SVOC Transport in the Vicinity of Human Body

Many semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) including phthalates and PAHs have been linked to adverse health effects such as endocrine disruption and cancer. Due to widespread use of synthetically produced plasticizers, insecticides, and flame retardant indoors, large amounts of SVOCs persist indoors for relatively long periods (>1 yr). This study investigates inhalation vs. dermal uptake to human surface considering air flow and SVOC transport in the vicinity of a human body.  Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of pollutant dynamics around a human body, breathing zone concentrations and SVOC uptake by human surface were estimated for an occupant in ventilated room.