Biomonitoring of Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) Exposure in Human

Abstract

The exposure of the general population to phthalates is of increasing public health concern. Most substantial phthalate in the environment is di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP); higher molecular weight is the reason for use in construction material, clothing and furnishings. By far, their largest application is to impart flexibility to polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC). Study focuses on the biomonitoring of DEHP in adults (n=108; males=42, females=66; average age 39.67 ± 14.01) from Nitra, because of the potential human toxicities of phthalates as a particle of plastic material. In response to determine human exposure to phthalates, we used high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis to estimate trace levels phthalate metabolite mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) in human urine. The mean daily intake for DEHP ranged from 4.66 to 141.58 µg/kg per day, in 18 subjects were higher than corresponding tolerable daily intake (TDI) for DEHP (50 µg/kg per day) set by the European Food Safety Authority. The presence of DEHP in more than 92% of the urine samples indicating a ubiquitous exposure of people living in Nitra. This study is the result of implementation of projects: “Environmental aspects of urban area” (ITMS: 26220220110) supported by the Research & Development Operational Programme funded by the ERDF; VEGA (V1/0042/12). DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n9p230