Abstract:
Objective To investigate the distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in residential dust in southern Chinese cities and to explore potential influencing factors.
Methods Considering both geographic location and economic conditions, three cities south of the Huai River, Mianyang, Shenzhen, and Wuxi, were selected. Residential dust samples were collected during the heating and non-heating seasons, while environmental parameters were measured simultaneously. Information on housing characteristics and residents' living habits was obtained through questionnaires. A total of 84 valid dust samples and 79 valid questionnaires were collected. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyze concentration differences and multiple linear regression was applied to analyze influencing factors.
Results PBDE concentrations in residential dust were highest in Mianyang (592.20 ng/g) and lowest in Wuxi (21.36 ng/g). The concentrations of BDE-47, BDE-66, BDE-71, BDE-85, BDE-138, BDE-153, and ∑12PBDEs were significantly higher during the heating season than during the non-heating season (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression indicated that the distance from motor vehicle roadway β (95% CI): -0.26(-0.98, -0.02), P < 0.05 and indoor formaldehyde concentration β (95% CI): -0.30(-58.18, -6.53), P < 0.05 were influencing factors for PBDE levels in residential dust.
Conclusion The PBDE pollution level in residential dust from southern Chinese cities was relatively high and exhibited distinct seasonal variation. The distance from motor vehicle roadways and indoor formaldehyde concentration may affect the concentration distribution. Continuous attention should be paid to indoor exposure issues to promote the construction and development of a healthy indoor living environment.