Evaluation and reduction of new persistent organic pollutants in preschools of Finland

Among environmental chemicals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals of global concern. Considering the importance of children’s health, their higher vulnerability and spending a considerable part of their day in preschools it is important to evaluate level of their exposure to chemicals in pre-schools and reducing the presence of hazardous substances in pre-schools indoor environments. In the preschool, children have exposure to variety of items and products. Nowadays using some chemicals are restricted, but an increase in the levels of some of the new substituted substances should be considered; In the light of the previous research we have limited knowledge and do not even have a baseline on level of exposure of children in pre-schools of Finland. I am passionate about this proposal as it would cover a gap in environmental research with relevance to children, whose exposure is often undermined. The choice of the focus of my project is bold as there is little research on low-level chemical exposures or new types of POPs. The Main aim of this study is to bring about novel approach for evaluating the level of chemical exposure of pre-school children in Finland and reducing the level of hazardous substances by product substitution. This study will be conducted by collaboration of Tampere University and Finnish institute for health and welfare (THL) laboratory and contains 3 work packages: 1-Assessment of children's exposure to hazardous chemicals via dust Ingestion 2-chemicals biomonitoring in children’s body. 3- reduction of hazardous materials by some interventions such as substitution of products like old toys and mattresses. This study would cover a gap in research with relevance to children, whose chemical exposure is undermined. It will enhance the understanding of exposure pathways to hazardous chemicals. It contributes to intersectoral and multidisciplinary approaches with focus on groups of chemicals and exposure type.