Abstract
Internationally several phthalates are subject to regulatory control regarding maximum allowable concentrations in children’s toys. Such regulation is not in place in New Zealand. Phthalates have been associated with developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption. We determined the concentration of seven phthalates in children’s toys purchased in Christchurch, New Zealand. These results provided data for an exposure assessment deriving Hazard Indices (HI) for oral and dermal exposure routes in children, based on the concentration of mixtures of phthalates shown by the EU to produce either reproductive/developmental or hepatotoxic effects. Of the 49 toys analyzed, 65% contained at least one phthalate at a concentration of >0.1% by mass; and 35% contained multiple-phthalates at individual concentrations of >0.1%. A HI of 3.4 was derived for the combined exposures to the four phthalates associated with reproductive and developmental effects. A HI of 0.3 was derived for the group of phthalates associated with hepatotoxic effects. Five phthalates were detected at levels exceeding the EU regulatory limit of 0.1% by mass. Risk assessment calculations indicate that, using realistic exposure scenarios, the worst-case combined exposure to phthalates associated with developmental toxicity exceeded a HI of 1 so may cause adverse developmental effects.
Highlights
Phthalates are chemical additives to plastics and polymers to increase physical flexibility
The frequency of detection of phthalates in the selected toys varied, the highest occurrence being for diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), present in 41% of the samples analyzed; only one phthalate, BBP, was not detected above 0.1%
The concentration of seven phthalates in children’s toys purchased in Christchurch, New Zealand was determined. These results provided data for an exposure assessment deriving Hazard Indices (HI)
Summary
Phthalates are chemical additives to plastics and polymers to increase physical flexibility. They are commonly used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, which occur in a range of materials and objects found in the home, including children’s toys [1,2]. Toxicological properties of phthalates include endocrine effects on androgen sensitive tissues, neurological effects, and hepatotoxic effects [8,9,10,11,12,13]. A longitudinal study by Huang and associates [10] found that urinary metabolites of DEHP are associated with decrements in neurological development in children exposed to phthalates post-natally. Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), on the other hand, are all noted to produce hepatotoxicity in the rat, through peroxisome proliferator receptor mechanisms that have questionable relevance to humans [8,9,11,17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
