OBJECTIVES:Occupational exposures may contribute to the development of COPD, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Using an exposome approach in a follow-up design, we aimed to examine the association between the occupational exposome and new-onset COPD in 2 population-based cohorts: the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) with 2 follow-ups (n = 4,087; observations = 6,224) and the CONSTANCES cohort with 1 follow-up (n = 8,255). METHODS:COPD was defined by respiratory symptom(s) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) below the lower limit of normal. Occupational exposures were assessed through long-term job histories linked to 6 job exposure matrices representing 49 different chemical, ergonomic, and physical exposures. Cumulative occupational exposures until baseline were assigned to each participant. Three analytical approaches were used: Exposome-Wide Association Study (ExWAS), Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), and Boruta Random Forest. RESULTS:In ECRHS, across the 3 analytical approaches, the most important exposures associated with increased COPD were heavy lifting, forward-bent posture, gases and fumes, mineral dust, house dust mites, and kneeling/squatting. In CONSTANCES, the most important exposures were diesel exhaust fumes, respirable crystalline silica, other solvents, organic solvents, indoor cleaning, and mineral dust. Differences in follow-up time and cohort characteristics may explain cohort discrepancies. CONCLUSION:We confirmed the importance of several chemical occupational exposures for COPD and observed new associations between ergonomic and physical occupational exposures and COPD. These associations more likely reflect broader occupational exposure patterns than independent effects and should be interpreted in that context. Despite complexities in interpretation, the results underline the importance of implementing new analytical approaches, as it provide opportunities to identify the interplay of occupational exposures in an occupational exposome context.
Objectives The effect of occupational irritants on IgE sensitisation remains unknown. We investigated the association between occupational exposure to irritants and IgE sensitisation.Methods The study included a cross-sectional analysis of 924 adult participants to the first follow-up of the Epidemiological study of the Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA2) and a longitudinal analysis of 271 children recruited at EGEA1 and followed up to adulthood (EGEA2). Allergen-specific IgE sensitisation to 162 allergens was assessed by microarray technology. Lifetime occupational exposure to irritants was evaluated by the occupational asthma-specific job-exposure matrix. Adjusted regression models were performed to evaluate (1) cross-sectional associations between irritant exposures with the number and cluster-based profiles of sIgE sensitisation and (2) longitudinal associations between childhood sIgE sensitisation and occupational irritant exposures in adulthood to assess a potential 'healthy hire effect'.Results Among adult-onset asthma participants, occupational exposure to irritants was associated with a lower number of sIgE sensitisation (adjusted mean ratio=0.63 (95% CI 0.39 to 1.02), p=0.06) and a lower risk of exhibiting house dust mite predominant and pollen/animal predominant sIgE sensitisation profiles (p=0.02 and 0.06 respectively). No association was observed in participants without asthma or with childhood-onset asthma. The longitudinal assessment showed no association.Conclusion This study, showing fewer sIgE sensitisations associated with occupational exposure to irritants in participants with adult-onset asthma but not in those with childhood-onset or no asthma, highlights the need to further explore the non-immunological mechanisms associated with exposure to respiratory irritants at work.
OBJECTIVE:While adverse respiratory health effects of exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products (DCPs) are well-documented in cleaners/healthcare workers, no study has investigated their impact on daycare workers. We evaluated cross-sectional associations between occupational exposures to DCPs, considering them as a mixture of chemical compounds and asthma in CRESPI daycare workers. METHODS:Use of DCPs in daycares was assessed using a smartphone application. We retrieved their chemical compounds, classifying them as irritants, sensitisers, quaternary ammonium compounds and biocides. Latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to identify exposure profiles for the weekly used DCPs/compounds. We assessed associations of the identified exposure profiles with the asthma symptom score (0-5) using negative binomial regressions, adjusted for age, smoking status and body mass index and accounted for daycare centre. RESULTS:Analyses included 311 women (43 years, people who smoke: 11%). The LCA identified three exposure profiles: no weekly use of DCPs (LC1 prevalence: 24%), weekly use of a moderate number of irritants (LC2: 37%), weekly use of a high number of irritants, respiratory sensitisers and biocides (LC3: 39%). Women in LC2 and LC3 had a higher risk for asthma symptoms compared with those in LC1. The association was borderline statistically significant for LC3 (mean score ratio (MSR)=1.56; 95% CI 0.99 to 2.46) and weaker for LC2 (MSR=1.34 95% CI 0.85 to 2.13). CONCLUSION:Our results show positive associations between weekly occupational use of numerous DCPs and those with multiple types of chemical compounds in daycares and asthma symptoms in daycare workers.
