Exposure Assessment For Air-To-Skin Uptake of Semivolatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) Indoors

Abstract

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are ubiquitous in the indoor environment and a priority for exposure assessment because of the environmental health concerns that they pose. Direct airto-skin dermal uptake has been shown to be comparable to the inhalation intake for compounds with certain chemical properties. In this study, we aim to further understand the transport of these types of chemicals through the skin, specifically through the stratum corneum (SC). Our assessment is based on collecting three sequential forehead skin wipes, each hypothesised to remove pollutants from successively deeper skin layers, and using these wipe analyses to determine the skin concentration profiles. The removal of SVOCs with repeated wipes reveals the concentration profiles with depth and provides a way to characterize penetration efficiency and potential transfer to blood circulation. We used a diffusion model applied to surface skin to simulate concentration profiles of SVOCs and compared them with the measured values. We found that two phthalates, dimethyl and diethyl phthalates, penetrate deeper into skin with similar exposure compared to other phthalates and targeted SVOCs-an observation supported by the model results as well. We also report the presence of statistically significant declining patterns with skin depth for most SVOCs, indicating that their diffusion through the SC is relevant and eventually can reach the blood vessels in the vascularized dermis. Finally, using a non-target approach, we identified skin oxidation products, linked to respiratory irritation symptoms, formed from the reaction between ozone and squalene.

Presumed Exposure to Chemical Pollutants and Experienced Health Impacts among Warehouse Workers at Logistics Companies: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Dryness of throat and/or mouth, throat irritation, a runny nose, skin irritation, and wheezing in the chest were also more frequent among warehouse workers. These symptoms can be associated with VOCs and pesticide residues in inappropriately ventilated workplace air, such as in transport containers and warehouses [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. Forgetfulness, sleep disturbances, and consequent tiredness after waking up were found to be significantly associated with office work.…”

Indoor Particulate Matter in Urban Households: Sources, Pathways, Characteristics, Health Effects, and Exposure Mitigation

“…Indoor environments are rich in semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Garrido et al and Weschler et al showed that the concentrations of SVOCs absorbed via direct air-to-skin dermal uptake could be comparable inhalation intake [ 39 , 122 ]. Williams et al showed that perspiration-induced absorption of pesticides into the human body occurred through the dermal contact [ 123 ].…”

Identifying Dermal Uptake as a Significant Pathway for Human Exposure to Typical Semivolatile Organic Compounds in an E-Waste Dismantling Site: The Relationship of Contaminant Levels in Handwipes and Urine Metabolites

“…Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are ubiquitous organic contaminants released into the environment by different sources and as a result of widespread applications. , For example, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mainly derived from vehicle emissions, biomass coal, and petroleum combustion . Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants (FRs) that are frequently used in various commercial products, including electronics, furniture, and plastics to prevent the spread of flames. , Due to their chemical properties and low vapor pressures, SVOCs emitted from sources can be distributed across surfaces, and in dust and the air, raising concerns about human exposure . Previous epidemiological and toxicological research has reported various adverse effects associated with human exposure to SVOCs, such as carcinogenicity, thyroid hormone disorders, and sphingolipid balance effects. − …”

“…People can be exposed to SVOCs via ingestion of indoor dusts, inhalation of ambient air, dermal contact, and dietary intake. − Recently, concerns about direct dermal contact have increased, because a few works have indicated that human exposure of some SVOCs via dermal contact is comparable to, or may even exceed, exposures via inhalation. , Dermal exposure to SVOCs can occur by directly touching the products and dust on surfaces or direct transdermal uptake from air. ,− Handwipe sampling has been demonstrated to be a useful method for evaluating dermal exposure to different contaminants in a population due to low capital cost and ease of use. − Handwipes also provide a good prediction of the levels of some SVOCs, such as pentabromodiphenyl ether, in the serum of office workers . Levels in handwipes showed a good correlation with internal exposure (i.e., blood or urine) of PBDEs and OPFRs in a general population of adults and children. − In addition, SVOCs in handwipes collected from different populations have been used to distinguish the main exposed pollutants.…”

“…Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are ubiquitous organic contaminants released into the environment by different sources and as a result of widespread applications. 1,2 For example, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mainly derived from vehicle emissions, biomass coal, and petroleum combustion. 3 Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants (FRs) that are frequently used in various commercial products, including electronics, furniture, and plastics to prevent the spread of flames.…”