Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are best recognized as flame retardants, were in 2001, by virtue of Stockholm Convention, listed in a group of Persistent Organic Compounds (POPs). Increasing concentration levels of PBDEs, reported in human tissues (e.g., blood, serum, breast milk, etc.) haverecently caught worldwide concern due to their potential tendency to disrupt thyroid hormones, neurobehavioral deficits and endocrine effects in laboratory mammals. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as additives to a wide range of building construction materials in order to retard the spread of fire. They are present in numerous consumer products (e.g., furniture, electrical and electronic devices). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, equally other semi-volatile organic compounds, show tendency to deposit on the surface of house dust particles. Therefore, house dust (depending on the origin recognized as "attic" or "fresh" dust) is considered as valuable source of information about the concentration levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of PBDEs in dust samples, collected from selected households and offices (e.g., from surface of personal computers), applying standard addition method for identification and quantity analysis. The research project assumed the evaluation of different extraction techniques at sample preparation stage as well as the comparison of performance of two different detection techniques; MS and µECD for chromatographic analysis of PBDEs.

Authors (3)