Abstract Background Concern is increasing about of the role of poor indoor air quality in respiratory disorders especially in children. While the deleterious respiratory health impact of some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the home environment has been suggested, daycares have never been investigated. This study aims to investigate the association between VOCs concentrations in daycare facilities and children’s respiratory health. Methods This cross-sectional study included 532 children (mean age: 22.3 months; 47.4% female) of the French CRESPI cohort (100 daycares, 2019–2022). VOC/aldehyde ( n = 54) concentrations were measured on a one-day active sampling in daycares. They were studied individually in 4 categories based on quartiles and grouped in factors using principal component analysis. Wheezing outcomes - ever wheeze, recurrent wheeze (≥ 3 times), and ever wheeze with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use - were evaluated by parental questionnaire. Associations between daycare VOC concentrations/ factors and wheezing outcomes were analyzed with Generalized Estimating Equations to account for a possible daycare effect, and adjusted for child age, parental smoking status and education level. Results After correction for multiple testing, higher concentrations of methylisobutylketone (Odds-Ratio for Q4 vs. Q1, 95%CI: 2.40, 1.46–3.92; p-trend < 0.001, FDR-adjusted p = 0.02) and 1-methoxy-2-propylacetate (2.58, 1.54–4.33; p-trend < 0.001, FDR-adjusted p = 0.02) were associated with recurrent wheeze. Associations were further suggested for 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (2.70, 1.34–5.45; p-trend = 0.01) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (2.27, 1.09–4.71; p-trend = 0.02) but were not significant after correction for multiple testing. Similar findings were observed for all wheezing outcomes. Using factor analysis, three identified factors were associated with wheezing outcomes, including a ‘care/cleaning-products’ factor associated with ever wheeze with ICS (OR: 1.22, 1.00-1.47). Conclusions Daycare exposure to specific VOCs was associated with wheeze in children. Their identification and control in daycares may reduce potential health risks. Trial registration The CRESPI protocol was registered in the clinical trials register - NCT no 04170881.
BACKGROUND:While short-term occupational exposures to many agents are associated with increased risk of asthma, the long-term consequences of exposure have not been well understood. We investigated the effects of occupational exposures over two decades on the incidence of asthma. METHODS:This population-based, multicentre cohort was assessed at baseline (European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS)1) and followed up twice over 20 years (ECRHS2 and ECRHS3). This analysis included data for 5591 participants with complete work histories and free of asthma at baseline. Incident adult-onset asthma was defined as either an asthma attack, woken by an attack of shortness of breath and/or current asthma medication in the last 12 months before each timepoint, without asthma at a previous survey. An updated asthma-specific job exposure matrix was used to estimate exposures to asthmagens. Adjusted Poisson models were fitted with generalised estimating equations to estimate asthma incidence. RESULTS:Ever high exposure to high molecular weight sensitisers (rate ratio (RR)=1.31; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.63), irritants (RR=1.29; 1.09-1.54), biocides (RR=1.42; 1.12-1.79), only low exposure to low molecular weight sensitisers (RR=1.26; 1.08-1.47), mites (RR=1.48; 1.12-1.94) and reactive chemicals (RR=1.24; 1.06-1.45) were associated with increased incidence of asthma. Asthma incidence also increased with ever high or cumulative exposure to these exposures and for specific exposure to wood dust, cleaning agents and bleach. The population-attributable fraction for adult-onset asthma due to occupational exposures was 18% (16.9-19.4%). CONCLUSION:This strengthens the evidence that occupational exposures to sensitisers and chemical irritants contribute substantial risk and a substantive attributable fraction of adult-onset asthma. Control of implicated hazardous exposures and periodic screening of exposed workers should be considered.
