PM2.5 chemical composition and health risks by inhalation near a chemical complex.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected in the vicinity of an industrial chemical pole and analysed for organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), 47 trace elements and around 150 organic constituents. On average, OC and EC accounted for 25.2% and 11.4% of the PM2.5 mass, respectively. Organic compounds comprised polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated PAHs, anhydrosugars, phenolics, aromatic ketones, glycerol derivatives, aliphatic alcohols, sterols, and carboxyl groups, including aromatic, carboxylic and dicarboxylic acids. Enrichment factors > 100 were obtained for Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Sn, B, Se, Bi, Sb and Mo, showing the contribution of industrial emissions and nearby major roads. Principal component analysis revealed that vehicle, industrial and biomass burning emissions accounted for 66%, 11% and 9%, respectively, of the total PM2.5-bound PAHs. Some of the detected organic constituents are likely associated with plasticiser ingredients and thermal stabilisers used in the manufacture of PVC and other plastics in the industrial complex. Photooxidation products of both anthropogenic (e.g., toluene) and biogenic (e.g., isoprene and pinenes) precursors were also observed. It was estimated that biomass burning accounted for 13.8% of the PM2.5 concentrations and that secondary OC represented 37.6% of the total OC. The lifetime cancer risk from inhalation exposure to PM2.5-bound PAHs was found to be negligible, but it exceeded the threshold of 10-6 for metal(loi)s, mainly due to Cr and As.

Polyvinyl Chloride Nanoparticles Affect Cell Membrane Integrity by Disturbing the Properties of the Multicomponent Lipid Bilayer in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The ubiquitous presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in natural ecosystems is a serious concern, as NPs are believed to threaten every life form on Earth. Micro- and nanoplastics enter living systems through multiple channels. Cell membranes function as the first barrier of entry to NPs, thus playing an important biological role. However, in-depth studies on the interactions of NPs with cell membranes have not been performed, and effective theoretical models of the underlying molecular details and physicochemical behaviors are lacking. In the present study, we investigated the uptake of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoparticles by Arabidopsis thaliana root cells, which leads to cell membrane leakage and damage to membrane integrity. We performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to determine the effects of PVC NPs on the properties of the multicomponent lipid bilayer. These simulations revealed that PVCs easily permeate into model lipid membranes, resulting in significant changes to the membrane, including reduced density and changes in fluidity and membrane thickness. Our exploration of the interaction mechanisms between NPs and the cell membrane provided valuable insights into the effects of NPs on membrane structure and integrity.

Compact NMR Spectroscopy for Low-Cost Identification and Quantification of PVC Plasticizers.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most important polymer materials nowadays, has a large variety of formulations through the addition of various plasticizers to meet the property requirements of the different fields of applications. Routine analytical methods able to identify plasticizers and quantify their amount inside a PVC product with a high analysis throughput would promote an improved understanding of their impact on the macroscopic properties and the possible health and environmental risks associated with plasticizer leaching. In this context, a new approach to identify and quantify plasticizers employed in PVC commodities using low-field NMR spectroscopy and an appropriate non-deuterated solvent is introduced. The proposed method allows a low-cost, fast, and simple identification of the different plasticizers, even in the presence of a strong solvent signal. Plasticizer concentrations below 2 mg mL-1 in solution corresponding to 3 wt% in a PVC product can be quantified in just 1 min. The reliability of the proposed method is tested by comparison with results obtained under the same experimental conditions but using deuterated solvents. Additionally, the type and content of plasticizer in plasticized PVC samples were determined following an extraction procedure. Furthermore, possible ways to further decrease the quantification limit are discussed.

Plasticizer migration from children's toys, child care articles, art materials, and school supplies.

Dialkyl phthalates, including diisononyl phthalate (DINP), have been used as plasticizers in children's products made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), such as teethers and toys. Children may be exposed to phthalates when handling or mouthing PVC products because plasticizers are not covalently bound. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 prohibited certain phthalates from use in child care articles and children's toys. Thus, manufacturers have changed to other plasticizers or non-PVC plastics and there is interest in evaluating the potential health risks of alternative plasticizers. In 2008, CPSC staff purchased 63 children's products comprising 129 individual pieces (articles). Plastics identified FTIR included PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Plasticizers identified by in the 38 PVC articles included acetyltributyl citrate (ATBC) (20); di (2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) (14); 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINX) (13); 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TPIB) (9); di (2 ethyhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (1); and DINP (1). Half of the tested articles contained multiple plasticizers. CPSC measured migration rates using the Joint Research Centre method. Migration rates correlated roughly with plasticizer concentration and inversely with the molecular mass of the plasticizer. We then combined the migration rates with data on mouthing duration to estimate children's exposure to plasticizers in toys and child care articles, and estimated margins of exposure. All margins of exposure were >1,000, suggesting a low risk potential. However, the plasticizers in this study have multiple uses. Exposure from other sources and routes of exposure will be considered in future work.

