Grants and residencies

Research

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

Application summary

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.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals of global concern, particularly in environments like daycare centers, where children spend a significant part of their day. Children are highly vulnerable to chemical exposures, and yet limited research exists on their exposure to hazardous substances in Finnish daycare centers. This project addresses that gap by evaluating chemical exposure levels among 3-5 years children and exploring interventions to reduce chemicals exposure in these environments.
The study is a collaborative effort between Tampere University, City of Tampere and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) laboratory. It consists of three main work packages:

1-Assessment of Exposure via Dust: Measurement of chemicals, including organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), in indoor dust from daycare centers to evaluate children's exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.
Dust samples from 18 daycares were analyzed. The median concentrations (µg/g) were significantly higher than those reported in similar studies in other countries. The Margin of Exposure (MOE) calculations, which compared total exposure to oral Reference Doses (RfD), indicated that most OPFRs did not pose a significant risk to children, with MOEs generally above 1000. However, one of these chemicals had the lowest MOE, suggesting a potential health risk at higher exposure levels.

2-Biomonitoring of Children: included analyzing BPA, BPS, and BPF in 40 urine samples from 18 daycare centers in Tampere. Most bisphenol levels were within established safety thresholds.

3-Interventions to Reduce Exposure: interventions were piloted by replacing old nap mats in one daycare center.
This project’s novel approach enhances understanding of chemical exposure pathways and informs strategies for safer indoor environments for children.

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