Abstract
O-30A7-5 Background/Aims: Glycol ethers are a group of globally consumed high-production-volume chemicals with wide uses in consumer products and building materials. Despite their well-demonstrated endocrine disrupting properties in several animal species, possible human health effects remain mostly unknown. Furthermore, indoor sources and occupant behavior that modify emission and/or retention have never been examined. Thus, we investigated indoor sources and lifestyle practices that contribute to an elevated indoor level of glycol ethers within 390 homes of preschool age children in Sweden. Methods: In a case-control investigation of 198 cases with multiple allergic symptoms and 202 healthy controls, air samples were collected in the room where the child spent most time. The air samples were analyzed for the levels of 8 classes of volatile organic compounds. Six home environment inspectors visually examined each home for water damages, presence of mold odor, building's structural characteristics, indoor temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rate. Results: Frequent use of water-based cleaning agent and recent history of repainting at least 1 of the rooms significantly contributed to an elevated glycol ether concentrations at home. When the subjects were restricted to those who live in concrete-based structure, self-reported dampness in the concrete-based homes were associated with an elevated mean GGE concentrations. The indoor concentration of glycol ethers were further elevated in homes with highest quartile relative humidity or temperature. Conclusion: Multiple sources and human behavior contribute to home glycol ethers levels. Intervention efforts targeting behavior change of residential occupants might reduce glycol ether concentrations in the indoor air.
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