Analytical Developments for Emerging Pollutants in Indoor Suspended Particulate Matter and Dust

Abstract

Many contaminants are adsorbed by particulate matter suspended in indoor air, which later settles out as house dust, acting as a sink for semi- and non-volatile hazardous substances. Hence, inhalation of indoor air and particulate matter as well as dermal adsorption and unnoticed ingestion of indoor dust, have been recognized as important exposure pathways for organic contaminants. This chapter discusses recent methodological developments for the analysis of emerging pollutants in indoor suspended particulate matter and dust. Procedures for sample collection and enrichment, as well as analyte desorption and clean-up procedures, determination techniques, and method performance evaluation, are discussed. Finally, analytical methodologies available for several families of contaminants usually associated to indoor particulate matter and dust are presented.