[Preliminary study of PBDE levels in house dust and human exposure to PBDEs via dust ingestion].

Fifty-two house dust samples were randomly collected in Guangzhou and Haikou City, to analyze the concentrations of Sigma10 PBDEs (sum of BDE 28, 47, 66, 85, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209), the PBDE composition profiles, and possible influencing factors, and estimate human exposure to PBDEs via dust ingestion for adults and toddlers. The results showed that PBDEs were found in all samples, with the Sigma10 PBDEs concentrations ranging from 544.2 ng/g to 9 654 ng/g, and with median (mean) of 2 547 (3 096) ng/g. The PBDE levels in Guangzhou samples were obviously higher than those in Haikou. No significant correlations between PBDE levels and residential characteristics (number of TVs, computers, and polyurethane foam-contained furniture, time of using TVs and computers) were observed. BDE209, with a mean concentration of 3 021 ng/g, was the dominated congener, contributing 73.70%-99.74% to the Sigma10 PBDEs, with a mean contribution of 96.85%. BDE 47, 99 and 183 were the most abundant congeners of Sigma9 PBDEs (BDE 209 excluded), with a mean contribution of 24.48%, 23.99%, and 21.66%, respectively. There is no notable difference in PBDE composition between Guangzhou and Haikou samples. The estimated exposure for adults and toddlers to PBDEs ranged from 10.59 ng/d to 254.7 ng/d and from 140.1 ng/d to 509.3 ng/d, respectively. Due to their increased dust ingestion rates, toddlers in took more PBDEs via dust ingestion than adults. Dust ingestion was an important human exposure route for PBDEs, especially for toddlers.