Background The household use of irritant and sprayed cleaning products is an established asthma risk factor, which could motivate consumers to turn to “green” products. However, only 2 cross-sectional studies, with inconsistent results, evaluated the potential respiratory health impacts of “green” products. Objective To investigate 2-years effects on asthma of household use of “green” products and irritants/sprays, using longitudinal data from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort. Methods The asthma symptom score and household use of “green” products and irritants/sprays were evaluated using standardized questionnaires in 2018 and 2020. The evolution of weekly use (persistent, increased vs no weekly use) was studied in association with (1) the asthma symptom score in 2020; (2) the incidence of asthma symptoms between 2018 and 2020 (incidence vs asymptomatic); and (3) the evolution of asthma symptoms between 2018 and 2020 (improvement, deterioration vs symptomatic stable) by logistic regressions. Models were adjusted for sex, age, smoking status, body mass index, educational level, and use of irritants/sprays (for “green” products). Results Our study was based on 30,012 adults (mean age: 49 ± 14 years; 74% women). For irritants/sprays, persistent (40%) and increased (26%) use was associated with asthma symptoms (mean score ratio MSR [95% CI values]: 1.26 [1.18-1.34], and MSR: 1.14 [1.06-1.22], respectively), incidence (odds ratio OR [95% CI values]: 1.30 [1.16-1.45], and OR: 1.07 [0.95-1.20], respectively), and deterioration (OR: 1.48 [1.19-1.85], and OR: 1.28 [1.01-1.64], respectively). For green products, persistent (20%) and increased (12%) use was associated with symptoms in 2020 (MSR: 1.08 [1.01-1.16], and MSR: 1.07 [0.99-1.16], respectively), and associations were suggested with incidence (OR: 1.09 [0.97-1.22], and OR: 1.11 [0.97-1.27], respectively). Conclusions Persistent and increased use of irritants/sprays but also of “green” products was associated with deleterious effects on asthma over time.
Objectives Diet and obesity exhibit complex interrelationships with asthma, particularly among elderly women. We aimed to clarify the impact of healthy diet assessed by the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010) on: 1) the incidence of asthma symptoms, and 2) among women with symptoms in 2011, the change in asthma symptoms, while accounting for the potential mediating role of BMI. Design A nested case-control study on asthma with follow-up data. Setting Within the French E3N cohort. Participants 8621 elderly women (62 years on average in 1993) Measurements Dietary data were collected in 1993 and 2005 using semi-quantitative questionnaires. Using the validated asthma symptom score assessed in 2011 and 2018, asthma symptom incidence among women with no asthma symptom in 2011 (n = 5700) and change in asthma symptoms (reduced, stable, increased) among those with asthma symptoms in 2011 (n = 2921) were defined. BMI was calculated in 2008. Marginal structural models were used to estimate total, direct and indirect effects mediated by BMI. Results After adjustment for potential confounders, we found a significant indirect effect of healthier diet on lower risk of asthma symptoms incidence mediated by lower BMI (OR for AHEI-2010 quintile 5 vs quintile 1 = 0.95 (0.92–0.97)), without significant total (OR=0.87 (0.66–1.10)) nor direct (OR=0.92 (0.71–1.15)) effects. Among women with asthma symptoms, we also found a significant indirect effect of healthier diet on reduced asthma symptoms mediated by lower BMI (OR for AHEI-2010 >median vs ≤median=1.02 (1.00–1.03)) without significant total (OR=1.12 (0.94–1.34)) nor direct effects (OR=1.10 (0.93–1.31)). Conclusion A healthy diet was associated with reduced risk of asthma symptoms over time, partly through a lower BMI.
INTRODUCTION:Household disinfectants and cleaning products (HDCPs), which involve a complex mixture of chemical ingredients, are commonly used in homes. HDCPs significantly contribute to chemical exposure in the indoor environment by releasing particles and volatile organic compounds while being used, potentially harming the respiratory health of those exposed. AREAS COVERED:We provide an overview of scientific literature, especially from the last five years, regarding the (i) effects of using of HDCPs on adults' respiratory health; (ii) associations between prenatal or childhood exposure to HDCPs and children respiratory health. Finally, we discuss on standard and innovative methods of HDCP exposure assessment. EXPERT OPINION:Recent literature provides further evidence on the harmful role of HDCPs on respiratory health in both adults and children. Exposure to HDCPs is a modifiable asthma risk factor that requires more consideration, in order to reduce asthma-related morbidity, and to improve and maintain an optimal control of the disease. Further research is essential to deepen the current knowledge, particularly by using innovative methods of exposure assessment to HDCPs, which could enhance the exposure characterization in both adults and children, and contribute to identify HDCP's chemical compounds leading to a risk for respiratory health.
