Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in PM2.5, PM10, TSP and gas phase in office environment in Shanghai, China: occurrence and human exposure.

Yue Li,Ling Chen,Yan-Ping Duan,Xiang-Zhou Meng,Zhi-Bo Lu,Duong Minh Ngoc,Zhi-Hao Wen,Josué Sznitman

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0119144

Abstract

To evaluate risk via inhalation exposure of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in office environment, thirty-six pairs air samples including PM2.5 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm), PM10 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm), total suspended particles (TSP) with matching gas phase were collected in office environment in Shanghai, China. The average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10 and TSP were 20.4, 27.2 and 50.3 μg/m3, respectively. Σ15PBDEs mean concentrations in PM2.5, PM10, TSP and gas phase were 51.8, 110.7, 148 and 59.6 pg/m3, respectively. Much more PBDEs distributed in fine fractions than coarse ones. PBDEs congener profiles found in PM2.5, PM10 and TSP (dominated by BDE-209) were different from that in gas phase (dominated by the tri- to penta-BDEs). Approximately 3.20 pg/kg/d PM2.5 bound PBDEs can be inhaled into the lung; 3.62 pg/kg/d PM10-PM2.5(particles with aerodynamic diameter of 2.5-10 μm) bound PBDEs tended to be deposited in the upper part of respiratory system, and the intake of PBDEs via gas-phase was 2.74 pg/kg/d. The exposure of PBDEs was far below the minimal risk levels (MRLs), indicating lower risk from PBDEs via inhalation in the studied office in Shanghai.

Highlights

In recent years, some studies have shown that some brominated flame retardants, especially polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are potentially toxic, bio-accumulative, ubiquitous and persistent in the environment [1]
Compared with the Global Air Quality Guidelines set by World Health Organization (10 μg/m3 for annual mean)and U.S annual health standard (12 μg/m3)[26], the PM2.5 level in this study was slightly higher
The concentration of PM10 in this study was higher than this directive

Summary

Introduction

Some studies have shown that some brominated flame retardants, especially polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are potentially toxic, bio-accumulative, ubiquitous and persistent in the environment [1]. Human exposure to PBDEs has been linked to changes in neurodevelopment and reproduction, adverse birth outcomes and disruption of thyroid and reproductive hormone homeostasis [2,3,4]. PBDEs can presumably enter the environment by releasing from products, such as televisions, polyurethane, computers, etc [1]. The indoor environment has been considered to be important for human exposure. PBDEs in PM2.5, PM10, TSP and Gas Phase in Office Environment to PBDEs. Wu et al.[5] reported that the indoor environment played a prominent role as an exposure media of PBDEs. Many studies have reported PBDEs concentrations in residences in many countries [6,7,8,9,10]. Office workers are often in close to office equipment such as computers, printer and other equipment containing PBDEs which may cause serious exposure [12].there is a need to assess exposure to PBDEs in office environment

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