5.1. Experimental evaluation of critical parameters of the ConsExpo spray model

A series of experiments on propellants and trigger sprays was performed in 2009 in order to validate and calibrate the spray models included in ConsExpo (Delmaar & Bremmer, 2009). Two critical exposure parameters for spray products are the mass generation rate of the product, and the size distribution of the generated aerosols. These parameters have been experimentally determined for 23 spray cans and trigger sprays. Mass generation rates were determined by spraying for 10 seconds (spray cans) or squeezing 10 times (trigger spray; squeezing 10 times takes approximately 6 seconds) and subsequently determining the weight loss of the spray.

Particle size distributions were determined by light scattering experiments using the Mastersizer S (Delmaar & Bremmer, 2009). The study included products from various product groups, including pest control products, personal care products, cleaning products and paints.

Information from the experiments is used to derive defaults for mass generation rates and particle size distributions for aerosol spray cans and trigger sprays for the various product categories.

The default mass generation rates described in the Fact Sheets generated in 2006/2007 have been updated in 2010 in ConsExpo 4.1, based on the experimental measurements by Delmaar & Bremmer (2009).

In the previous version of the DIY Products Fact Sheet (ter Burg, 2007), mass generation rates of sprays were defined as the mean mass generation rate over the total time span of the spraying task. This required the mass generation rates from Delmaar & Bremmer (2009) to be adjusted by averaging over the total time span (RIVM, 2010). In the current version of the DIY Products Fact Sheet, a different approach is adopted. In contrast to the 2007 version, the mass generation rate is defined as the mass generated during the net spraying time. Using this definition, the mass generation corresponds directly to the generation rates determined in the experiments described in Delmaar & Bremmer (2009). For, further explanations regarding the mass generation rate and other parameters for the spray model, see subsection 4.2.1.

5.2. BfR-market analysis

As a basis for further considerations, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) conducted a small market analysis to get an overview of the available DIY products on the consumer market. As a starting point, a small delegation of the BfR colleagues performed an on-site visit to a local DIY market. The 5 groups identified 89 products of interest during their visit. In the follow up, 20 products were further investigated and, if appropriate, implemented into the Fact Sheet with a default scenario.

As a next step, in February 2018, the online presences of four of the biggest DIY retailers in Germany were screened in order to create a compilation of representative products (and product information) for every product category. In exceptional cases, especially if not enough products could be identified on the relevant retailer sites, a pursuing search was conducted expanding the search with international websites. The goal was to find ten different products for each category. Given the limited resources available, the goal was not completed for all product categories and therefore, in some cases, fewer than ten products were listed.

As selection criteria, the products listed in the market analysis should be available for order to the casual consumer and easy to find, which means that no excessive investigation should be necessary in order to find the product online. It is assumed that the casual user would rather buy a product that is prominent on the market (easy to find, supported by user ratings) and does not tend to inquire more deeply in order to purchase a lesser-known product.

For the identified products, safety and technical data sheets were acquired. A total amount of more than 200 products and the related data sheets were screened. The gathered information was used if possible (sufficient specific data available) to develop defaults for product consumption, product density and water consumption (if a product has to be mixed with water prior to use). Furthermore, the market analysis provided a database to give an overview on possible compositions of the products. Defaults were, if possible, determined following the approach provided by RIVM to calculate the 75^th percentile taking into account values of several products from the same product category and using Excel´s QUANTIL.EXKL-formula. The gathered product information is listed in Annex II.

5.3. Exposure factors for cleaning, automotive care, and surface protection products for exposure assessments (Park, 2016)

Park et al. conducted a field survey regarding 18 consumer products¹ between November 2013 and January 2014 in 17 metropolitan areas and provinces in Korea, including rural areas. Face to face interviews using a questionnaire were carried out with 10,000 participants (5010 men and 4990 women) aged 15 years or older. Besides the information referring to demographic key figures and lifestyle, detailed information (product amount per use, use frequency) on the use of the relevant consumer products were collected.

For the DIY Products Fact Sheet, the data of adhesive remover and rust inhibitor are usable. Even though the survey was conducted in Korea, it is assumed that the results can be adopted for the European population.

5.4. Short title: Feasibility study consumer behaviour chemicals (Schneider et al., 2018)

This project was a collaboration of aproxima, a corporation for market and social research, and FoBiG (Forschungs- und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH), an expert group in the field of chemical safety and toxicological risk assessment, on behalf of the BfR. The main purpose was to test survey methodologies to improve the data situation regarding consumer behaviour when using products containing chemical compounds. A concept to gather data was created and tested in a feasibility study, and on that basis, a final concept was designed to conduct a major survey in the near future.

The feasibility study tested which method (Consumer Product Questionnaire (CPQ), 24-Hour-Recall (RFQ), Diary/Protocol or Observation) is the most suitable to gather information regarding the parameters application duration, used product amount, location of application and way of application for selected products (hand dishwashing detergent, cockpit-spray, filler, lacquer and paint, leisure shoes (plastic or rubber) and writing instruments).

In total, 2399 out of the almost 6000 members of the test panel contributed to the results of the study. 4139 probands took part in the CPQ interviews (1186 by telephone, 2953 online), 1034 answered the RFQ-questions (729 by telephone, 305 online) and 124 written protocols were sent back by the users supplemented by 17 video protocols.

The collected data was analysed in order to find the most suitable method for every considered parameter. The results are also usable in the context of the DIY Products Fact Sheets to derive default parameters for putty products.

5.5. Consumer survey for estimating use frequencies of glues

In June 2017, Kantar Emid conducted a consumer survey commissioned by the BfR. The purpose of the survey was to obtain information regarding the consumer use frequencies of various glue types. The survey was conducted in the form of an omnibus interview integrating a total of 2044 consumers. The results of the survey, its limitations and the way the data is used in the Fact Sheet are described and discussed in Annex II A.4.

5.6. Consumer behaviour while using glue products (unpublished (status 09/2022), data described in Annex II, A.4)

The BfR commissioned a survey to gather exposure-related information during the use of universal glue and wallpaper glue. The survey was conducted between June and December 2018 via telephone interviews with a field of 1335 participants. The used questionnaire consisted of questions regarding the use frequency and the use patterns (usage of tools, read/respect of safety instructions, safety measures…) of consumers.

Subsequently, and in addition to the CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews), interviews, respondents who claimed that they would most likely use universal glue or wallpaper glue in the next 4 weeks were asked to fill out a provided protocol in order to describe their individual use conditions as realistically as possible. The users were asked to document aspects such as product amount used, duration of use, exposed body parts and duration of contact. For universal glue, 56 out of the 57 filled out protocols were considered for further evaluation. In the case of wallpaper glue, 52 out of 54 protocols could be taken into account. If feasible, the results were used to derive defaults for the exposure scenarios described in this Fact Sheet.