BACKGROUND:Disinfectants and cleaning products (DCPs) are important asthma risk factors among healthcare workers. However, healthcare work involves heterogenous cleaning tasks and co-exposure to many chemicals. These multidimensional aspects have rarely been considered. We aimed to identify patterns of occupational exposure to DCPs and study their associations with asthma. METHODS:CONSTANCES is a French population-based cohort of ≈220,000 adults. Current asthma and asthma symptom score were defined by questionnaire at inclusion (2012-2021). Healthcare workers completed a supplementary questionnaire on their current/last held occupation, workplace, and cleaning activities that were used in unsupervised learning algorithms to identify occupational exposure patterns. Logistic and negative binomial regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to assess associations with asthma outcomes. RESULTS:In 5512 healthcare workers, four occupational exposure clusters were identified: Cluster1 (C1, 42%, reference), mainly characterized by low exposed nurses and physicians; C2 (7%), medical laboratory staff moderately exposed to common DCPs (chlorine/bleach, alcohol); C3 (41%), nursing assistants and nurses highly exposed to a few DCPs (mainly quaternary ammonium compounds); and C4 (10%), nurses and nursing assistants highly exposed to multiple DCPs (e.g., glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and acids). Among women (n = 3734), C2 (mean score ratio [95% CI]: 1.31 [1.02; 1.68]) and C3 (1.18 [1.03; 1.36]) were associated with higher asthma symptom score, and an association was suggested between C3 and current asthma (odds ratio 1.22 [0.99; 1.51]). CONCLUSION:In a large population of healthcare workers, four DCP exposure patterns were identified, reflecting the heterogeneity of healthcare jobs. Two patterns, including one characterized by laboratory workers, were associated with greater asthma symptoms in women.
OBJECTIVES:The manual coding of job descriptions is time-consuming, expensive and requires expert knowledge. Decision support systems (DSS) provide a valuable alternative by offering automated suggestions that support decision-making, improving efficiency while allowing manual corrections to ensure reliability. However, this claim has not been proven with expert coders. This study aims to fill this omission by comparing manual with decision-supported coding, using the new DSS OPERAS. METHODS:Five expert coders proficient in using the French classification systems for occupations PCS2003 and activity sectors NAF2008 each successively coded two subsets of job descriptions from the CONSTANCES cohort manually and using OPERAS. Subsequently, we assessed coding time and inter-coder reliability of assigning occupation and activity sector codes while accounting for individual differences and the perceived usability of OPERAS, measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS; range 0-100). RESULTS:OPERAS usage substantially outperformed manual coding for all coders on both coding time and inter-coder reliability. The median job description coding time was 38 s using OPERAS versus 60.8 s while manually coding. Inter-coder reliability (in Cohen's kappa) ranged 0.61-0.70 and 0.56-0.61 for the PCS, while ranging 0.38-0.61 and 0.34-0.61 for the NAF for OPERAS and manual coding, respectively. The average SUS score was 75.5, indicating good usability. CONCLUSIONS:Compared with manual coding, using OPERAS as DSS for occupational coding improved coding time and inter-coder reliability. Subsequent comparison studies could use OPERAS' ISCO-88 and ISCO-68 classification models. Consequently, OPERAS facilitates large, harmonised job coding in large-scale occupational health research.
