Analytical methods for urinary biomarkers of human exposure to phthalates

Abstract

Phthalates (PAEs) are a class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In recent years, the harmful effects of PAEs on human health, in particular their toxicity toward the reproductive system and development, have received significant attention because of their increasing production and usage. PAEs are ubiquitous in the environment and food products, resulting in unavoidable and long-term exposure in humans. Therefore, exposure and risk assessments of PAEs in humans are necessary. Screening and quantification of phthalate metabolites in urine is an important method for evaluating PAEs exposure, and establishing accurate analytical methods for this purpose has become a high priority. Phthalate monoesters and secondary metabolites are the most commonly targeted biomarkers of exposure to short-and long-chain PAEs, respectively. The combination of off-line or on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry has become the preferred method for the determination of phthalate metabolites. This paper reviews the analytical methods available for the detection of urinary phthalate metabolites and discusses the advantages, limitations, and challenges presented by each method in practical applications.