Emissions of VOCs From Polymer-Based Consumer Products: From Emission Data of Real Samples to the Assessment of Inhalation Exposure

Abstract

The development of consumerism led to an increase in toy production. Such consumer products may contain non-intentionally added toxic substances that can emit from the product and may be inhaled by the consumer. Little data is available on the inhalation exposure of humans to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from consumer products, so a reliable exposure assessment is needed. Only the emission chamber technique developed for building material emissions can provide solid estimations as it allows the products to be studied under real room conditions. This paper proposes a strategy to interpret emission experiment results from consumer products and assess the corresponding potential risk. It focuses on 14 common VOCs. The identification of the polymer type of 41 plastic articles was first performed by pyrolysis coupled online to gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (pyr-GC/MS). Their VOC profile was also determined by Dynamic Headspace-GC/MS (DHS-GC/MS). Softer polymers caused higher and broader emission profiles. Four specific toy samples were selected to be studied in a 203 l emission chamber and their emissions were compared to a reference material. A rapid decrease in the emissions was observed for each product and VOC. Based on these emission curves over time, the corresponding indoor air concentration could be calculated for the target VOCs for short-term or long-term exposures. The indoor air levels obtained were at least 35 times lower than the levels according to conventional indoor air guidelines. Guideline values were only exceeded using very conservative exposure scenarios.

Emissions of volatile organic compounds from polymer‐based consumer products: Comparison of three emission chamber sizes

“…By using uniform parameters (temperature, humidity, and area‐specific airflow rate) for the three chambers, it expands the understanding of correlation between emission chamber sizes as similar area‐specific emission rates were observed. However, these results are not valid in any circumstance: In liquid or foam samples, different emission processes are supposed to take place and the correlation is probably different. Also, it should be noticed that the loading of the sample into the chamber should not inhibit the flow circulation, especially in the microchamber where the height of the sample might affect the air stream .…”

“…Moreover, a few compounds had much lower emission levels than the majority (eg, maximum chamber concentrations of 0.44 µg/m 3 for o‐xylene and 24 µg/m 3 for phenol) and depicted a good correlation in the 3 chambers (Figures and ). The same plate was also used to compare its emissions with toy samples: The emitted concentrations were much higher compared with emissions of real samples, but the emission profile shapes were very similar to, for example, PVC‐based consumer products.…”

“…The emissions of fragrances from scented toys were studied in the past under ISO 16000‐9 conditions in a 1000 L chamber . Recently, the emissions of VOCs from “squishy toys” were investigated in 113 L emission chambers while different polymer‐based toys were studied in a 203 L chamber, but these chamber volumes are not well adapted to the small size of most consumer products. Moreover, the overall existing standard procedures are unsuitable for market control by official laboratories due to high costs and time consumption.…”

“…The same plate was also used to compare its emissions with toy samples14 : The emitted concentrations were much higher compared with emissions of real samples, but the emission profile shapes were very similar to, for example, PVC-based consumer products.Ultimately, the goal for market control is not only to downscale the emission chamber size, but also to create emission results in shorter periods of time. For this purpose, individual time points obtained after short-term tests and showing a good correlation between chambers should be chosen.…”

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from a Personal Care Polymer-Based Item: Simulation of the Inhalation Exposure Scenario Indoors under Actual Conditions of Use

“…Moreover, complaints about odor annoyance from polymer-based consumer products have enhanced the need for in-depth investigations aimed at elucidating emission patterns and characteristics. In this regard, investigations carried out on selected polymer-based items such as plastic utensils and children's toys highlighted that VOC emissions are related to the release of residual solvents and monomers from the material polymeric structure and/or the release of additives (i.e., plasticizers, inks) following surface-applied finishing processes such as coloring and printing [18][19][20][21]. VOC emissions from materials and products (i.e., building materials, furnishings, finishing products etc.)…”