Flame retardant exposure assessment: findings from a behavioral intervention study
Elizabeth A Gibson1, Heather M Stapleton2, Lehyla Calero1
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
|June 29, 2018
Summary
House cleaning and hand washing significantly reduced flame retardant exposure in mothers. These simple interventions, including cleaning to reduce dust, can cut exposure by about half within a week.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Flame retardants like PBDEs are being replaced by OPFRs and Alt-BFRs.
- Humans are widely exposed to flame retardants via consumer products and household dust.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of house cleaning and hand washing in reducing flame retardant exposure.
- To measure flame retardant concentrations before and after interventions using dermal wipes and urine.
Main Methods:
- 32 mother-child dyads participated, focusing on mothers' exposure.
- Participants underwent a 1-week house cleaning or hand washing intervention, followed by a combined 2-week intervention.
- Measurements included urine, hand wipes, and questionnaires at baseline and after weeks 1 and 2.
Main Results:
- Urinary flame retardant levels decreased after house cleaning, hand washing, and combined interventions.
- Hand wipe concentrations showed no overall decline but decreased for some specific flame retardants in highly exposed women.
- Reductions in urinary analytes like BCIPHIPP and ip-DPHP were observed.
Conclusions:
- House cleaning and hand washing practices effectively reduce flame retardant exposure in mothers.
- Combined interventions can halve exposure to certain flame retardants within one week.
- Simple cleaning and hygiene measures are crucial for mitigating flame retardant exposure.
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