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Exploring the utility of 3D-skin models to evaluate trans-dermal uptake of flame retardants from indoor dust and consumer products
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Researchers designed and validated innovative 3D skin tissue models as in vitro alternatives to human and animal tissue, using them to measure how organic flame retardants from indoor dust and consumer products penetrate the skin barrier, providing a more ethical and scalable tool for exposure assessment.
The aim of this research was to evaluate the utility of innovative \\(in\\) \\(vitro\\) techniques as an alternatives for human/animal tissues to study the transdermal uptake of organic flame retardants from indoor dust and consumer products. Firstly, we successfully designed and applied an \\(in\\) \\(vitro\\) physiologically based extraction test to provide new insights into the dermal bioaccessibility of various FRs from indoor dust. These investigations revealed the bioaccessible fraction for the brominated flame retardants (BFRs) α-, β-and γ- HBCD and TBBPA to 1:1 (sweat/sebum) mixture to be 41%, 47%, 50% and 40%, respectively, while for the phosphate flame retardants (PFRs) TCEP, TCIPP and TDCIPP, the values were 10%, 17% and 19%. With the exception of TBBP A, the presence of cosmetics had a significant effect (p <0.05) on the bioaccessibility of our target FRs from indoor dust. The presence of cosmetics decreased the bioaccessibility of HBCDs from indoor dust, whereas shower gel and sunscreen lotion enhanced the bioaccessibility of target PFRs. Secondly, we developed a protocol for studying dennal uptake of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants using two 3D-HSE (three dimensional human skin equivalent tissue) models, EpiDerm™ and EPISKIN™ in compliance with the OECD guidelines 428. Overall, results showed a significant negative correlation between the permeability constant of FRs and their Log K\\(_o\\)\\(_w\\) values. We also mimicked real life exposure scenarios by exposing the skin surface in turn to FR-containing dust, reference material plastics and upholstered fabrics. Our findings showed that under such scenarios dermal exposure to FRs was appreciable for UK adults and toddlers. For example, for dust exposure, our estimates of daily intake indicated toddlers to be 10 times more highly exposed than adults in the presence of sweat and sebum. This differential exposure is likely attributable to more dust adhering to toddler's skin and their higher exposed skin surface area to body weight ratio compared to adults.
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Assessment of human dermal absorption of flame retardant additives in polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics using 3D human skin equivalent models
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Using 3D lab-grown human skin models, researchers found that flame retardant chemicals (PBDEs) embedded in polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics can be absorbed through the skin. Up to 8% of the flame retardant dose was bioavailable through dermal contact, with factors like sweat, particle size, and plastic type influencing absorption rates. This is the first study to demonstrate that chemical additives in microplastics can enter the body through skin exposure, adding to the known ingestion and inhalation routes.
Novel Insights into the Dermal Bioaccessibility and Human Exposure to Brominated Flame Retardant Additives in Microplastics
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This study tested how flame retardant chemicals embedded in microplastics can be absorbed through human skin using a lab-based simulation. The researchers found that these toxic additives can leach out of microplastic particles and pass through the skin barrier, with absorption rates varying by plastic type. This reveals a previously underappreciated route of human exposure to harmful chemicals carried by microplastics, especially through skin contact with contaminated dust or surfaces.
Dermal uptake of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) from skin contact with polystyrene microplastic particles
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Scientists tested whether a toxic flame retardant called HBCDD (found in polystyrene foam products like insulation and food containers) can pass into skin when you touch tiny plastic particles containing it. Using lab-grown human skin, they found small amounts of the chemical did get absorbed into skin tissue, though very little made it all the way into the bloodstream within a day—and sweaty skin absorbed more than dry skin. While the risk from a single exposure seems low, the findings suggest that repeated contact with these microplastics over time, or exposure to more heavily contaminated particles, could add up to a real health concern worth wat
Leaching of PBDEs from microplastics under simulated gut conditions: Chemical diffusion and bioaccumulation
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This study examined how polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) leach from microplastics under simulated gut conditions, finding that chemical diffusion rates were strongly influenced by gut fluid composition and that hydrophobic contaminants could transfer to organisms at levels posing potential bioaccumulation risks.
Enlarging effects of microplastics on adsorption, desorption and bioaccessibility of chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardants in landfill soil particle-size fractions
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Researchers studied how microplastics affect the behavior of chlorinated flame retardant chemicals in landfill soils, including their tendency to be absorbed by the human body during digestion. They found that adding microplastics increased both the retention of these chemicals in soil and their bioaccessibility, raising potential health risks for people exposed to contaminated landfill material. The study presents the first evidence that microplastics can amplify human exposure to toxic flame retardants in landfill settings.
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