Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment

Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment (한국대기환경학회)
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Exposure Assessment and Health Risk of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Flame Retardants in Indoor Environments of Children's Facilities in Korea

  • Kim, Ho-Hyun (Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Yang, Ji-Yeon (Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Jang, Yun-Suk (Department of Environmental Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology) ;
  • Lee, Yong-Jin (Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Chung-Soo (Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Shin, Dong-Chun (Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lim, Young-Wook (Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2011.03.27
  • Accepted : 2011.10.22
  • Published : 2011.12.31
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Abstract

This study assessed the health risks of childhood exposure to PBDEs via different possible pathways in children's facilities and indoor playgrounds. When PBDE contamination was measured, it was determined through multiple routes, including inhalation of indoor dust, dermal contact with product surfaces and children's hands, and incidental dust ingestion. Samples were collected from various children's facilities (playrooms, daycare centers, kindergartens, and indoor playgrounds) during summer (Jul-Sep, 2007) and winter (Jan-Feb, 2008). The hazard index (HI) was estimated for non-carcinogens, and PBDEs, such as TeBDE, PeBDE, HxBDE, and DeBDE, were examined. The sensitivity to the compounds did not exceed 1.0 (HI) for any of the subjects in any facility. However, current data about toxicity does not reflect effects that were fully sensitive in children, so there is uncertainty in the dose-response data. The contribution rates of PBDEs were 71.4 to 96.1% and 3.7 to 28.2% for intake and inhalation exposure, respectively, indicating that intake of floor dust and inhalation are the primary routes.

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