Home textile as a potential pathway for dermal exposure to trace elements: assessment of health risks

The concentrations of trace elements were analysed in samples of home textiles (i.e. towels, bedclothes and pyjamas). Arsenic, Be, Cd, Sc, Se, Sm and Tl levels were below their respective detection limits, while Hg, Mo and V could be only detected in a few samples. The highest mean levels corresponded to Mg, Cu andSb. In agreement with previous findings in casual wear, home textiles made of polyester, either exclusively or partially, showed significantly higher levels of Sb than those made of cotton, while Ti levels were also significantly higher in synthetic fibre items. The levels of Cr and Cu were especially relevant in colour clothes. The dermal absorption of trace elements during sleeping and towels use were also estimated, being the health risks subsequently assessed. The maximum hazard quotient (HQ) for all elements was well below 0.01, indicating a safe situation. The only exception was Sb, whose HQ due to bedclothes/pyjamas and towels use was 0.4 and >1, respectively. Comparing with other daily activities, towels use, by towel-to-hand-to-mouth effect, was the most relevant action leading to dermal exposure for most trace elements. In general terms, cancer risks did not exceed threshold levels, excepting Cr(VI), whose risk was above 10(-5).