Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticizer, is ubiquitous in indoor environments. DEHP was the most prevalent phthalate measured in house dust in the CHILD Cohort, and was found to be associated with increased risk of childhood asthma in our recent case-cohort sub-analysis. Our aim was to identify possible sources of DEHP in dust in this cohort. METHODS: CHILD is a multi-center Canadian birth cohort study. DEHP levels were measured in house dust samples collected at age 3-4 months. Housing characteristics were assessed by Research Assistants at the time of dust collection and families completed an environment-related questionnaire. Using dust data from 726 homes involved in the case-cohort study, factors such as vinyl flooring, vinyl furniture and mattress coverings were investigated as potential indicators of DEHP sources. Mass-based DEHP concentrations were log-transformed and multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the associations, controlling for possible confounders such as household income and age of home. RESULTS:The quantity of vinyl/plastic furniture in homes was significantly associated with DEHP concentration. Higher DEHP concentrations were observed in homes with older flooring ( 3 years) in the mother’s bedroom. Homes with vinyl flooring in both the kitchen and bathroom showed higher levels of DEHP on average than those without vinyl flooring but the effect decreased after adjusting for the age of home as a proxy for unmeasured related confounders. The presence of mold, suggestive of dampness, was also associated with higher DEHP concentrations. No significant difference in DEHP concentrations in dust was observed between homes with and without mattress covering on children’s beds. CONCLUSIONS:DEHP in house dust is associated with specific housing characteristics. These findings could provide guidance to the public on the choice of building materials and furnishings, as well as in the development of policies, aimed at improving the indoor environment. KEYWORDS: phthalates, children’s environmental health, endocrine disrupting chemicals, chemical exposures, built environment
Published Version
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