| 1. |
- Bjurlid, Filip, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
-
Occurrence of brominated dioxins in a study using various firefighting methods
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 599-600, s. 1213-1221
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The use of different firefighting methods influences how fast a fire is extinguished and how fast the temperature drops in the area affected by the fire. These differences may also influence the formation of harmful pollutants during firefighting of an accidental fire. The aim was to study occurrence of brominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PBDD/Fs) in gas and soot during five fire scenarios resembling a small apartment fire and where different firefighting methods were used. Samples of gas and soot were taken both during the buildup of the fire and during the subsequent extinguishing of the fire while using different firefighting methods (nozzle, compressed air foam system, cutting extinguisher) and an extinguishing additive. New containers equipped with identical sets of combustible material were used for the five tests. The use of different firefighting methods and extinguishing additive induced variations in concentration and congener profiles of detected PBDD/Fs. The concentration range of Sigma PBDD/Fs in gas was 4020-18,700 pg/m(3), and in soot 76-4092 pg/m(2). PBDFs were the predominant congeners and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF was the most abundant congener. Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) were also monitored. The PBDD/Fs contributed with in average 97% to the total (PCDD/Fs plus PBDD/Fs) toxic equivalents, in soot and gas. During extinguishing, the shorter time the temperature was around 300 degrees C, the lower occurrence of PBDD/Fs. In the study the firefighting methods showed a difference in how effectively they induced a temperature decrease below 300 degrees C in the fire zone during quenching, where cutting extinguishing using additive and the compressed air foam system showed the fastest drop in temperature.
|
|
| 2. |
- Egfors, Della, et al.
(författare)
-
Changes in Reported Symptoms Attributed to Office Environments in Sweden between 1995 and 2020
- 2022
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19:18
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Non-specific building-related symptoms (NBRSs) describe various symptoms in those affected. Questionnaires are the first step in investigating suspected NBRSs in office environments and have been used for over two decades. However, changes in reporting of symptoms among office workers over time are currently unknown. The overall aim was thus to investigate if reported symptoms and perceived causality to the office environment have changed during 25 years of using the MM 040 NA Office questionnaire. A cross-sectional study of 26,477 questionnaires from 1995-2020 was conducted, where 12 symptoms and perceived causality to office environment were examined using logistic regression analyses of 5-year groups adjusted for sex and atopy. Reporting trends in the year groups varied slightly among symptoms, but eight symptoms were statistically significant in the 2015-2020 group compared to the 1995-1999 group. Seven symptoms had increased: fatigue, heavy-feeling head, headache, difficulties concentrating, itchy/irritated eyes, congested/runny nose, and dry/red hands. One symptom decreased: hoarseness/dry throat. Perceived causality of symptoms to the office environment decreased to a statistically significant degree in 2015-2020 for 11 symptoms, and there was an overall trend of decreasing perceived causality throughout the year groups for most symptoms. The observed time trends suggest a need for up-to-date reference data, to keep up with changes in symptom reporting in office environments over time.
|
|
| 3. |
- Ekman, John, et al.
(författare)
-
Dynamics of pre-shift and post-shift lung function parameters among wood workers in Ghana
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Annals of occupational and environmental medicine. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 2052-4374. ; 35
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Diseases affecting the lungs and airways contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. The problem in low- and middle-income countries appears to be exacerbated by a shift in global manufacturing base to these countries and inadequate enforcement of environmental and safety standards. In Ghana, the potential adverse effects on respiratory function associated with occupational wood dust exposure have not been thoroughly investigated.METHODS: Sixty-four male sawmill workers and 64 non-woodworkers participated in this study. The concentration of wood dust exposure, prevalence and likelihood of association of respiratory symptoms with wood dust exposure and changes in pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters in association with wood dust exposure were determined from dust concentration measurements, symptoms questionnaire and lung function test parameters.RESULTS: Sawmill workers were exposed to inhalable dust concentration of 3.09 ± 0.04 mg/m3 but did not use respirators and engaged in personal grooming habits that are known to increase dust inhalation. The sawmill operators also showed higher prevalence and likelihoods of association with respiratory symptoms, a significant cross-shift decline in some PFT parameters and a shift towards a restrictive pattern of lung dysfunction by end of daily shift. The before-shift PFT parameters of woodworkers were comparable to those of non-woodworkers, indicating a lack of chronic effects of wood dust exposure.CONCLUSIONS: Wood dust exposure at the study site was associated with acute respiratory symptoms and acute changes in some PFT parameters. This calls for institution and enforcement of workplace and environmental safety policies to minimise exposure at sawmill operating sites, and ultimately, decrease the burden of respiratory diseases.
|
|
| 4. |
- Fardelin, Gustav, et al.
