Phthalates in Glass Window Films of Chinese University Dormitories and Their Associations with Indoor Decorating Materials and Personal Care Products

Abstract

Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers in the production of various consumer products used daily. We analyzed phthalate concentrations in window film samples from 144 dormitories in 13 universities and combined them with the results of questionnaires to explore the associations of phthalate concentrations with indoor decorating materials and personal care products. The phthalate pollution levels discovered in this study were much higher than those in previous studies of baby rooms and university buildings. Moreover, it was found that phthalate concentrations in glass window films were associated with laminated wood or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring, iron furniture, medium density fiberboard (MDF) furniture, and the usage frequency of bottled skincare products. Laminated wood or PVC flooring, wallpaper, and iron furniture are very likely sources of specific phthalates, and the large surface areas of MDF furniture can act as sinks of phthalates. Transport of phthalates from the packaging of bottled skincare products into cosmetics should be given more attention. Our results provide a deep understanding of the sources of phthalates in glass window films.