J.C. Remmers

A survey of household products for volatile organic compounds

Abstract A total of 1159 common household products were analysed for 31 volatile organic compounds as potential sources of indoor air pollution. The products were distributed among 65 product categories within 8 category classes: automotive products (14.4% of the products); household cleaners/polishes (9.6%); paint-related products (39.9%); fabric and leather treatments (7.9%); cleaners for electronic equipment (6.0%); oils, greases and lubricants (9.6%); adhesive-related products (6.6%); and miscellaneous products (6.1%). The study was conducted in two parts. In the first part, or the original study, the products were reanalysed for methylene chloride and five other chlorocarbons using purge-and-trap gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and a data base containing the analytical results was developed. Because full mass spectra were taken, the original set of GC/MS data also contained information regarding other volatile chemicals in the products. However, this additional data was not reported at that time. In the second part of the study, the GC/MS data were reanalysed to determine the presence and concentrations of an additional 25 volatile chemicals. The 31 chemicals included in both parts of this study were: carbon tetrachloride; methylene chloride; tetrachloroethylene; 1,1,1-trichloroethane; trichlorethylene; 1,1,2-tricholorotrifluoroethane; acetone; benzene; 2-butanone; chlorobenzene; chloroform; cyclohexane; 1,2-dichloroethane; 1,4-dioxane; ethylbenzene; n -hexane; d -limonene; methylcyclohexane; methylcyclopentane; methyl isobutyl ketone; n -nonane; n -octane; α-pinene; propylene oxide; styrene; 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane; tetrahydrofuran; toluene; m -mxylene; o -xylene; and p -xylene. Of the 31 chemicals, toluene, the xylenes and methylene chloride were found to occur most frequently—in over 40% of the products tested. Chemicals that were typically found in relatively high concentrations in the samples (i.e. greater than 20% w/w) included acetone, 2-butanone, hexane, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane and the xylenes. Chlorobenzene, d -limonene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, n -nonane and styrene were not found in any of the products at or above the 0.1% level. In all, 935 of the products contained one or more of the target solvents at levels greater than 0.1%. The resulting data base contains information regarding the 1159 products, such as origin, cost, container type, lot number, etc., as well as quantitative information for each of the 31 chemicals. The frequency of occurrence and average concentrations for the target chemicals are summarized for each of the product classes.

Mass spectral confirmation of chlorinated and brominated diphenylethers in human adipose tissues

Abstract This study has resulted in the detection and confirmation of polyhalogenated diphenylethers (PHDPEs) in human adipose tissues. The PHDPEs are commercially produced as brominated fire retardants and are known contaminants in some other commercial products, e.g., pentachlorophenol. The samples analyzed were selected from composites of the fiscal year 1987 National Human Adipose Tissue Survey (FY87 NHATS) repository. Identification of the PHDPEs was based on comparison of full scan mass spectra of the samples to the available standards, application of SIM techniques to compare theoretical ion ratios to observed ion ratios for characteristic ions, and measurement of fragment losses from the molecular ion clusters. Estimated concentrations were achieved through comparison of responses from the analysis of a PCDPE standard solution, the results of the analysis of two commercial fire retardants and the analysis of a decabromodiphenylether standard. All samples were found to contain detectable levels of the PHDPEs. The response profiles or patterns for both the chlorinated and brominated diphenylethers were consistent across all samples.

PCDDs and PCDFs in human adipose tissue from the EPA FY82 NHATS repository

Abstract Analysis for tetra- through octachloro-PCDDs and PCDFs was completed for 46 tissue samples prepared from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Human Adipose Tissue Survey (NHATS). The samples were prepared as composites from over 900 specimens to represent the nine U.S. census divisions and three age groups (0–14, 15–44, and 45 plus years). The data demonstrate that PCDDs and PCDFs are prevalent in the general U.S. population and that differences exist with age.