Impact on lung function among children exposed to home new surface materials: The seven Northeastern Cities Study in China.

We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the associations between recent home renovation exposure and lung function in children. We randomly recruited 7326 school children residing in 24 districts from seven cities in northeastern China. We collected information about home renovations from parents using a questionnaire and lung function measurements from children using spirometer recordings gathered by trained professionals and expressed as the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), and peak expiratory flow (PEF). We identified higher odds of diminished lung function among these with home renovation in the previous 2 years compared to those without home renovation in the previous 2 years, for FVC (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.84 [95%CI: 1.58, 2.15]; FEV1: ORs = 2.82 [95%CI: 2.36, 3.36]; PEF: ORs = 1.51 [95%CI: 1.24, 1.83]; and MMEF: ORs = 1.90 [95%CI: 1.60, 2.24]). The associations were stronger among children exposed to new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring compared to children exposed to other surface materials. Our results were consistent throughout the analysis of each type of renovation materials. In conclusion, recent home renovation exposure was associated with poor lung function among children. Strategies to protect home owners and their families from respiratory hazards during and after renovation are required.

Assessment of the Impact of Accelerated Migration Testing for Coated Food Cans Using Food Simulants.

In this study, an accelerated migration test on food can coatings into food simulants was investigated. Food simulants covering a wide range of polarity were used to conduct migration tests at 60 °C with storage times ranging from 4 h to 30 days. Epoxy-resins, acrylic-phenolic, polyester, and vinyl coatings were exposed to water, 3% acetic acid, 50% ethanol, and Miglyol 812®. Using liquid chromatography coupled to a variety of detectors (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS, UFLC-MS/MS, and HPLC-DAD), migration of several monomers and previously identified oligomers, as well as some unidentified migrants, were determined during the experiment. The data from this study was compared to our findings from previous long-term migration studies with storage times ranging from 24 h to 540 days at 40 °C using the same can coating applications. The results illustrate that performing migration experiments for short time periods at 60 °C may mimic migration results that would be obtained at 40 °C after long-term migration tests (up to 1.5 years) from food can coatings into food simulants.

[Changes in Status of Plasticizers Used in Polyvinyl Chloride Toys].

Analytical survey of plasticizers used in about 500 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toys in Japanese market was performed in 2014. The results obtained were compared with those obtained in 2009. Fifteen types of plasticizers including di (2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) were detected. These plasticizers were also detected in the products in 2009, suggesting that the types of plasticizers used in PVC toys have not been changed. Among these detected plasticizers, the detection ratios of DEHTP were 60.3 and 73.7% in both designated and not-designated toys, respectively, both of which are the highest. These ratios are over 20-points higher than those in 2009. The six types of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) prohibited to use for the designated toys in Japan were not detected in designated toys used in this study. However, four types of PAEs, including three types of prohibited PAEs, were detected in not-designated toys with the detection ratios from 2.8 to 15.5%. These ratios are lower than those in 2009. The content levels of plasticizers used in the toys are lower than those in 2009. These results show that the main plasticizer used in PVC toys is DEHTP, and that the usage levels of plasticizers have been decreased.

Higher moisture content is associated with greater emissions of DEHP from PVC wallpaper.

Water damage and moisture in buildings may become more prevalent due to the increasing frequency of extreme precipitation and flooding events resulting from climate change. However, the effects of moisture levels on phthalate emissions from building materials are still underreported. This study aims to evaluate the effect of moisture content (MC) on the level of di-(2ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) emitted from plastic wallpaper (0.22wt% DEHP) within 15 days in a closed chamber. A scenario of short-term exposure to DEHP in buildings suffering from water damage was simulated. Experiments, controlled at 100% relative humidity (RH) of air and 28°C, were conducted under the following three conditions: (I) without wallpaper (control chamber), (II) dry wallpaper (MC at 3.57%) and (III) damp wallpaper (MC at 52.31%). Air and dust samples were collected at the elapsed time of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13 and 15 days, and the wipe sample was collected on the last day. Higher DEHP concentrations were found to be emitted into the air and adsorbed on the dust for wallpapers with higher MC%. DEHP levels in the air exhibited an increasing trend with the length of the experiment. Overall, it was found that approximately 35.31% more total DEHP mass was released into the air, dust and wipe samples from damp wallpapers compared to dry wallpapers. It is concluded that DEHP emissions from plastic materials are affected by the inner moisture percentage.

