The use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in consumer products is a source of chemical exposure that is potentially harmful to humans. In this study, VOCs of four categories of spray-type household consumer products, such as cleaners, coating agents, deodorizers, and repellents, were analyzed through non-target screening. Non-target screening was performed on extracts using a headspace GC-MS instrument with NIST library and Agilent Unknown Analysis software. A total of 298 VOCs were tentatively identified in the samples including alkanes, monoterpenoids, cycloalkanes, and others (Fig. 1). Especially, alkanes and cycloalkanes make up a significant portion of spray-type consumer products. Also, monoterpenoids used as fragrances were detected in all category products. Of the identified VOCs, 14 VOCs were classified as potentially hazardous based on their toxicity and/or detected frequency (Table 1). Among them, D-Limonene and α-terpineol are known as fragrance allergens, and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane is suspected to be toxic to reproduction, persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, and butylated hydroxytoluene is being evaluated as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Our results highlight the importance of non-target screening to identify potential health risks associated with consumer products.

<b>Figure 1</b>. Summary statistics of identified components in spray-type consumer products by non-target screening

Figure 1. Summary statistics of identified components in spray-type consumer products by non-target screening

<b>Table 1</b>. List of high-risk volatile component in spray-type consumer products (detection frequency ≥ 4, S/N > 2000)

Table 1. List of high-risk volatile component in spray-type consumer products (detection frequency ≥ 4, S/N > 2000)

Kiyoung Lee

Seoul National University

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