Understanding the Emissions of Chemicals from Consumer Products

Challenge

Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) encompass a broad group of chemicals including flame retardants, plasticizers and stain-resistant fabric treatments, which are added to various consumer products. As part of their Exposure Forecasting (ExpoCast) program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking to better understand whether exposure to SVOCs from fabrics and other articles of commerce could impact human health.  

Solution

In support of EPA’s efforts, Battelle measured the emission rates of target SVOCs from articles of clothing and upholstery material. In order to accurately quantify the emissions, Battelle developed novel microchamber emission test methods, sample collection and extraction procedures, and analytical techniques. Battelle characterized the emissions of 12 target SVOCs from 17 fabric samples. 

Impact

The study added quantifiable data for more than 100 chemical-article combinations to EPA’s exposure model database. With these data, EPA will be able to improve the accuracy of estimates of the health risks associated with exposures to SVOCs emitted from consumer products
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Cross-disciplinary scientific and engineering collaboration is essential for innovation. Our experts, called “Solvers” at Battelle, combine multiple advanced materials expertise like these with other applied sciences and engineering disciplines to deliver comprehensive client solutions.

  • Materials Chemistry

Our comprehensive solutions require cross-disciplinary scientific and engineering collaboration. Battelle Solvers combine biology disciplines like these with other applied sciences and engineering to deliver client success.

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Innovation requires multidisciplinary scientific and engineering collaboration. Our Solvers at Battelle combine multiple chemistry disciplines like these with other applied sciences and engineering expertise to deliver comprehensive client solutions.
Data science expertise is at the core of our multidisciplinary approach. Our experts, called “Solvers” at Battelle, combine data science disciplines like these with applied engineering and science to deliver comprehensive client solutions in government and industry.

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Real-world solutions require multidisciplinary scientific and engineering collaboration. Our experts, called “Solvers” at Battelle, combine multiple engineering disciplines like these with other applied sciences to deliver comprehensive client solutions.

  • Biomedical Engineering

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  • Mechanical Engineering

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Andre LaFreniere Vice President, Commercial Business Development and Sales, Battelle Health

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