[Analysis of Sources, Pollution Characteristics, and Human Exposure to Atmospheric New Halogenated Flame Retardants in Selected Areas].

Atmospheric gaseous and particle samples were collected using high-volume active samplers in Guangzhou and Wuzhishan. Concentrations of all the eight selected new halogenated flame retardants (NHFRs), including -DP, -DP, TBPH, PBEB, HBB, TBE, TBB, and DBDPE, were measured. The mean ∑NHFR concentration was significantly higher in Guangzhou (335 pg·m) than in Wuzhishan (90.6 pg·m). DBDPE was the most abundant component in Guangzhou, accounting for 66.9% of the ∑NHFR concentration, while TBPH was the major component (65.8%) in Wuzhishan. This indicates different pollution characteristics in Guangzhou and Wuzhishan. In addition, ∑NHFR concentration presented distinct seasonal variations only in Guangzhou, which could result from the different sources of origin of NHFRs. Principle component analysis showed that the atmospheric NHFRs in Guangzhou and Wuzhishan could originate from different sources. In the light of the results of wind frequency and HYSPLIT model analysis, NHFRs seem to originate mainly from the emissions from surrounding areas, including from the inputs of e-waste recycling, industrial activities, and re-volatilization of consumer goods in Guangzhou, while NHFRs mainly seem to originate from the movement of air mass over the Pearl River Delta and the seas in Wuzhishan. Meanwhile, several NHFRs presented different loading patterns in Guangzhou and Wuzhishan, and the emissions from different sources and commercial products could be the impactors. With detection of high NHFR concentrations in the atmosphere of Guangzhou, the long-time exposure of the surrounding residents (especially infants) is suspected to cause potential health risk.