Evaluating couch polyurethane foam for a potential passive sampler of semivolatile organic compounds

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Indoor Air Quality
• Toxicology

Background:

• Polyurethane foam (PUF) is a common material in upholstered furniture.
• PUF is recognized as a sampling medium for airborne organic compounds.
• The role of couch PUF as a reservoir for semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) is explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate couch PUF's potential as a passive sampler for SVOCs.
• To assess couch PUF's capacity as a reservoir for non-flame retardant SVOCs.
• To investigate SVOC distribution within couch PUF at varying depths.

Main Methods:

• PUF samples were collected from 13 California home couches.
• Concentrations of 64 SVOCs were measured at three depths within the PUF.
• PUF-air partition coefficients (KPUF-air) were calculated using dust-air partition coefficients (Kdust-air), octanol-air partition coefficients (Koa), and dust concentrations (Cdust).

Main Results:

• Eleven SVOCs were detected in over 50% of samples across all depths.
• Concentrations of phenanthrene, 2-benzylideneoctanal, galaxolide, tonalide, and homosalate decreased with PUF depth.
• Couch PUF accounted for over 20% of the total mass for phenol and skin-applied compounds.

Conclusions:

• Couch PUF effectively absorbs numerous SVOCs, serving as a significant reservoir.
• PUF may not be suitable for passive sampling of SVOCs with high octanol-air partition coefficients.
• Dermal contact with couch surfaces could be a key exposure pathway for certain SVOCs.