Routes of human exposure to per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in Winnipeg homes

• Main Author: Nikoobakht, Neda
• Other Authors: Wong, Charles S (Chemistry)
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Polyfluorinated compounds; Indoor air; Dust; Wheezing
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/23722

Per and polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) include a large group of chemicals which are known to be toxic, bioaccumulative and resistant to hydrolysis, photolysis, microbial degradation and metabolism. However, human exposure pathways and toxic effects to humans are still widely unknown and more data is needed over time. The concentrations of 7 PFCs were measured in indoor air from homes in Winnipeg, Manitoba using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. 16 PFCs were measured in house dust from Winnipeg, Manitoba using on-line solid phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. For commonly detected PFCs in indoor air and dust, concentrations were found at pg/m3 and ng/g levels, respectively, similar to that observed in other recent studies. Appropriate statistical tests and principal component analysis were used to evaluate possible associations between PFC concentrations and home characteristics. PFCs in indoor air and dust were associated with each other and home characteristics but not with indoor ambient temperature nor type of room (child room or the most used room). Furthermore PFCs did not show significant association with infant wheezing. None of the neutral PFCs in indoor air showed an association with seasonal temperature variation, except 8:2 FTOH and MeFOSE that had significantly higher concentrations in winter than summer.