Chemical exposure in enclosed environments

Abstract

Since 1974 the Institute for Ecological Chemistry of the Association for Radiation and Environmental Research has conducted field studies and model tests for the measurement of halogenated phenols in enclosed areas. From the results it can be determined that chemicals which are less volatile tend to accumulate on solid surfaces, primarily on textiles. The impact of phenols on humans in enclosed areas is, therefore, not restricted to the inhalation of contaminated air, but includes the skin contact with contaminated surfaces as well. Results of case studies appear to indicate that the so‐called total body intake of chemicals in enclosed areas is of greater significance than the intake due to inhalation alone. By analyses of PCP impurities, a contamination of house dust with octachlorodibenzodioxin could be shown. In terms of the overall exposure of humans to toxic chemicals, indoor chemicals constitute an important source of contamination.