an accurate and complete quantification of the dermal uptake of OPEs, existing evaluation methods and parameters have obvious weaknesses. This study reviewed two main categories of methodologies, namely the relative absorption (RA) model and the permeability coefficient (PC) model, which are widely used to assess the dermal uptake of OPEs. Although the PC model is more accurate and is increasingly used, the most important parameter in this model, the permeability coefficient (Kp), has been poorly characterised for OPEs, resulting in considerable errors in the estimation of the dermal uptake of OPEs. Thus, the detailed in vitro methods for the determination of Kp are summarised and sorted. Furthermore, the commonly used skin membranes are identified and the factors affecting Kp and corresponding mechanisms are discussed. In addition, the experimental conditions, conclusions, and available data on Kp values of the OPEs are thoroughly summarised. Finally, the corresponding knowledge gaps are proposed, and a more accurate and sophisticated experimental system and unknown Kp values for OPEs are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhexi Wang
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Shuxiang Geng
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Hengkang Yang
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Shiyu Shi
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Leicheng Zhao
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Xiaojun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Resources Utilization and Protection, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Zhiguo Cao
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
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Tao F, Sjöström Y, de Wit CA, Hagström K, Hagberg J. Organohalogenated flame retardants and organophosphate esters from home and preschool dust in Sweden: Pollution characteristics, indoor sources and intake assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165198. [PMID: 37391153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
This study analysed settled dust samples in Sweden to assess children's combined exposure to 39 organohalogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and 11 organophosphate esters (OPEs) from homes and preschools. >94 % of the targeted compounds were present in dust, indicating widespread use of HFRs and OPEs in Swedish homes and preschools. Dust ingestion was the primary exposure pathway for most analytes, except BDE-209 and DBDPE, where dermal contact was predominant. Children's estimated intakes of ∑emerging HFRs and ∑legacy HFRs from homes were 1-4 times higher than from preschools, highlighting higher exposure risk for HFRs in homes compared to preschools. In a worst-case scenario, intakes of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) were 6 and 94 times lower than the reference dose for children in Sweden, indicating a potential concern if exposure from other routes like inhalation and diet is as high. The study also found significant positive correlations between dust concentrations of some PBDEs and emerging HFRs and the total number of foam mattresses and beds/m2, the number of foam-containing sofas/m2, and the number of TVs/m2 in the microenvironment, indicating these products as the main source of those compounds. Additionally, younger preschool building ages were found to be linked to higher ΣOPE concentrations in preschool dust, suggesting higher ΣOPE exposure. The comparison with earlier Swedish studies indicates decreasing dust concentrations for some banned and restricted legacy HFRs and OPEs but increasing trends for several emerging HFRs and several unrestricted OPEs. Therefore, the study concludes that emerging HFRs and OPEs are replacing legacy HFRs in products and building materials in homes and preschools, possibly leading to increased exposure of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Tao
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, People's Republic of China; Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ylva Sjöström
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Cynthia A de Wit
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Hagström
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jessika Hagberg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
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Wang X, Leung CW, Cai Z, Hu D. PM 2.5-Bound Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Hong Kong: Occurrence, Origins, and Source-Specific Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14289-14298. [PMID: 37695108 PMCID: PMC10537441 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are emerging organic pollutants in PM2.5, which have caused significant public health concerns in recent years, given their potential carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects. However, studies on the sources, occurrence, and health risk assessment of PM2.5-bound OPFRs in Hong Kong are lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we characterized 13 OPFRs in one-year PM2.5 samples using gas chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Our findings showed that OPFRs were present at a median concentration of 4978 pg m-3 (ranging from 1924 to 8481 pg m-3), with chlorinated OPFRs dominating and accounting for 82.7% of the total OPFRs. Using characteristic source markers and positive matrix factorization, we identified one secondary formation and five primary sources of OPFRs. Over 94.0% of PM2.5-bound OPFRs in Hong Kong were primarily emitted, with plastic processing and waste disposal being the leading source (61.0%), followed by marine vessels (14.1%). The contributions of these two sources to OPFRs were more pronounced on days influenced by local pollution emissions (91.9%) than on days affected by regional pollution (44.2%). Our assessment of health risks associated with human exposure to PM2.5-bound OPFRs indicated a low-risk level. However, further source-specific health risk assessment revealed relatively high noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from chlorinated OPFRs emitted from plastic processing and waste disposal, suggesting a need for more stringent emission control of OPFRs from these sources in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong
Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Chin Wai Leung
- Department
of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong
Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- Department
of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong
Kong 999077, P. R. China
- State
Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Di Hu
- Department
of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong
Kong 999077, P. R. China
- State
Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
- HKBU
Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen Virtual University Park, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
