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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.
Organic contaminants of emerging concern (OCECs) in indoor environments are receiving increasing attention due to their widespread occurrence and potential health risks. Indoor dust, as a key medium through which humans are exposed to OCECs, has become a focal point in global environmental health research. This review concentrates on eight representative categories of OCECs found in indoor dust worldwide: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alternative halogenated flame retardants (AHFRs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), chlorinated paraffins (CPs), phthalate alternatives (PAEAs), synthetic antioxidants (SAOs), bisphenol A alternatives (BPAAs), and microplastics (MPs). A variety of OCEC classes are widely present in indoor dust worldwide. Many legacy pollutants (long-chain PFAS) persist, while concentrations of replacement chemicals have increased, reflecting changing use patterns. Monitoring has been concentrated in North America (NA), Europe (EU), and Asia (AS), especially China, whereas Africa (AF) and South America (SA) are largely understudied. Contamination also varies by indoor environment: residential dust is typically enriched in CPs, MPs, and PFAS (from household products); offices, with dense electronics and flame-retardant materials, have especially high levels of AHFRs and OPEs; and educational environments present moderate levels of various OCECs but pose unique risks because of high child exposure. Indoor dust globally serves as a reservoir of OCECs, reflecting our material use and regulations. The pervasive contamination highlights the need for expanded monitoring, particularly in undersampled regions and environments. Understanding indoor OCEC sources and distributions is critical for assessing human exposure, especially for vulnerable groups (infants, children, pregnant women), who have greater dust contact.
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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.
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This study provides a detailed analysis of microplastics found in indoor house dust, where people spend most of their time. Fibers were the most common type found, originating from textiles, carpets, and clothing, with plastic sizes and types varying across different household areas. The findings highlight that everyday indoor environments are a significant source of microplastic exposure through inhalation and ingestion of dust.
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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.
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