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Concentrations of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in indoor dusts from malls in China: Implications for
Leimeng Shi1, Yuan Gao2, Haijun Zhang2
1Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
Abstract:
Levels and distribution of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) were measured in indoor dusts from malls in China. The concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs in dustfalls from a building material mall ranged from 6.0 to 361.4 μg g-1 and from 5.0 to 285.9 μg g-1, respectively. Much heavier contamination was found in central air conditioner filter (CACF) dusts from a newly opened shopping mall, with SCCP concentrations of 114.7-707.0 μg g-1 and MCCP concentrations of 89.0-1082.9 μg g-1. The C13- and C14-CPs were the dominant congeners, while the Cl7 and Cl8 groups were the major chlorine congeners in both kinds of dust samples. Significant correlation relationships (p ≤ 0.05) were found between ∑SCCPs and ∑MCCPs in CACF dusts and dustfalls. Varied exposure pathways including dust ingestion and dermal permeation have been evaluated. The average daily exposure doses of SCCPs and MCCPs for the adult in CACF dusts and dustfalls were estimated to be 0.394 and 0.150 μg kg-1 day-1, respectively. The toddler had higher exposure risks with 5.918 and 2.658 μg kg-1 day-1 in the shopping and building material malls, respectively. Dermal permeation was the predominated exposure pathway for the adult, while dust ingestion was suggested to be more important for the toddler due to hand-to-mouth contact.
Insights
Indoor dust in Chinese malls shows significant contamination from short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs). Toddlers face higher exposure risks than adults, with dust ingestion being a key pathway for them.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are widely used industrial chemicals.
- SCCPs and MCCPs are prevalent environmental contaminants.
- Indoor environments can act as reservoirs for CPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify SCCP and MCCP levels in indoor dust from Chinese malls.
- To assess human exposure risks via different pathways.
- To identify dominant congeners and exposure routes for different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of SCCPs and MCCPs in dustfall and central air conditioner filter (CACF) dust samples.
- Congener and chlorine distribution analysis.
- Estimation of daily exposure doses for adults and toddlers.
- Evaluation of exposure pathways (ingestion, dermal absorption).
Main Results:
- High concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs found in mall dusts, especially CACF dusts.
- C13- and C14-CPs were dominant congeners; Cl7 and Cl8 were major chlorine congeners.
- Toddlers exhibited significantly higher exposure risks compared to adults.
- Dermal permeation was primary for adults; dust ingestion was key for toddlers.
Conclusions:
- Indoor dust in malls represents a significant source of SCCP and MCCP exposure.
- Exposure levels and risks vary significantly between adults and toddlers.
- Understanding exposure pathways is crucial for targeted risk mitigation strategies.
