What to Measure

Measurements in homes and cars

What will be measured in the home?

In ELEVATE we will collect samples of dust, drinking water and air from homes, along with dust and air samples from cars. These samples will then be analysed for specific persistent organic pollutants (POPs) at a specialist laboratory at the University of Birmingham. The POPs of interest to the ELEVATE project are Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)

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The specific BFRs of interest to ELEVATE are hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). HBCDD has been used as a flame retardant in expanded and extruded polystyrene which is used mainly in building insulation foam. PBDEs were used in the production of electrical and electronic equipment such as TVs, and PCs and in the manufacture of soft furnishings such as mattresses, curtains and sofas.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and related chemicals have been used to impart stain and dirt repellence in carpets, paper and packaging, and to provide water repellence in apparel, they were also used in firefighting foams.