Semi Volatile Organochemicals in Indoor Environment - Chlorinated Phosphorus and Organotin Compounds in Material Und House Dust Samples

Semi volatile organochemicals such as chlorinated organophosphorus and organotin compounds are detected in many indoor materials and residential house dust samples. Chlorinated phosphorus based flame retardants are found in 90 % of over 1,500 house dust samples ranging from 0.1 to 1,300 mg/kg. The results of material samples show that many polyurethane soft foams, sealants, and finishes contain significant concentrations of organophosphorus additives. High organotin concentrations are detected in dust samples derived from homes with polyvinyl chloride flooring with maximum values of 2,200 mg/kg. Our organotin pilot study presents the first available house dust sample results. The results show in many cases, that indoor dust ingestions of organotins from vinyl flooring dramatically exceed guideline values for Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) or Reference Dose for Chronic Oral Exposure (RfD). For long term exposure, especially, there is a considerable concern given by indoor appearances of chlorinated organophosphorus and organotin chemicals. INDEX TERMS SVOCs, Organophosphorus Flame Retardants, Organotin in PVC, House Dust, Exposure Assessment INTRODUCTION Semi volatile organic compounds (SVOC) are frequently observed as indoor pollutants. Materials emit SVOCs, which condense on available surfaces and dust particles. Due to the fact, that only low concentrations of the free chemicals can be monitored in indoor air, the examination of settled dust represents a reliable tool to specify indoor exposures and identify sources for many of the toxicologically relevant SVOCs (Pöhner et al., 1997) and other chemical and microbial pollutants (Macher, 2001). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of house dust samples enables the possibility of evaluation of potential long term exposures and chronic adverse health effects related to direct oral and dermal dust ingestion. As the average volatile organic compound (VOC) contributions seem to drop down due to consumer product regulations, the increasing quantity of health related SVOC emitting products are considered as an important issue for the future of analysis. This concerns indoor air quality control, defining testing and analytical standards, guidelines, and toxicological assessment. In Germany, extraordinary discoveries were made from chemical indoor exposures to SVOCs. They were related to the wood preservative pentachlorophenol (PCP) and other pesticides as DDT, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from sealants in schools and commercial buildings, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from tar based adhesives used for wooden flooring in homes. Those findings explained the demand for exposure control via material, air, and house dust testing which resulted in federal regulations and guidelines being established in ∗ Contact author email: [email protected] Proceedings: Indoor Air 2002