Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Urban Surface Dust and Soil in Shanghai, China: Profiles, Possible Sources and Health Risk Assessment

Abstract

The compositional profiles and health risks of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analyzed with urban surface dust and soil samples from industrial, traffic and green areas in Shanghai. The total concentration of ∑8PBDE in urban surface dust ranged from 1.90 to 162 ng/g with a mean value of 29.6 ng/g, while the total concentration of ∑8PBDE in urban surface soil ranged from 1.09 to 39.9 ng/g with a mean value of 9.46 ng/g. ∑PBDEs have a higher concentration in urban dust samples as compared to urban soil samples. Cancer risks were calculated by Average Daily Dose (ADD) for human exposure to urban surface dust and soil containing PBDEs. Concentrations in Shanghai were 3.66×10-4 and 5.85×10-5 for children, and 1.58×10-4 and 6.44×10-5 for adults. Meanwhile, the health risk assessment has indicated that the intake of PBDEs via ingestion and dermal contact were higher than that via inhalation.