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Co-detection of azoxystrobin and thiabendazole fungicides in mold and mildew resistant wallboards and in children
Wenxin Hu1,2, Yun-Chung Hsiao3, Nikolas Morrison-Welch1,2
1UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
Abstract:
The study measured the levels of azoxystrobin (AZ) and thiabendazole (TBZ) in wallboards and metabolite levels of these fungicides in children. The paper covering of wallboard samples contained a higher concentration of AZ and TBZ than the gypsum core, and similar amounts (w/w) of these two fungicides were present in the samples. These data suggest that commercial products containing a 1:1 (w/w) amount of AZ and TBZ, such as Sporgard® WB or Azo Tech™, were applied to the wallboard paper. This is the first detection of TBZ in mold-and-mildew resistant wallboards. The TBZ metabolite, 5OH-TBZ, was detected in 48% of urine samples collected from children aged 40-84 months, and was co-detected with AZ-acid, a common AZ metabolite, in 37.5% of the urine samples. The detection frequency of 5OH-TBZ was positively associated with the detection frequency of AZ-acid. These findings suggest that certain types of wallboards used in homes and commercial buildings may be a potential source of co-exposure to AZ and TBZ in humans.
Insights
This study detected azoxystrobin (AZ) and thiabendazole (TBZ) in wallboards and their metabolites in children. Wallboards may be a source of human co-exposure to these common fungicides.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Fungicides azoxystrobin (AZ) and thiabendazole (TBZ) are used in building materials.
- Previous research has not identified TBZ in mold-resistant wallboards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure AZ and TBZ levels in wallboards.
- To detect AZ and TBZ metabolites in children's urine.
- To investigate potential sources of fungicide exposure in humans.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of AZ and TBZ concentrations in wallboard samples (paper and gypsum).
- Quantification of AZ-acid and 5-hydroxy-thiabendazole (5OH-TBZ) in children's urine samples.
- Statistical analysis of metabolite detection frequencies.
Main Results:
- AZ and TBZ were found in higher concentrations in the paper covering than the gypsum core of wallboards.
- TBZ was detected for the first time in mold-resistant wallboards.
- The TBZ metabolite 5OH-TBZ was detected in 48% of children's urine samples.
- 5OH-TBZ and the AZ metabolite AZ-acid were co-detected in 37.5% of samples.
- Detection of 5OH-TBZ was positively associated with AZ-acid detection.
Conclusions:
- Commercial wallboards containing AZ and TBZ may be a source of human exposure.
- Wallboards are a potential source of co-exposure to AZ and TBZ in children.
- Further research is needed to assess the health implications of this co-exposure.