(författare)
-
Hand nerve function after mountain bike cycling
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Journal of Science and Cycling. - : CYCLING RESEARCH CENTER. - 2254-7053. ; 11:3, s. 23-32
-
Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Hand-arm vibrations can cause permanent injuries and temporary changes affecting the sensory and circulatory systems in the hands. Vibrational effects have been thoroughly studied within the occupational context concerning work with handheld vibrating tools. Less is known about vibrational exposure and risk of effects during cycling. In the present study, 10 cyclists were recruited for exposure measurements of hand-arm vibrations during mountainbike cycling on the trail, and the effects on the nerve function were examined with quantitative sensory testing (QST) before and after the ride. The intervention group was compared to a control group that consisted of men exposed to hand-arm vibrations from a polishing machine. The results of the QST did not statistically significantly differ between the intervention and study groups. The intervention group showed a lesser decrease in vibration perception in digitorum II, digitorum V, and hand grip strength than the control group. It was concluded that no acute effects on nerve function in the dominant hand were measured after mountain bike cycling on the trail, despite high vibration doses through the handlebars.
|
|
| 5. |
- Jiang, Zheshun, et al.
(författare)
-
Circulating lung-cancer-related non-coding RNAs are associated with occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium - A cross-sectional study within the SafeChrom project
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Environment International. - : Elsevier. - 0160-4120 .- 1873-6750. ; 190
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is classified as a group 1 human carcinogen and increases the risk of lung cancer. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have key regulatory roles in lung cancer, but less is known about their relation to Cr(VI) exposure.Objectives: We aimed to 1) measure the expression of lung cancer-related circulating ncRNAs in exposed workers and controls; 2) assess associations between ncRNAs expression and Cr concentrations in red blood cells (RBC) and urine; and 3) evaluate correlations between the ncRNAs.Methods: The study included 111 Cr(VI) exposed workers and 72 controls recruited from the SafeChrom project. Cr concentrations were measured in RBC (biomarker of long-term exposure) and urine (biomarker of short-term exposure) samples. Long ncRNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) were extracted from plasma followed by deoxyribonuclease treatment, complementary DNA synthesis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using target-specific assays for three lncRNAs (H19, MALAT1, NORAD), and four miRNAs (miR-142-3p, miR-15b-5p, miR-3940-5p, miR-451a).Results: Expression levels of lncRNAs MALAT1 and NORAD, and all four miRNAs, were significantly lower in Cr (VI) exposed workers compared with controls, and correlated significantly with RBC-Cr concentrations (rS = -0.16 to -0.38). H19 was non-significantly increased in exposed workers but significantly correlated with miR142-3p (rS = -0.33) and miR-15b-5p (rS = -0.30), and NORAD was significantly positively correlated with all four miRNAs (rS = 0.17 to 0.46). In multivariate regression models adjusting for confounders, expressions of lncRNAs MALAT1 and NORAD and all miRNAs were still significantly lower in the exposed group compared with controls, and the expression decreased with increasing RBC-Cr concentrations. Conclusions: Cr(VI) exposure was inversely and in a dose-response manner associated with the expression of circulating non-coding RNA, which suggests ncRNAs as potential biomarkers for Cr(VI)-induced toxicity.
|
|
| 6. |
- Jiang, Zheshun, et al.