BACKGROUND:Studies on indoor mould contamination and asthma in adults are scarce, although there is evidence of deleterious effects on childhood asthma. Associations between different mould contamination indicators and asthma were investigated in adults from the largest French prospective population-based cohort. METHODS:Participants completed standardized questionnaires: on visible mould and mouldy area size (0 m2, spots, <0.2 m2, [0.2 m2-1 m2], ]1 m2-3 m2] or >3 m2) in bathroom, kitchen, or main living quarters (living room, bedroom) in 2019, and on respiratory health (2019-2022). Associations between indoor mould with current asthma, asthma symptom score (sum of five respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months), and uncontrolled asthma (Asthma Control Test<20) were evaluated by zero-inflated negative binomial and logistic models adjusted for age, sex, smoking, education, dwelling type and French deprivation index. Sensitivity analyses: in subgroups, stratified by dwelling type or sex, and further adjustments for region, occupant-surface ratio, body mass index, occupant (owner/tenant) and rural/urban areas were performed. FINDINGS:Analyses included 28 596 adults (mean age: 55 years old, 55 % women, 70 % living in houses, 24 % reported at least one asthma symptom, 7.4 % current asthma of whom 15.1 % had uncontrolled asthma). Visible mould and mouldy area size>3 m2 were reported by 21.2 % and 0.3 % of participants, respectively. Visible mould in dwelling was significantly associated with current asthma, asthma symptom score and uncontrolled asthma (OR and mean score ratio (MSR) around 1.40), stronger effect in the main living quarters. Mouldy area size was significantly associated with higher risk of current asthma (all ORs≥1.29, p-trend<0.001) and increased asthma symptom score (all MSRs≥1.32, p-trend<0.001). No heterogeneity was found by dwelling type or sex. Results were consistent across sensitivity analyses. INTERPRETATION:Mouldy area size was associated with current asthma and asthma symptom score, even for small sizes, adding new insight of the associations between mould contamination and asthma in adults.
Background Evidence is mounting that domestic use of disinfectants and cleaning products (DCP), particularly in spray form, is associated with wheezing in children. Beyond the home environment, many children are also exposed to DCP in daycare. The links between daycare exposures to DCP and child respiratory health have never before been studied. Objectives Evaluate the associations between daycare DCP use and wheeze among children. Methods This cross-sectional study draws upon the data at inclusion for 536 children (mean age: 22.3 months; 47.4 % female) of the French CRESPI cohort (108 daycares in the Paris region, 2019–2022). Exposure to DCP was evaluated using a barcode-scanning smartphone application with an embedded questionnaire. An exposure score was calculated as the sum of frequencies of use of DCP for each daycare. Child wheezing outcomes (ever wheeze since birth, recurrent wheeze (≥3 times since birth), and wheeze ever treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)) were evaluated by parental questionnaire. Associations between daycare DCP exposure and wheezing outcomes were analyzed with Generalized Estimating Equations to account for a possible center effect, and adjusted for child age, parental smoking status, parental educational attainment, and daycare size. Results The prevalence of ever wheeze was 32.1 %, that of recurrent wheeze 13.3 %, and that of wheeze ever treated with ICS 14.5 %. Above-median exposure scores (vs. ≤ median exposure scores) were associated with higher odds of wheeze ever treated with ICS (Odds Ratio = 1.72, 95 % Confidence Interval: 1.07–2.75) and ever wheeze (1.40, 0.98–2.00), but not with recurrent wheeze (1.35, 0.79–2.31). Relationships between specific DCP application modes and wheezing outcomes did not suggest a predominant role of specific modes. Discussion Given the observed association between daycare DCP use and wheeze in children, measures which limit child exposure to DCP in care settings should be considered.
Exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products (DCPs) is now a well-established risk factor for work-related asthma (WRA). However, questions remain on the specific causal agents and pathophysiological mechanisms. Few studies have also reported an association between DCPs and rhinitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This review discusses the recent evidence pertaining to airway diseases attributable to occupational exposure to DCPs. In contrast to other agents, the incidence of WRA due to DCPs has increased over time. The use of DCPs in spray form has clearly been identified as an added risk factor. The mechanisms for WRA associated with DCPs remain poorly studied; however, both allergic and nonallergic responses have been described, with irritant mechanisms thought to play a major role. An early diagnostic workup based on clinical assessment accompanied by evaluation of lung function and immunological and airway inflammatory markers is important to guide optimal care and exposure avoidance to the implicated agent. Future research should focus on the effects of "green" products, pathophysiological mechanisms, and quantitative exposure assessment including the use of barcode-based methods to identify specific agents. There is an urgent need to strengthen preventive measures and interventions to reduce the burden of airway diseases associated with DCPs.
