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Indoor dust contains rare earth elements (REE), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) from both outdoor and indoor sources like consumer products and building materials. Cigarette lighters and cat litter are identified as significant contributors to indoor REE, Th, and U levels.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Toxicology
  • Geochemistry

Background:

  • House dust is a significant reservoir for various elements, including rare earth elements (REE), thorium (Th), and uranium (U).
  • Understanding indoor sources and pathways of these elements is crucial for assessing potential human exposure and environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish nationally representative baseline data for REE, Th, and U in urban house dust.
  • To identify and differentiate between outdoor and indoor sources contributing to indoor dust elemental concentrations.
  • To assess the gastric bioaccessibility of REE in house dust.

Main Methods:

  • Sampling of house dust from 1025 urban homes across the nation.
  • Analysis of elemental concentrations (μg g⁻¹), loadings (μg m⁻²), and loading rates (ng m⁻² d⁻¹).
  • Statistical correlation analysis to identify sources and pathways, including Spearman rank correlations.

Main Results:

  • Indoor dust concentrations of REE, Th, and U are influenced by outdoor sources, consumer products, and building materials.
  • Soil track-in, hardwood floor wear, and cigarette lighter flints (mischmetal) are identified as significant indoor sources.
  • Geological impurities in products like cat litter and dog food contribute to indoor elemental levels. Median gastric bioaccessibility of REE is 20-29%.

Conclusions:

  • House dust serves as a critical medium for indoor exposure to REE, Th, and U, originating from diverse sources.
  • Consumer products and building materials play a substantial role in elevating indoor dust elemental concentrations.
  • Further research into the long-term health implications of indoor REE, Th, and U exposure is warranted.