Americans spend around 90 percent of their lives indoors and are exposed to many indoor contaminants for longer durations, often at higher concentrations compared to outdoor environments. [1] The scientific literature on exposures to contaminants like particulate matter, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and methylene chloride in the indoor environment and in building materials have been linked to many adverse health effects such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease, reproductive and developmental disorders, suppressed immune systems, and cancer. [2] [3] [4] Certain pollutants like particulate matter found indoors also contribute to environmental health disparities, while occupational exposures to toxic chemicals used in building materials increase risks of many poor health outcomes and death.

During this webinar, MyDzung T. Chu, Tom Bruton, and Annie Hoang presented recent research examining the health impacts of exposure to particulate matter, PFAS, and methylene chloride in the built environment. They also discussed potential opportunities for protecting vulnerable populations including environmental justice communities and workers facing increased risks of harmful exposure.

In residential settings, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations are highly variable indoors, with evidence for socioeconomic exposure disparities. In this talk, Dr. MyDzung T. Chu shared findings from the Home-based Observation and Monitoring Exposure (HOME) Study where she and coauthors investigated drivers of residential PM2.5concentrations of non-ambient origin in an urban environmental justice community. She focused on socioeconomic disparities in indoor PM2.5and the application of real-time monitoring and statistical methods to inform multi-level interventions to address PM2.5exposure disparities. This research is part of the Center for Research on Environmental and SocialStressors in Housing across the Life Course (CRESSH) (www.cressh.org)

Building materials are an important use of PFAS that have received relatively little attention. In this talk Dr. Tom Bruton went over highlights from a recent Green Science Policy Institute report documenting PFAS uses in the building industry, including in roofing materials, flooring, paints and coatings, sealants, glass, and more. Dr. Bruton also reviewed exposure concerns and discuss potential paths forward for reducing PFAS use in the built environment.

Methylene chloride, often found in paint strippers, cleaners, adhesives, and sealants,is a toxic chemical that can lead to a rapid loss of consciousness leading to death and is considered a likely human carcinogen. The EPA has acknowledged 53 deaths due to methylene chloride since 1980, but an Assessment of Methylene Chloride-Related Fatalities in the United States, 1980-2018 has identified at least 85 deaths in that same timeframe. The Poison Control Centers have received nearly 40,000 calls due to methylene chloride-related poisonings in the past four decades. Lead author, Ms. Annie Hoang discussed results of this research which found that fatalities from methylene chloride exposure were disproportionately among workers. Ms. Hoang also highlighted the need for stronger worker protections and the use of safer substitutes.

Connect with us:
Newsletter: [ Ссылка ]
CHE Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
CHE Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
CHE LinkedIn: [ Ссылка ]
CHE Twitter/X: [ Ссылка ]

свернуть