Linear Alkylbenzenesulfonates in indoor Floor Dust

The amount of Linear Alkylbenzenesulfonates (LAS) in the particle fraction of floor dust sampled from 7 selected public buildings varied between 34 and 1500 microgram per gram dust, while the contents of the fibre fractions generally were higher with up to 3500 microgram LAS/g dust. The use of a cleaning agent with LAS resulted in an increase of the amount of LAS in the floor dust after floor wash relative to just before floor wash. However, the most important source of LAS in the indoor floor dust appears to be residues of detergent in clothing. Thus, a newly washed shirt contained 2960 microgram LAS/g. The analysis of the office dust samples indicated that LAS (and probably other tensides) might be of importance for the indoor environment. However, more knowledge is required about how low concentrations of surface-active agents in combination with other compounds may affect the eye tear film and the mucous membranes of the airways.