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Chen FS, Chen CC, Tsai CC, Lu JH, You HL, Chen CM, Huang WT, Tsai KF, Cheng FJ, Kung CT, Li SH, Wang CC, Ou YC, Lee WC, Chang YT, Hashim F, Chao HR, Wang LJ. Urinary levels of organophosphate flame retardants metabolites in a young population from Southern Taiwan and potential health effects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1173449. [PMID: 37334296 PMCID: PMC10272846 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1173449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are widely distributed in the environment and their metabolites are observed in urine, but little is known regarding OPFRs in a broad-spectrum young population from newborns to those aged 18 years. Objectives Investigate urinary levels of OPFRs and OPFR metabolites in Taiwanese infants, young children, schoolchildren, and adolescents within the general population. Methods Different age groups of subjects (n=136) were recruited from southern Taiwan to detect 10 OPFR metabolites in urine samples. Associations between urinary OPFRs and their corresponding metabolites and potential health status were also examined. Results The mean level of urinary Σ10 OPFR in this broad-spectrum young population is 2.25 μg/L (standard deviation (SD) of 1.91 μg/L). Σ10 OPFR metabolites in urine are 3.25 ± 2.84, 3.06 ± 2.21, 1.75 ± 1.10, and 2.32 ± 2.29 μg/L in the age groups comprising of newborns, 1-5 year-olds, 6-10 year-olds, and 11-18 year-olds, respectively, and borderline significant differences were found in the different age groups (p=0.125). The OPFR metabolites of TCEP, BCEP, DPHP, TBEP, DBEP, and BDCPP predominate in urine and comprise more than 90% of the total. TBEP was highly correlated with DBEP in this population (r=0.845, p<0.001). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of Σ5OPFRs (TDCPP, TCEP, TBEP, TNBP, and TPHP) was 2,230, 461, 130, and 184 ng/kg bw/day for newborns, 1-5 yr children, 6-10 yr children, and 11-17 yr adolescents, respectively. The EDI of Σ5OPFRs for newborns was 4.83-17.2 times higher than the other age groups. Urinary OPFR metabolites are significantly correlated with birth length and chest circumference in newborns. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of urinary OPFR metabolite levels in a broad-spectrum young population. There tended to be higher exposure rates in both newborns and pre-schoolers, though little is known about their exposure levels or factors leading to exposure in the young population. Further studies should clarify the exposure levels and factor relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Shun Chen
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Chen
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Early Childhood Care and Education, Cheng-Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chang Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jian-He Lu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Ling You
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Mei Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ting Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Fan Tsai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Jen Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Te Kung
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shau-Hsuan Li
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chou Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Che Ou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chin Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fahimah Hashim
- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - How-Ran Chao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Safety Management, College of Agriculture, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Lu QO, Jung CC, Chao HR, Chen PS, Lee CW, Thi Phuong Tran Q, Ciou JY, Chang WH. Investigating the associations between organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and fine particles in paired indoor and outdoor air: A probabilistic prediction model for deriving OPFRs in indoor environments. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107871. [PMID: 36931197 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants of emerging concern such as organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are associated with atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5), which pose the greatest health risk in the world. However, few surveys have explored the interaction between PM2.5 and OPFRs in residential paired indoor/outdoor environments. 11 priority OPFRs and PM2.5 were investigated across 178 paired indoor and outdoor air samples taken from 89 children's households in southern Taiwan, across cold and warm seasons. This involved exploring their associations with building characteristics, interior materials, and human activities. We developed a probabilistic predictive model for indoor OPFRs based on the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio of contaminants and an air quality index. The significant associations of paired indoor/outdoor OPFRs and PM2.5 were explored. The indoor level of OPFRs was greater than that of outdoor households, contrasting with PM2.5. The I/O OPFRs ratio was higher than 1 (except for TEHP, EHDPP, and TCP), which suggests that the sources of OPFRs were primarily emitted from indoors. Indoor TCEP was significantly positively associated with indoor and outdoor PM2.5. The OPFR level detected in apartments was higher than in houses due to the greater decoration, furniture and electronic devices. However, this was not the case for PM2.5. TCIPP was the dominant compound in paired indoor and outdoor air. The indoor OPFR predictive model obtained a high accuracy with an R2 value of 0.87. The material used in mattresses, the use of purifiers and heaters, and the total material area were the main influencing factors for indoor OPFRs in households. These findings could provide important evidence of the interaction between paired indoor/outdoor OPFRs and PM2.5 and interior equipment in different building types. In addition, it could prevent the potential risks posed by indoor/outdoor air pollutants and eliminate OPFR emissions through the selection of better construction and building materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang-Oai Lu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Cheng Jung
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung 406, Taiwan
| | - How-Ran Chao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Pingtung County 912, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shih Chen
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Lee
- Department of Safety, Health, and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan
| | - Quynh Thi Phuong Tran
- Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Jyun-Yi Ciou
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsiang Chang
- Department of Food Safety/Hygiene and Risk Management, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan; Research Center of Environmental Trace Toxic Substances, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
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