(författare)
-
Hexavalent chromium still a concern in Sweden : Evidence from a cross-sectional study within the SafeChrom project
- 2024
-
Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 256
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectivesHexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is classified as a human carcinogen. Occupational Cr(VI) exposure can occur during different work processes, but the current exposure to Cr(VI) at Swedish workplaces is unknown.MethodsThis cross-sectional study (SafeChrom) recruited non-smoking men and women from 14 companies with potential Cr(VI) exposure (n = 113) and controls from 6 companies without Cr(VI) exposure (n = 72). Inhalable Cr(VI) was measured by personal air sampling (outside of respiratory protection) in exposed workers. Total Cr was measured in urine (pre- and post-shift, density-adjusted) and red blood cells (RBC) (reflecting Cr(VI)) in exposed workers and controls. The Bayesian tool Expostats was used to assess risk and evaluate occupational exposure limit (OEL) compliance.ResultsThe exposed workers performed processing of metal products, steel production, welding, plating, and various chemical processes. The geometric mean concentration of inhalable Cr(VI) in exposed workers was 0.15 μg/m3 (95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.21). Eight of the 113 exposed workers (7%) exceeded the Swedish OEL of 5 μg/m3, and the Bayesian analysis estimated the share of OEL exceedances up to 19.6% for stainless steel welders. Median post-shift urinary (0.60 μg/L, 5th-95th percentile 0.10–3.20) and RBC concentrations (0.73 μg/L, 0.51–2.33) of Cr were significantly higher in the exposed group compared with the controls (urinary 0.10 μg/L, 0.06–0.56 and RBC 0.53 μg/L, 0.42–0.72). Inhalable Cr(VI) correlated with urinary Cr (rS = 0.64) and RBC-Cr (rS = 0.53). Workers within steel production showed the highest concentrations of inhalable, urinary and RBC Cr. Workers with inferred non-acceptable local exhaustion ventilation showed significantly higher inhalable Cr(VI), urinary and RBC Cr concentrations compared with those with inferred acceptable ventilation. Furthermore, workers with inferred correct use of respiratory protection were exposed to significantly higher concentrations of Cr(VI) in air and had higher levels of Cr in urine and RBC than those assessed with incorrect or no use. Based on the Swedish job-exposure-matrix, approximately 17 900 workers were estimated to be occupationally exposed to Cr(VI) today.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that some workers in Sweden are exposed to high levels of the non-threshold carcinogen Cr(VI). Employers and workers seem aware of Cr(VI) exposure, but more efficient exposure control strategies are required. National strategies aligned with the European strategies are needed in order to eliminate this cause of occupational cancer.
|
|
| 7. |
- Jiang, Zheshun, et al.
(författare)
-
P-205 THE SAFECHROM PROJECT - EVIDENCE FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY SHOWS THAT HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM IS STILL A CONCERN IN SWEDEN
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Occupational Medicine. - 0962-7480. ; 74:Suppl 1, s. 291-292
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is a human carcinogen, but the current exposure to Cr(VI) at Swedish workplaces is unknown.Recruitment of 113 workers with potential Cr(VI) exposure and 72 controls was combined with measurements of inhalable Cr(VI) (only exposed workers) and total Cr in urine and red blood cells (RBC), Bayesian analysis of occupational exposure limit (OEL) compliance was used, as well as the Swedish job-exposure-matrix.Exposed workers performed processing of metal products, steel production, welding, and plating. The geometric mean concentration of inhalable Cr(VI) in exposed workers was 0.15 μg/m3. Eight workers (7\ exceeded the Swedish OEL (5 μg/m3), and the share of OEL exceedances was estimated to be up to 19.6\ and RBC-Cr were significantly higher in exposed workers compared with controls. Workers with inferred non-acceptable local exhaustion ventilation showed significantly higher inhalable Cr(VI), urine- and RBC-Cr than those with acceptable ventilation. Workers with inferred correct use of respiratory protection had higher inhalable Cr(VI), and, paradoxically, higher urine- and RBC-Cr concentrations than workers with incorrect use. We estimate that ~17 900 Swedish workers are occupationally exposed to Cr(VI) today.Our study showed that although most air measurements were relatively low, 7\ and particularly stainless steel workers are at risk for exceeding the OEL. The existing protective measures implemented at workplaces are still inadequate and insufficient.Some workers in Sweden are exposed to high levels of the non-threshold carcinogen Cr(VI). National strategies aligned with European strategies are needed to eliminate occupational cancer.
|
|
| 8. |
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
- Ricklund, Niklas, 1979-
(författare)
-
Environmental occurrence and behaviour of the flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ethane
- 2010
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The environmental occurrence and behaviour of the brominated flame retardant (BFR) decabromodiphenyl ethane (dbdpe) has only been studied to a limited extent. It is structurally similar to decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), which makes it conceivable that dbdpe may also become an environmental contaminant of concern. A method for environmental analysis and comparative assessments of dbdpe and decaBDE was developed. Both BFRs were studied in: a mass balance of the Henriksdal WWTP in Stockholm (Paper I); an international survey of sewage sludge (Paper II); sediment along a transect from Henriksdal WWTP to the outer archipelago of Stockholm and from isolated Swedish lakes (Paper III); and a benthic food web from the Scheldt estuary (Paper IV). Dbdpe was found in sludge from every country surveyed, indicating that it may be a worldwide concern. The WWTP mass balance showed that virtually all of the BFRs were transferred from wastewater to sludge. A small fraction was emitted via the effluent, confirming emissions to the aquatic environment. In the marine sediment, the BFR levels close to the WWTP outfall were high. They decreased along the transect to low levels in the outer archipelago. The study of lake sediment showed a widespread presence of dbdpe in the Swedish environment and provided evidence that it originates from long range atmospheric transport. In the food web, dbdpe did bioaccumulate to a small extent which was similar to decaBDE. The transfer of the BFRs from sediment to benthic invertebrates was low, while transfer from prey to predator was higher. Biodilution was observed rather than biomagnification. This work suggests that the persistence, the susceptibility to long range atmospheric transport, and the potential for bioaccumulation are similar for dbdpe and the regulated decaBDE that it is replacing. Thus, there is a risk that a problematic environmental pollutant is being replaced with a chemical that is equally problematic.
