Risks from FRs in car interiors are low

Meta-analysis concludes health risks from organophosphorus and PBDE FRs in car dusts are “relatively low”. The authors assessed over 1300 studies, of which 27 were identified as having reliable and relevant data. Eight polybrominated deca ethers (PBDEs), two chlorinated phosphates* and six non-halogenated organophosphorus** flame retardants were considered, looking at concentrations in dusts, car occupation time and frequency, and possible absorption through ingestion, skin contact and inhalation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorisation (PMF) were applied. Conclusions are that for both occupational (professional vehicle drivers) and non-occupational (general public), the hazard index for non-cancer risk is “not likely to be associated with adverse health effects” (cumulative total HI for all considered FRs for occupational exposure of the order 10^-3, see table S7). Cumulative cancer risks (total of all considered FRs, occupational exposure) were of the order 10^-7, so “almost negligible”.

* TCiPP = tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate, TDCiPP = tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate

** TnBP = tri-n-butyl phosphate, TBOEP = tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, TEHP = tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, TPhP = triphenyl phosphate, EHDPP = 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate.

“Organophosphate Esters and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Vehicle Dust: Concentrations, Sources, and Health Risk Assessment”, J. Wang et al., Toxics, 2024, 12, 806. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12110806