SVOCs, VOCs and microbiological contamination in sports facilities, what are people exposed to?

The indoor air quality of sports facilities was studied in France for different types of sports rooms (fitness, dojos, motor skills, physical activity). A total of 53 VOCs, 44 SVOCs and 7 microbiological parameters were assessed in air or settled dust. In air, levels of VOCs and SVOCs concentrations in air were like those found in schools and homes, and SARS-CoV-2 was not identified. High concentrations of total bacteria were observed in two sport facilities with values exceeding the indoor air guideline of European directive and the World Health Organization. In indoor dust, SVOCs ranged from <0.05 μg/g to 274 μg/g, and five SVOCs showed median concentrations higher than in homes, daycare centers, or schools: 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), benzophenone, 4-tert-butylphenol (4tBP), and 4-tert-octylphenol (4tOP). Considering the toxicity of the compounds quantified, a risk assessment seems necessary for the health of athletes and children in gyms, but exposure parameters for sports activities (dust ingestion, inhalation rates, and skin contact) are not available at this time.