Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in dust from different indoor environments in Zagreb, Croatia: Levels and human exposure assessment

The present study reports for the first time the levels of 7 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners and 11 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) measured in dust samples collected in 10 kindergartens, 11 workplaces, and 25 cars from Zagreb, Croatia. sigma PBDEs mass fractions were 3.11-14.42, <LOD-313.75, and 0.6-5666.98 ng g(-1) dust, while sigma PAHs were 244.9-833.0, 230.5-5632.7, and 395.6-12114.8 ng g(-1) dust in kindergartens, workplaces, and cars, respectively. In the central case scenario, dust from homes contributed to the intake of PBDEs and PAHs the most, while for PBDEs in the worst-case scenario, the intake through car dust prevailed. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were assessed for PAHs and PBDEs, respectively, for two age groups (adults and toddlers) and for professional drivers as a specific group. The hazard index for adults, toddlers, and professional drivers for PBDEs was less than 1 indicating that there is no significant risk of non-carcinogenic effects due to exposure to these chemicals. Total carcinogenic risk for PAHs was negligible for all groups in the central case scenario, but the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk values >10(-6) in the worst-case scenario indicated a potential risk, especially for professional drivers. Also, in the cases of elevated contaminant levels, toddlers are susceptible to a higher risk, despite the short time they spend in cars.