|
|
| 11. |
- Ricklund, Niklas, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
-
Levels and potential sources of decabromodiphenyl ethane (dbdpe) and decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) in lake sediment and marine sediment in Sweden
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Environmental Science and Technology. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 44:6, s. 1987-1991
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Decabromodiphenyl ethane (dbdpe) is a brominated flame retardant (BFR) used as a replacement for the structurally similar decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), which is a regulated environmental contaminant of concern. Dbdpe has been found in indoor dust, sewage sludge, sediment and biota, but little is known about its occurrence and distribution in the environment. In this paper, sediment was analyzed from 11 isolated Swedish lakes and along a transect running from central Stockholm through the Stockholm archipelago to the open Baltic Sea. Dbdpe was present in all samples. In lake sediment, the levels ranged from 0.23 to 11 ng/g d.wt. and were very similar to the levels of decaBDE (0.48-11 ng/g d.wt.). Since the lakes have no known point sources of BFRs, their presence in the sediments provides evidence for long range atmospheric transport and deposition. In the marine sediment, the dbdpe and decaBDE levels decreased by a factor of 20-50 over 40 km from the inner harbor to the outer archipelago. There the dbdpe and decaBDE levels were similar to the levels in nearby isolated lakes. The results indicate that contamination of the Swedish environment with dbdpe has already approached that of decaBDE, and that this contamination is primarily occurring via the atmosphere.
|
|
| 12. |
- Ricklund, Niklas, et al.
(författare)
-
Luften i Sverige 2009
- 2011
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
|
|
| 13. |
- Ricklund, Niklas, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
-
Occupational Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Including Aldehydes for Swedish Hairdressers
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Annals of Work Exposures and Health. - : Oxford University Press. - 2398-7308 .- 2398-7316. ; 67:3, s. 366-378
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Working as a professional hairdresser involves the daily usage of many different hair treatment products containing chemicals in complex mixtures. Exposure may induce symptoms in the airways and on the skin. In this study, exposure of hairdressers to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including aldehydes, was measured in the personal breathing zone in the spring of 2017. The study included 30 hairdressers evenly distributed over ten hair salons in the town of Örebro, Sweden. Work tasks and indoor climate were also surveilled. A hazard index (HI) based on chronic reference values for health was calculated to indicate combined exposure risk. In total, 90 VOCs, including nine aldehydes, were identified. Individual exposure expressed as a total concentration of VOCs (TVOCs) were in the range of 50-3600 µg/m3 toluene equivalent (median 460 µg/m3) and the HI was in the range 0.0046-13 (median 0.9). Exposure was more strongly influenced by variability among hairdressers than among salons. The HI indicated an increased risk of non-carcinogenic effects (HI ≥ 1) at four of the 10 hair salons. Individual working procedures, ventilation, volumetric usage of hair treatment products, certain chemicals in products (formaldehyde, isopropanol, and 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate), and availability of reference values may have affected estimates of exposure risks. Nevertheless, the HI may be suitable as a screening tool to assess potential exposure risk posed to hairdressers since it considers the complexity of chemical mixtures and the chronic component of VOC exposure occurring in all indoor environments.
|
|
| 14. |
- Ricklund, Niklas, et al.
(författare)
-
Screening of decabromodiphenyl ethane (dbdpe) in lake sediment, marine sediment and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) eggs
- 2009
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Dbdpe has been produced and used for more than 20 years (Umweltbundesamt, 2001). Presumably there have been considerable emissions to the environment. Nevertheless, few scientific studies have been conducted on the environmental behaviour of dbdpe since its introduction to the market. The main objective of this report is therefore to contribute to scientific understanding of the environmental behaviour and occurrence of dbdpe. The work will help to clarify whether dbdpe poses a threat to human health and wildlife. This report is built upon three studies. The first is a screening study of dbdpe in sediments from remote Swedish lakes. The objective of that screening survey was to determine whether dbdpe is present in Swedish lake sediments, and thereby available to the organisms dwelling there. Furthermore, the presence of dbdpe in remote lakes would indicate that long range atmospheric transport and deposition of dbdpe had occurred, because the remote lakes are not expected to have any point sources of BFRs. In the second study, marine sediments along a transect from Stockholm Harbour to the outer archipelago were analyzed for dbdpe. Wastewater treatment plants in Stockholm had been shown to emit dbdpe to Stockholm Harbour. The primary objective of this study was to determine if the marine benthic ecosystem outside Stockholm is exposed to dbdpe, and if so, how far out in the archipelago this exposure reaches. In the third study, Peregrine falcon eggs were analyzed for dbdpe. The eggs of this top predatory bird were hypothesized to be early indicators of dbdpe in Swedish wildlife, since they previously have been shown to accumulate high levels of decaBDE. A comparison of dbdpe and decaBDE concentrations in Peregrine falcon eggs would give information about the relative bioaccumulation potential of these two chemicals.
