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An international investigation of chlorinated paraffin concentrations and homologue distributions in indoor dust
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Scientists tested household dust from four countries (Japan, Australia, Colombia, and Thailand) and found chlorinated paraffins, industrial chemicals used in plastics, sealants, and other products, in every single sample. While current safety calculations suggest the amounts we swallow from house dust aren't dangerous, some of these chemical types are so new to research that scientists don't yet have enough safety data or lab tools to fully rule out health risks, meaning this is a chemical family worth watching as research continues.
In this study, very short-, short-, medium-, and long-chain chlorinated paraffins (vSCCPs, SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs, respectively) were measured in 40 indoor dust samples from four countries including Japan (n = 10), Australia (n = 10), Colombia (n = 10) and Thailand (n = 10). Homologues of the chemical formula CxH(2x+2-y)Cly ranging C6-36 and Cl3-30 were analysed using liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-Orbitrap-HRMS) and integrated using novel custom-built CP-Seeker software. CPs were detected in all dust samples with MCCPs the dominant homologue group in all countries. Overall median ∑SCCP, ∑MCCP and ∑LCCP (C18-20) concentrations determined in dust samples were 30 μg/g (range; 4.0-290 μg/g), 65 μg/g (range; 6.9-540 μg/g) and 8.6 μg/g (range; <1.0-230 μg/g), respectively. Of the quantified CP classes, overall concentrations were generally highest in the samples from Thailand and Colombia, followed by Australia and Japan. vSCCPs with C≤9 were detected in dust from each country with an overall frequency of 48%, while LCCPs (C21-36) were present in 100% of samples. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) calculated for SCCPs and MCCPs relating to ingestion of contaminated indoor dust were considered not to represent health risks based on currently available toxicological data using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. To the authors' knowledge, this study provides the first data on CPs in indoor dust from Japan, Colombia and Thailand, and is among the first reports of vSCCPs in indoor dust, globally. These findings indicate that further toxicological data and the availability of appropriate analytical standards are needed to evaluate the potential for negative health outcomes deriving from exposure to vSCCPs and LCCPs.
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International quantification of microplastics in indoor dust: prevalence, exposure and risk assessment
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In the largest international study of its kind, researchers measured microplastic contamination in indoor dust from 108 homes across 29 countries. The study found that synthetic polymer fibers were present in all sampled homes, with higher concentrations linked to certain household factors, and estimated potential human exposure levels.
Microplastics and Associated Organic Pollutants in Indoor Environments
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This review pulls together what scientists currently know about microplastics floating in our indoor air and settling into household dust — and it turns out we're breathing and swallowing more of these tiny plastic particles than expected, especially in cities and near waste facilities. These particles often carry harmful chemicals like phthalates and flame retardants, and kids are exposed to higher doses than adults. The takeaway: our homes and indoor spaces are a significant, underappreciated source of plastic exposure, and more research is needed to figure out how to reduce it.
Microplastics in house dust from 12 countries and associated human exposure
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Researchers analyzed indoor house dust from 286 homes across 12 countries for PET and polycarbonate microplastics. They found PET-based microplastics in every sample tested, at concentrations up to 120,000 micrograms per gram, while polycarbonate was detected at lower levels. The study estimates that infants may ingest significant amounts of PET microplastics daily through dust exposure, highlighting indoor environments as an important but often overlooked source of microplastic contact.
Organic Contaminants of Emerging Concern (OCECs) in Indoor Air: A Perspective on Global Distribution and Hazard Burden
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This review pulls together global research on chemicals from everyday products, like plastics, flame retardants, and stain repellents, that build up in indoor air. It finds that homes, schools, and offices each have their own mix of concerning chemicals, with the US, Germany, Sweden, and China showing higher exposure risks, though this may reflect better testing rather than dirtier air. The takeaway: indoor air quality deserves more consistent, worldwide monitoring so people can better understand what they're breathing at home and work.
Occurrence and sources of organic contaminants of emerging concern in indoor dust: A global perspective
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This review examines the global occurrence and sources of organic contaminants of emerging concern found in indoor dust, including flame retardants, phthalate alternatives, UV filters, and microplastics. The study found that indoor dust serves as a key medium for human exposure to these contaminants, with concentrations varying significantly across geographic regions and building types.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.