Comprehensive characterization of European house dust contaminants: Concentrations and profiles, geographical variability, and implications for chemical regulation and health risk

Abstract

This study investigated the concentration profiles and geographical variability of contaminants in house dust across Europe. A collaborative trial (CT) was organized by the NORMAN network using pooled dust and advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques combined with suspect screening and non-target screening (NTS). Over 1200 anthropogenic compounds were tentatively identified. Additionally, seventy-five individual samples were subjected to target analysis and NTS. The median concentrations of most contaminants varied <3-fold across Europe, and the contaminant profile of European dust was similar to that of North American dust, which was investigated in a previous CT. This similarity may be attributed to the use of similar consumer articles and building materials throughout the developed world. Multivariate data analysis revealed geographical trends in contaminant distribution, with north-south gradients across Europe. Geographical trends were more frequently found for compounds with rapid release (pharmaceuticals, personal care products, fragrances, pesticides, biocides) and smoke-related compounds. The concentrations of chlorinated paraffins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perfluorinated alkyl substances and stimulants generally increased from north to south, whereas the biocides levels decreased from north to south. Despite widespread presence of in-use contaminants in dusts, some of the highest risks come from compounds that have been restricted for decades or more. These include di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 118 and polybrominated diphenyl ethers 47, 99, and 153. DEHP remains the most abundant contaminant in European house dust, while the other compounds are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Moreover, there is a striking lack of reliable toxicity data, particularly for emerging compounds. For instance, although acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) were examined for 202 compounds, only 46 had consensus-based ADI values. The results highlight the need for proactive measures to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the market and for careful selection of substitute chemicals, when such are needed, to avoid regrettable substitutions.