The aim of this study was to measure perfluoroalkyl substances in a selection of imported consumer products (n = 45) and estimate population normalized emission rates during the use phase. 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) were found in the highest concentrations ranging from <MDL to 374 and 163 mu g m(-2) respectively. Concentrations of FTOHs were approximately 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than those of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs). Although perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was detected in one carpet sample at 1.7 mu g m(-2), the majority of samples complied with regulatory limits for PFOS in the EU. Population normalized emission rates of perfluorooctanoic acid, 6:2 FTOH and 8:2 FTOH from imported consumer products were estimated to be 6.6, 2130 and 197 mu g year(-1) capita(-1) respectively for the "intermediate" emistion scenario. The results from this study suggest that emissions from imported products would have a small impact on the environmental concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids on a regional scale.
Funding Agencies:
Norwegian Research Council 29666/E40
External Cooperation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences GJHZ1202