Exposure of hospitalised pregnant women to plasticizers contained in medical devices.

BACKGROUND: Medical devices (MDs) in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are not a well-known source of exposure to plasticizers, in particular during pregnancy. Because of its toxicity, the di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been replaced by other plasticizers such as di (isononyl)-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxilic acid (DINCH), tri-octyltrimellitate (TOTM) and di-(isononyl) phthalate (DiNP). Our study aimed to quantify the plasticizers (DEHP and alternative plasticizers) contained in PVC medical devices used for hospitalised pregnant women and to describe which these MDs had been used (type, number, duration of exposure). METHODS: The plasticizers contained in the MDs used for daily care in the Obstetrics Department of a French University Hospital were extracted from PVC (after contact with a chloroform solution), identified and quantified by gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry analysis. A total of 168 pregnant women hospitalised in the Obstetrics Department with at least one catheter were included in the observational study. The median number of MDs containing plasticizers used and the daily duration of exposure to the MDs were compared in three groups of pregnant women: "Pathology group" (women hospitalised for an obstetric disorder who did not give birth during this hospitalisation; n = 52), "Pathology and delivery group" (hospitalised for an obstetric disorder and who gave birth during this stay; n = 23) and "Delivery group" (admitted for planned or spontaneous delivery without obstetric disorder; n = 93). RESULTS: DiNP, TOTM and DINCH were the predominant plasticizers contained in the MDs at an amount of 29 to 36 g per 100 g of PVC. Women in the "Pathology group" (preterm labour or other pathology) were exposed to a median number of two MDs containing TOTM and one MD containing DiNP, fewer than those in the "Pathology and delivery group" (p < 0.05). Women in the "Pathology group" had a median exposure of 3.4 h/day to MDs containing DiNP and 8.2 h/day to MDs containing TOTM, longer than those in the "Delivery group" (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the medical management of pregnant women in a hospital setting entails exposure to MDs containing alternative plasticizers (DiNP, TOTM and DINCH).

Microwave-assisted surface modification for the separation of polycarbonate from polymethylmethacrylate and polyvinyl chloride waste plastics by flotation.

Microwave-assisted potassium permanganate modification (MPPM) was used for the flotation separation of polycarbonate (PC) from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) waste plastics. The separation process was optimized by investigating the potassium permanganate concentration, treatment time, flotation time and frother concentration. MPPM selectively reduced the flotation recovery of PC. The optimum conditions were determined to be: potassium permanganate concentration, 2 mM/L; treatment time, 1 min; frother concentration, 17.57 g/L; and flotation time, 1 min. PC was efficiently separated from PVC and PMMA under the optimum conditions. The purity of the separated PC was 97.71%. The purity and recovery of PVC and PMMA were both >95%. The modification mechanism was investigated using the water contact angles, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. This work provides technical insights into the industrial recycling of waste plastics.

[Biologic monitoring of chlorine organic hydrocarbons in vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride production].

The authors presented data of chemical analytic control of chlorine compounds level in workplace air of vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride production, and biomonitoring results of vinyl chloride and 1.2-dichloroethane metabolite - thiodiacetic acid urinary level in workers of this production. Findings are exceeded hygienic norms on maximal concentrations of 1.2-dichloroethane in a workshop for vinyl chloride production from 1.0 to 2.85 MACs and of vinyl chloride in a workshop for polyvinyl chloride production from 2.06 to 5.52 MACs. Urinary levels of thiodiacetic acid were assessed in workers of vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride production in dependence on occupation, length of service and post-contact time.

Evaluation of Standard Loose Plastic Packaging for the Management of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebriondiae).

