Is e-waste a source of phthalate and novel non-phthalate plasticizers? A comparison study on indoor dust

Nine traditional phthalate plasticizers and 33 novel non-phthalate plasticizers were determined in indoor dust from a typical e-waste recycling area. The median concentrations ranged from Dakeng > Baihetang > Shiding > Jieyang, which was consistent with the local e-waste dismantling activities and supported by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) levels. The correlations between chemical levels and the indicators indicated that most phthalates and non-phthalate plasticizers in the dust, might not be primarily influenced by e-waste emission sources. Additionally, the estimated median human exposures of phthalates and non-phthalates via dust ingestion were 30.6 and 1.82 ng/kg/day for adults, and 299 and 17.8 ng/kg/day for toddlers respectively, indicating negligible health risks.

Automated summary

In this study, traditional and novel plasticizers were analyzed in indoor dust from an e-waste recycling area. The levels of these chemicals were influenced by local e-waste activities, as supported by the levels of PBDEs. However, the correlations between chemical levels and indicators suggest that dust might not be the primary source of these plasticizers. The estimated human exposures through dust ingestion indicate negligible health risks.