Indoor exposure to phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to Canadian children: the Kingston allergy birth cohort

Background Canadian children are widely exposed to phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from indoor sources. Both sets of compounds have been implicated in allergic symptoms in children. Objective We characterize concentrations of eight phthalates and 12 PAHs in floor dust from the bedrooms of 79 children enrolled in the Kingston Allergy Birth Cohort (KABC). Method Floor dust was collected from the bedrooms of 79 children who underwent skin prick testing for common allergens after their first birthday. Data were collected on activities, household, and building characteristics via questionnaire. Results Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) and phenanthrene were the dominant phthalate and PAH with median concentrations of 561 µg/g and 341 ng/g, respectively. Benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP) and chrysene had the highest variations among all tested homes, ranging from 1–95% to 1–99%, respectively. Significance Some phthalates were significantly associated with product and material use such as diethyl phthalate (DEP) with fragranced products and DiNP and DiDP with vinyl materials. Some PAHs were significantly associated with household characteristics, such as benzo[ a ]pyrene with smoking, and phenanthrene and fluoranthene with the presence of an attached garage. Socioeconomic status (SES) had positive and negative relationships with some concentrations and some explanatory factors. No significant increases in risk of atopy (positive skin prick test) was found as a function of phthalate or PAH dust concentrations.