Levels, occurrence and human exposure to novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and Dechlorane Plus (DP) in dust from different indoor environments in Hangzhou, China

In this work, sixteen novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and Dechlorane Plus (DP) were investigated in dust samples collected from different indoor environments (home, office, laboratory, classroom and dormitory) in Hangzhou, China. High detection frequencies for most of the congeners were observed, suggesting the widespread use of NBFRs and DP. The mean concentrations of ∑16NBFRs were 389ngg−1 in the home dust, 1125ngg−1 in the office dust, 204ngg−1 in the laboratory dust, 259ngg−1 in the classroom dust, and 825ngg−1 in the dormitory dust. Regarding DP, the mean concentrations of DP were 106ngg−1 in the office dust, 59ngg−1 in the dormitory dust, 56ngg−1 in the classroom dust, 52ngg−1 in the home dust, and 40ngg−1 in the laboratory dust. The concentrations of NBFRs and DP in the indoor dust were positively related to the number of indoor electric appliances and negatively related to the air ventilation rate. The age of the interior decoration has a profound effect on the concentration of NBFRs in indoor dust. The daily exposure doses (DED) of NBFRs and DP were estimated to be 4595pg (kgbw)−1d−1 for toddlers and 1099pg (kgbw)−1d−1 for adults. Thus, toddlers have a higher risk for NBFRs exposure than adults. The DED of young adults in college in different indoor microenvironments decreased in the following order: dormitory (657pg (kg bw)−1d−1)>laboratory (145pg (kgbw)−1d−1)>classroom (140pg (kgbw)−1d−1). More attention should be paid to the exposure of young adults to indoor pollutants, which has not previously been the subject of great concern. [Display omitted] •NBFRs and DPs are ubiquitous pollutants in indoor dust in Hangzhou, China.•Highest indoor concentration of NBFRs and DPs were observed in office.•Electronic appliances highly contribute NBFRs and DPs in indoor dust.•NBFRs and DPs in dormitory were related with ventilation.•High risk of exposure to NBFRs and DPs for college students was found in dormitory.