BACKGROUND: The impact of work-related asthma (WRA) on quality of life (QoL) and work productivity remains largely neglected/uncertain despite its high prevalence. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of WRA with QoL and work productivity as compared with subjects with nonWRA and those without asthma and rhinitis. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among workers during their periodic occupational health visit in Belgium. The Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, the 8item Medical Outcome Study Short Form instrument, and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health questionnaire were administered. Survey participants were divided into 3 groups: (1) WRA (current asthma with double dagger 2 respiratory symptoms at work; n = 89); (2) non-WRA (current asthma without work-related respiratory symptoms; n = 119); and (3) the reference group (no asthma and no lower respiratory, nasal, or eye symptoms; n = 815). Associations of QoL and work productivity with WRA were evaluated by multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: WRA and having poor asthma control were significantly associated with lower global Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores compared with nonWRA. Asthmatic subjects had significantly lower physical and mental health component scores of the 8 -item Medical Outcome Study Short Form instrument and overall work productivity compared with the reference group, with greater impairment in workers with WRA than in those without WRA. Moreover, workers with WRA had higher percentages of doctor visits and income reduction because of respiratory symptoms than those with non-WRA. Work-related rhinitis and depression were associated with reduced QoL, independent of the effect of WRA. CONCLUSIONS: WRA should be managed comprehensively to reduce the worsening of QoL and work productivity of those affected. (c) 2023 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2024;12:372-82)
Introduction Work-related asthma accounts for ≥25% of asthma in working-age populations, though the relationship between work exposures and symptoms is frequently missed, leading to poor health and employment outcomes. We hypothesised that inhalable exposures at work are associated with poor asthma control in severe asthma (SA).Methods We searched the Birmingham (UK) Regional NHS SA Service clinical database (n=1453 records; 1 March 2004 to 1 March 2021) and undertook a cross-sectional study using baseline data collected at diagnosis. We included all employed patients aged 16–64 with documented current occupation (n=504), and collected socio-demographic, general health and asthma-specific data, including Asthma Control Questionnaire 7 (ACQ7) score. The Occupational Asthma Specific Job-Exposure Matrix (OAsJEM) was employed to determine the likelihood of exposure to respiratory sensitisers, irritants, cleaning agents and detergents; associations between exposures and ACQ7 were investigated using binary and multinomial regression.Results Frequently reported occupations were care assistants (7%) and nurses (6%); 197/504 (39%) patients were exposed to an asthmagen, including respiratory sensitisers (30%), airway irritants (38%) and cleaning products/disinfectants (29%). ACQ7 score was available for 372/504 (74%) patients, of whom 14% had adequate control (ACQ7=0–1.5). After adjustment for major confounders there were no significant associations between inhaled asthmagens and ACQ7 score (either as binary or multinomial outcomes).Conclusion JEM-determined workplace exposures to inhaled asthmagens are not associated with asthma control in SA; 29–39% of patients may have current exposure to workplace asthmagens. Routine collection of lifetime occupational data including current job role and level of exposure, in the national asthma registry, would give further insights into this relationship.
This study investigates the presence of biocides and other semi -volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in cleaning products used in daycare centers and health impact through ingestion of settled dust by young children. In Paris metropolitan area, 106 daycares area were investigated between 2019 - 2022. Fifteen substances were analyzed in settled indoor dust by gas chromatography -tandem mass spectrometry. Detection rates and concentrations ranged from 5 to 100%, and 14,267 ng/g, respectively. Galaxolide and benzophenone showed highest median concentration respectively 884 ng/g and 819 ng/g. The daily intakes (DI) of the substances through settled dust ingestion were evaluated and compared to those from food, inhalation, and dermal contact reported in the literature. Daily intakes from settled dust for musks, triclosan, geraniol, benzophenone, 2-phenylphenol, bifenthrin, and 4-n-nonylphenol were lower than those reported in the literature. The proportion of dust ingestion to total DI was negligible, except for benzophenone (DI=34%) for children aged 3 to 11 months. The DIs were well below the respective toxicological reference values for isothiazolinones, 4-tert-butylphenol, chlorocresol, and diclosan. Our results suggest that exposure to these biocides and the other SVOCs, taken individually, by dust ingestion in daycares, is not a major public health concern. Benzophenone, presumed carcinogen for humans, may require further investigation because of its presence in several daycares.