Investigating the occurrence of unhealthy substances in the indoor environment through non-targeted screening of dust samples

Within this assignment we aim to use non-target and suspect screening analysis to investigate which substances are present in dust samples from the indoor environment and on this basis to allow an evaluation of their possible effect on health. By applying general suspect screening, a total of 65 contaminants were identified belonging to the classes of phthalates, alternative plasticizers, organophosphate flame retardants, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, personal care product-derived compounds, fungicides, pharmaceuticals and others. In this way, this study contributes to the fundamental knowledge about the presence of chemicals in the indoor environment. Finding these new organic chemicals additionally demonstrates the power of suspect screening and non-target methods. Consequently, the focus on non-target screening is rightly placed in the context of human biomonitoring. However, this is provided that space is provided to develop quantitative methods for these newly found chemicals.

Publication year:2023

Accessibility:Open