Indoor Emissions as a Source of Outdoor Pollution

Abstract

A number of halogenated semivolatile organic compounds (HSVOCs) are used widely as flame retardants and stainproofing additives in consumer articles such as electronics and soft furnishings. This chapter reviews the evidence that such widespread application leads to considerable indoor contamination that constitutes a substantial source of HSVOCs in outdoor air. Moreover, owing to the persistence and bioaccumulative nature of some HSVOCs, it is hypothesized that indoor contamination also exerts an influence on future human dietary exposure.