Three standard foodstuff plastic packaging namely polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylchloride (PVC) were evaluated for management of lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Resistance parameters in packaging were recorded as punctures, holes, penetrations, sealing defects, and invasions with two thicknesses and tested for two lengths of time. Damages like punctures, holes and penetrations by both insects were more in PE packaging however R. dominica made more penetrations in PP than in PE. For both insects sealing defects and invasions were predominant in PVC than in others. Thickness did not affect significantly damage types but significantly more holes and penetrations by R. dominica were in less thickness. Punctures and holes by R. dominica were more after less time period but other damages in packaging were more after more time period. However for T. castaneum all sorts of damages were seen more after more time period. Overall categorization between two insects showed R. dominica made more penetrations and T. castaneum made more invasions compared with their counterparts. Pictures were taken under camera fitted microscope to magnify punctures and holes in different packaging and thicknesses. Insect mortality due to phosphine was more in PP and PE packaging and least in PVC packaging and thickness effect was marginal. T. castaneum mortality was significantly more after 48 h than after 24 h. Damages extent in packaging and fumigation results showed PP to be the best of three packaging materials to manage these insects.

Nondestructive Quantification of Local Plasticizer Concentration in PVC by (1)H NMR Relaxometry.

The properties of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) , one of the most important polymers today, are strongly dictated by the concentration of plasticizer. Yet, it has been impossible to quantify this concentration at different positions inside a PVC product without its destruction because of a lack of suitable analytical methods. Thus, this paper introduces a simple, fast, and efficient way to determine truly nondestructively the concentration of plasticizer in PVC by single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). With the help of correlation curves between the concentration of plasticizer inside nonaged PVC samples and the corresponding volume-averaged NMR parameters, single-sided NMR allows the quantification of the local concentration of plasticizer in aged PVC plates at different depths by spatially resolved relaxation measurements. The presented approach represents a fundamental step toward in situ characterization of plasticized PVC.

Hazardous metals in vintage plastic toys measured by a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer.

Over 100 plastic toys from the 1970s and 1980s, both polyvinyl chloride ("vinyl") and nonvinyl, were analyzed in the study described here using a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to quantify hazardous metal content. A sampling of recent vinyl toys was also tested. The majority of nonvinyl samples were Fisher Price brand toys. The vinyl toys consisted largely of Barbie dolls and other dolls. Overall, lead or cadmium was found in 67% of vintage plastic toys, frequently at concentrations exceeding current U.S. and European limits. Arsenic was detected at levels of concern in 16% of the samples. In the nonvinyl toys, heavy metal content was found to correlate with certain colors of plastic. The likely sources of the detected metals are discussed. None of the contemporary vinyl toys contained detectable cadmium, lead, or arsenic. Given that vintage toys remain in widespread use by children in homes and other locations, the results illuminate a potential source of heavy metal exposure for children.

Plasticizer contamination of firefighter personal protective clothing--a potential factor in increased health risks in firefighters.

Chemical exposures may be responsible for firefighters' elevated incidences of cancer and cardiovascular disease. This study characterized semivolatile chemical contamination on firefighter personal protective clothing to assess exposure of firefighters to these chemicals. Samples from used firefighter protective clothing, including gloves, hood, and one coat wristlet, were extracted with methylene chloride and analyzed by EPA method 8270 for semivolatile contaminants, including 20 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 6 phthalate diesters. Twenty-two of the chemicals of interest were found on at least one clothing swatch. Only di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer, added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to increase flexibility, was found on every swatch. DEHP concentrations were the highest of any chemical measured, and were 52 to 875 times higher than any PAH concentration measured. DEHP was also detected on most items of unused firefighter personal protective clothing, although at much lower levels. These findings suggest that firefighters are exposed to high levels of DEHP, a probable human carcinogen, and at levels much higher than PAHs, the semivolatile toxic combustion products most extensively studied historically. Firefighter exposure to DEHP and other phthalate diesters therefore merits further study.

A pyrolysis study for the thermal and kinetic characteristics of an agricultural waste with two different plastic wastes.

In this study, thermochemical conversion of plastic wastes (PET and PVC) together with an agricultural waste (hazelnut shell) was investigated. In order to determine the thermal and kinetic behaviours, pyrolysis experiments were carried out from room temperature to 800 °C, with a heating rate of 10 °C min(-1) in the presence of a N2 atmosphere in a thermogravimetric analyzer. With the obtained thermogravimetric data, an appropriate temperature was specified for the pyrolysis of biomass-plastic wastes in a fixed-bed reactor. At the second step, pyrolysis experiments were carried out at the same conditions with the thermogravimetric analyzer, except the final temperature which was up to 500 °C in this case. After pyrolysis experiments, pyrolysis yields were calculated and characterization studies for bio-oil were investigated. Experimental results showed that co-pyrolysis has an important role in the determination of the pyrolysis mechanism and the process conditions while designing/implementing a thermochemical conversion method where biomass-plastic materials were preferred as raw materials.

