Presence of organophosphate flame retardants (OPEs) in different functional areas in residential homes in Beijing, China

The production and application of organophosphate esters (OPEs) have dramatically increased in recent years due to their use as a replacement for brominated flame retardants. In this study, 13 OPEs (Sigma 13OPEs) were analyzed in indoor air samples from kitchens and living rooms in 14 residential homes in Beijing, China. The concentrations of Sigma(13) OPEs in kitchen air samples (mean: 13 ng/m(3)) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in living room air samples (5.0 ng/m(3)). In addition, paired window surface organic film samples were collected and analyzed to investigate film-air partitioning, exhibiting a mean concentration of Sigma(13) OPEs of 4100 ng/m(2). The congener profiles showed that tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) was the predominant compound in both window film samples (48%) and the corresponding indoor air sample (56%). The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of OPEs via indoor air inhalation were 2.8 and 1.4 ng/kg/day for infants and adults, respectively, both of which are below the reference dose values (RfDs). Overall, these findings indicate that OPEs in the indoor air environment of residential homes in Beijing are not likely to pose a health risk to the general population. (C) 2021 The Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

The production and application of organophosphate esters (OPEs) have increased due to their use as a replacement for brominated flame retardants. This study analyzed OPEs in indoor air samples from residential homes in Beijing, China and found higher concentrations in kitchen air samples compared to living room air samples. Window surface organic film samples also showed high concentrations of OPEs. The study concluded that OPEs in the indoor air of residential homes in Beijing pose a low health risk to the general population.