Trends of PCB, hexachlorobenzene, and β-benzene hexachloride levels in the adipose tissue of the U.S. population

Results are presented on the levels of selected toxic chemicals in the adipose tissue of the U.S. population. Estimates of baseline levels and time trends are presented for the chemicals beta-benzene hexachloride (beta-BHC), hexachlorobenzene, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The statistical analyses are based on chemical data obtained from analysis of tissue specimens collected from a nationally representative sample of autopsied cadavers and surgical patients by EPAs National Human Adipose Tissue Survey during the period 1970 through 1983. The results show that while nearly the entire U.S. population has detectable levels of these chemicals, the actual concentration levels of beta-BHC and PCBs are steadily decreasing and the levels of HCB are remaining fairly constant. Comparisons of levels across demographic subpopulations show that there are some differences in concentration levels across geographic regions, age groups, and race groups.

Determination of the prevalence of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDPES) in human adipose tissue samples

Abstract The HRMS analysis of human adipose tissues for PCDDs and PCDFs demonstrated responses representative of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDPEs). The responses correspond to hexathrough decachloro PCDPE isomers with lipid-based concentrations ranging as high as 2000 pg/g. The identification of the responses as PCDPEs is described, and estimates of residue levels are provided.

Evaluation of an analytical method for the determination of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxinsdibenzofurans (PBDD/PBDF) in human adipose

An analytical method designed for the determination of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in human adipose tissue was extended to determine the brominated analogs. The method was evaluated by determining recoveries of 2,3,7,8-substituted, mass-labeled, and unlabeled tetra- through hexabrominated dioxins and furans.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran concentration levels in human adipose tissue samples from the continental United States collected from 1971 through 1987

Human adipose tissue samples collected through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys National Human Adipose Tissue Survey (NHATS) from 1971 through 1987 have been used in three different research programs to address body burden levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. The study designs, analytical methods, and quality control procedures for each of the studies are compared. Data for 2,3,7,8-TCDD are summarized for the three studies.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofruran contamination in Chlornail and Carbazole Violet

Abstract Four samples of Chloranil and one sample of Carbazole Violet were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins and dibenzofurans. Part per billion and part per million levels of hepta- and octachlorinated dioxins and furans were found in the samples. Hexachlorinated dioxins and furans were also found in some of the samples. These levels are considered minimum levels since the extraction and analytical procedures were not optimized for these samples containing such extremely high concentrations.

Determination of organic chemicals in human whole blood: preliminary method development for volatile organics

Extensive commercial, industrial, and domestic use of volatile organic chemicals, virtually assures that the general population will be exposed to some level of this class of chemicals. Because blood interacts with the respiratory system and is a major component of the body, it is likely that the analysis of blood will show exposure to volatile organics. Monitoring of the blood in conjunction with monitoring of xenobiotic levels in urine and adipose tissue is an effective way to assess the total body burden resulting from exposure to a chemical. This article introduces a method for the detection and confirmation of selected volatile organics at parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels in whole human blood. Intended for routine use, the method consists of a dynamic headspace purge of water-diluted blood where a carrier gas sweeps the surface of the sample and removes a quantifiable amount of the volatile organics from the blood and into an adsorbent trap. The organics are thermally desorbed from the adsorbent trap and onto the analytical column in a gas-chromatographic/mass-spectrometric (GC/MS) system where limited mass-scan data are taken for qualitative and quantitative identification. Method validation results and limited population-survey results are also presented here.

Pattern recognition analysis of VA/EPA PCDD and PCDF data

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate, by pattern recognition techniques, the relationships of PCDDs and PCDFs in human adipose tissue among the analytes themselves and with respect to demographic variables (military/civilian status, age, collection year, race, and geographic region). The conclusions of this study provide a multivariate context for the data and strengthen the conclusions obtained in a univariate study (on 2,3,7,8-TCDD) previously conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). From a principal component analysis, the result of most interest, based on a set of matched specimens (36 Vietnam veterans, 79 non-Vietnam veterans, and 80 civilians), is that Vietnam veterans in this study do not exhibit higher levels of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, PCDDs, and PCDFs than the other two groups. Also, cluster analysis of the PCDDs and PCDFs demonstrates that 2,3,7,8-TCDD is not strongly correlated with any of the other analytes, indicating possible differences in exposure routes to these chemicals.