[Evaluating risk of health disorders in workers engaged into polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride and caustic soda production (according to data collected by polls)].

The authors represent data of automated system for quantitative risk evaluation of main pathologic syndromes in workers engaged into polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride and caustic soda production. Vinyl chloride and mercury levels at the investigation time corresponded with MAC. Relationship was seen between value of arterial hypertension risk and duration of contact with both vinyl chloride and mercury. Risk values for functional disorders of liver, endocrine system and nervous system were in weak correlation with length of exposure to mercury at work. Workers exposed to mercury appeared to have lower self-estimation of health state and higher dissatisfaction with the work.

[On the problem of the study of the chemical air pollution with chlororganic hydrocarbons at productions of polyvinyl chloride and epichlorohydrin].

Hygienic assessment of working conditions at the chemical productions of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and epichlorohydrin (EPCH) in East Siberia has shown that the employees are exposed to the chlororganic hydrocarbons of hazard category 1-2, out of them there were found to be more toxical pollutants such as vinyl chloride, 1.2-dicloroethane in the production of polyvinyl chloride; allyl chloride and epichlorohydrin in the production of epichlorohydrin. Multistageness of the technological processes, the absence of the isolation of main stages of the technological processes as well as the heating microclimate contribute to the chemical pollution of the air environment. In spite of the significant improvement of the hygienic situation at the productions mentioned in the recent 10 years according to the chemical factor due to the introduction of the complex of curative measures, the working conditions of the employees still belonged to the harmful category. According to the content of the harmful chemical substances in the air of the working zone and the parameters of microclimate, the working conditions of the employees working at the production of epichlorohydrin and in the shop of vinyl chloride production must be qualified as the harmful ones of the first category of the hazard and danger (Class 3.1), in the production shop for PVC- as the harmful ones which correspond to the second category of the hazard and danger (Class 3.2).

Characterization of microplastics in outdoor and indoor air in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India: First insights from the region.

The study focused on detecting and characterizing microplastics in outdoor and indoor air in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India during post-monsoon (2022) and winter (2023). Stereo microscopic analysis showed that plastic fibres had a dominant presence, fragments were less abundant, whereas fewer films could be detected in indoor and outdoor air. The atmospheric deposition of microplastics outdoors observed 465 ± 27 particles/m2/day in PM10 and 12104 ± 665 and 13833 ± 1152 particles/m2/day in PM2.5 in quartz and PTFE, respectively during the post-monsoon months. During winter, microplastic deposition rates in PM10 samples were found to be 689 ± 52 particles/m2/day and 19789 ± 2957 and 30087 ± 13402 in quartz and PTFE particles/m2/day respectively in PM2.5. The mean deposition rate in indoor environment during post-monsoon was 8.3 × 104 and 1.03 × 105 particles/m2/day in winter. During the post-monsoon period in PM10, there were fibres from 7.7 to 40 µm and fragments from 2.3 µm to 8.6 µm. Indoor atmospheric microplastics, fibres ranged from 1.2 to 47 µm and fragments from 0.9 to 16 µm present respectively during the post-monsoon season. Fibres and fragment sizes witnessed during winter were 3.6-6.9 µm and 2.3-34 µm, respectively. Indoor air films measured in the range of 4.1-9.6 µm. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that outdoor air contained polyethylene, polypropylene, Polystyrene, whereas indoor air had polyvinyl chloride. Polyethylene mainly was present in outdoor air, with lesser polypropylene and polystyrene than indoors, where polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene were in dominant proportions. Elemental mapping of outdoor and indoor air samples showed the presence of elements on the microplastics. The HYSPLIT models suggest that the particles predominantly were coming from North-West during the post-monsoon season. Principal component analysis indicated wind speed and direction influencing the abundance of microplastics. Microplastics concentration showed strong seasonal influence and potential to act as reservoir of contaminants.

Transport and accumulation of ferrocene tagged poly(vinyl chloride) at the buried interfaces of plasticized membrane electrodes.

Cyclic voltammetry (CV), synchrotron radiation-X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SR-XPS) and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) show that oxidation of ferrocene tagged PVC induces an accumulation of high molecular weight polymer at the buried interface between the substrate electrode and the plasticized membrane.