|
|
| 15. |
- Ricklund, Niklas, et al.
(författare)
-
Self-reported symptoms in Swedish hairdressers and association with exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including aldehydes
- 2023
-
Ingår i: BMC Public Health. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2458. ; 23:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Working as a hairdresser involves combined exposure to multiple chemicals in hair treatment products that may induce symptoms in airways and skin.METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, perceived symptoms among Swedish hairdressers at 10 hair salons were surveyed through a questionnaire. Associations with personal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including aldehydes, and their corresponding hazard index (HI), based on the estimated risk for non-cancer health effects, were examined. The prevalence of four out of 11 symptoms was compared to available reference datasets from two other studies of office workers and school staff.RESULTS: All 11 surveyed symptoms were reported among the hairdressers (n = 38). For the whole study group, the most prevalent symptoms were dripping nose (n = 7) and headache (n = 7), followed by eczema (n = 6), stuffed nose (n = 5), cough (n = 5) and discomfort with strong odors (n = 5). Significant relationships between exposure and symptoms were scarce. The exception was total VOC (TVOC) exposure adjusted to worked years in the profession; a difference was observed for any symptom between hairdressers in the group with 20 + years compared to 0-5 years in the profession (logistic regression, OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.001-0.70). Out of the four symptoms available for comparison, the prevalence of headache and cough was significantly higher in hairdressers than in controls (OR 5.18, 95% CI 1.86-13.43 and OR 4.68, 95% CI 1.17-16.07, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: Adverse health effects related to occupation was common among the hairdressers, implying a need for exposure control measures in hair salons. Symptoms of headache and cough were more frequently reported by hairdressers than staff in offices and schools. A healthy worker effect among the hairdressers was indicated in the group with 20 + years compared to 0-5 years in the profession. Significant relationships between measured exposure and symptoms were scarce but gave information about advantages and disadvantages of the different exposure measures. The study design could be improved by increasing the size of the study population, using a better match of reference data and increasing the applicability and representability over time of the measured exposure.
|
|
| 16. |
- Sjöström, Ylva, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
-
Children's exposure to halogenated flame retardants and organophosphate esters through dermal absorption and hand-to-mouth ingestion in Swedish preschools
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 943
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Children are exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through inhalation and ingestion, as well as through dermal contact in their everyday indoor environments. The dermal loadings of EDCs may contribute significantly to children's total EDC exposure due to dermal absorption as well as hand-to-mouth behaviors. The aim of this study was to measure potential EDCs, specifically halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs), on children's hands during preschool attendance and to assess possible determinants of exposure in preschool indoor environments in Sweden. For this, 115 handwipe samples were collected in winter and spring from 60 participating children (arithmetic mean age 4.5 years, standard deviation 1.0) and analyzed for 50 compounds. Out of these, 31 compounds were identified in the majority of samples. Levels were generally several orders of magnitude higher for OPEs than HFRs, and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) were detected in the highest median masses, 61 and 56 ng/wipe, respectively. Of the HFRs, bis(2-ethyl-1-hexyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (BEH-TEBP) and 2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) were detected in the highest median masses, 2.8 and 1.8 ng/wipe, respectively. HFR and/or OPE levels were found to be affected by the number of plastic toys, and electrical and electronic devices, season, municipality, as well as building and/or renovation before/after 2004. Yet, the calculated health risks for single compounds were below available reference dose values for exposure through dermal uptake as well as for ingestion using mean hand-to-mouth contact rate. However, assuming a high hand-to-mouth contact rate, at the 95th percentile, the calculated hazard quotient was above 1 for the maximum handwipe mass of TBOEP found in this study, suggesting a risk of negative health effects. Furthermore, considering additive effects from similar compounds, the results of this study indicate potential concern if additional exposure from other routes is as high.
|
|
