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Relationships between House Characteristics and Exposures to Metal(loid)s and Synthetic Organic Contaminants Evaluated Using Settled Indoor Dust

Author

Listed:
  • Pat E. Rasmussen

    (Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
    Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 9A7, Canada)

  • Cariton Kubwabo

    (Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada)

  • H. David Gardner

    (Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
    Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 9A7, Canada)

  • Christine Levesque

    (Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada)

  • Suzanne Beauchemin

    (Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada)

Abstract

This study investigates associations between house characteristics and chemical contaminants in house dust, collected under the nationally representative Canadian House Dust Study (2007–2010). Vacuum samples (<80 µm fraction) were analysed for over 200 synthetic organic compounds and metal(loid)s. Spearman rank correlations between contaminant concentrations in dust and presence of children and pets, types of flooring, heating styles and other characteristics suggested a number of indoor sources, pointing to future research directions. Numerous synthetic organics were significantly associated with reported use of room deodorizers and with the presence of cats in the home. Hardwood flooring, which is a manufactured wood product, emerged as a source of metal(loid)s, phthalates, organophosphate flame retardants/plasticizers, and obsolete organochlorine pesticides such as ∑DDT (but not halogenated flame retardants). Many metal(loid)s were significantly correlated with flame-retardant compounds used in building materials and heating systems. Components of heating appliances and heat distribution systems appeared to contribute heat-resistant chemicals and alloys to settled dust. Carpets displayed a dual role as both a source and repository of dust-borne contaminants. Contaminant loadings (<80 µm fraction) were significantly elevated in heavily carpeted homes, particularly those located near industry. Depending on the chemical (and its source), the results show that increased dust mass loading may enrich or dilute chemical concentrations in dust. Research is needed to improve the characterisation of hidden indoor sources such as flame retardants used in building materials and heating systems, or undisclosed ingredients used in common household products, such as air fresheners and products used for companion animals.

Suggested Citation

  • Pat E. Rasmussen & Cariton Kubwabo & H. David Gardner & Christine Levesque & Suzanne Beauchemin, 2022. "Relationships between House Characteristics and Exposures to Metal(loid)s and Synthetic Organic Contaminants Evaluated Using Settled Indoor Dust," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:10329-:d:892641
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rune Becher & Johan Øvrevik & Per E. Schwarze & Steinar Nilsen & Jan K. Hongslo & Jan Vilhelm Bakke, 2018. "Do Carpets Impair Indoor Air Quality and Cause Adverse Health Outcomes: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-14, January.
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