DETERMINING EXPOSURE FACTORS OF NON-HUMAN HYGIENE DISINFECTANTS TO ESTIMATE CONSUMER EXPOSURE

Abstract

In order to assess the exposure and health risks associated with the use of non-human hygiene disinfectants, we
investigated the valuable exposure pattern of public consumers and the exposure amount to non-human hygiene
disinfectants based on household use. The first step was to characterize the range of disinfectant products and
their major ingredients currently available in retail markets. Next, an extensive online survey across all cities
and provinces in Korea was carried out and 5001 participants completed the web-based questionnaires.
Furthermore, laboratory evaluations were conducted to measure the actual level of exposure (g/use).This
database presents the usage characteristics for each disinfectant, which includes its use frequency, per
application duration, and per application quantity divided by application types as useful exposure factors.
Among the application types, liquid type was used more frequently than products in other types. We focused
more on inhalation exposure from products (and/or their application types such as aerosol spray, trigger spray
types) that affect indoor air. This study provides valuable information on the individual exposure factors and the
inhalation exposure database that may be useful to conduct exposure assessments and to manage household nonhuman hygiene disinfectants.