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Sorption of Organophosphorus Flame-Retardants on Settled Dust
Citation:
Liu, X., M. Allen, AND N. Roache. Sorption of Organophosphorus Flame-Retardants on Settled Dust. 14th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, Ghent, BELGIUM, July 03 - 08, 2016.
Impact/Purpose:
This work explores the relationship between Oorganophosphorus flame-retardants (OPFRs) concentrations in settled dust and air. The data can be used to determine partitioning of OPFRs between the gas phase and settled dust indoors, to evaluate the risks arising from human exposure associated with OPFRs via indoor dust, and consequently to inform strategies to reduce exposure and risk.
Description:
Dust is an important sink for indoor air pollutants, such as organophosphorus flame-retardants (OPFRs) that are used as additives in industrial and consumer products including electrical and electronic products, furniture, plastics, textile, and building/construction materials. This research investigated the sorption of OPFRs, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chlor-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) on settled Arizona Test Dust (ATD) using a dual small chamber system. During the test, seven free film release paper dust trays covered with ATD were placed in the sink test chamber. Constant gas phase OPFRs from the source chamber were dosed into the test chamber. The dust evenly spread on each dust tray was removed from the test chamber at different exposure times to determine the amount of OPFRs absorbed by the dust. The ATD has been characterized for a nominal particle size and surface area. The mass of dust on each of seven dust trays was weighed before the dust was placed inside the sink chamber. OPFRs concentrations at the inlet and faceplate of the test chamber were monitored by collecting polyurethane foam (PUF) samples. The OPFR exposed dust and PUF samples were extracted by 1:1 ethyl acetate/methylene chloride and analyzed on GC/MS. The data were used to calculate the OPFR sorption concentration on the dust through dust/air partition. Settled dust can adsorb OPFR from air. The sorption concentration was dependent on the OPFR concentration in the air and favored less volatile compounds. This work explores the relationship between OPFR concentrations in settled dust and air. The data can be used to determine partitioning of OPFRs between the gas phase and settled dust indoors, to evaluate the risks arising from human exposure associated with OPFRs via indoor dust, and consequently to inform strategies to reduce exposure and risk.