How indoor decoration materials contribute to phthalates pollution: Uncovering occurrences, sources, and their...

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs), widely used as plasticizers in decoration materials, are significant indoor pollutants. However, research on their potential environmental impact in indoor settings remains limited. In this study, nine PAEs were determined in 177 decoration materials (41 furniture panels, 42 flooring, 52 wall coverings, and 42 paint and coatings) collected from China. PAEs were detectable in all materials, with total concentrations ranging from 261 ng/g to 4480,000 ng/g. Furniture panels and paint and coatings exhibited the highest levels. DEHP was the most abundant PAE in furniture panels and flooring, while DMP and DBP were dominant in wall coverings and paint and coatings. Principal component analysis indicated that polyvinyl chloride films, solvents, adhesives, and coatings are major sources of PAEs. The study also estimated the total PAE burdens in Chinese households, which ranged from 5.33 × 10⁹ to 5.95 × 10¹² ng. Regional variations in PAE burdens were significant (p < 0.05), with households in Southwest China experiencing the highest burdens. The type of decoration material, housing area, number of rooms, household income, and renovation budget were found to significantly influence PAE burdens. This study is the first to systematically evaluate the PAE burdens associated with decoration materials in Chinese households on a national scale, providing valuable insights into their presence and impact on daily life.