Projects
20: Endocrine disrupting chemicals in the air – linking emission processes and transport phenomena with effects in wildlife and humans (ENDAIR).
Occurrence and fate of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the air.
Various studies have shown that endocrine-disrupting chemicals undergo atmospheric transport and that respiratory uptake may lead to increased exposure. Therefore, this project will focus on the poorly investigated occurrence and fate of endocrine-disrupting brominated flame retardants in indoor and ambient air.
Gerecke Andreas C., Swiss Federal Institute for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA), Dübendorf
e-mail: andreas.gerecke@empa.ch
Background
Endocrine disruptors, such as brominated flame retardants, are present in the air and undergo atmospheric transport. However, little is known about relevant sources of brominated flame retardants in indoor environments and the degradation processes of these compounds in the atmosphere.
Aim
The first part of this project focuses on processes which lead to contamination of indoor air with brominated flame retardants. For this purpose flame-proofed materials as well as air and dust samples will be analyzed. The results of these experiments will provide evidence of whether evaporation or erosion processes are the main source of brominated flame retardants in the air.
The second part of this study addresses the photolytic degradation of particle-bound brominated flame retardants. Both parts of the project will focus on decabromodiphenyl ether and tetrabromobisphenol A, the two most widely used brominated flame retardants.
Significance
The use of flame retardants prevents fires. Lives are saved and property damage is reduced. On the other hand, flame retardants may cause negative health effects in humans and in the environment. The results of this study will contribute to risk-benefit analyses based on sound scientific data.