Abstract
The paper presents the results of phthalates measurements in 4 companies producing or processing materials made of rubber and plastics. Six priority phthalates were determined in air samples both in the respirable and inhalable particle fractions. For the determination of phthalates, GC/MS was applied, which ensures the determination of the method at the level of 0.066 µg/m3 for fibreglass filter and polyurethane foam and 0.022 µg/m3 for Amberlite resin XAD-2, while taking 720 L of air samples. The results of the measurements showed that dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) dominated in all the investigated companies in the gaseous phase of air sampling. For example, in a company producing rubber details for car accessories, the concentration of DBP ranged from 54 to 74% of the total phthalate concentration determined in the gaseous phase. The inhalable particle fraction was dominated by two compounds, i.e. DBP and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP, and their total concentration was a significant percentage, on average over 83% of the sum of all phthalates determined in the inhalable fraction in the investigated companies. As particle size affects the location of phthalate deposition in the respiratory tract, the determination of concentration levels of individual phthalates in the gaseous phase and in inhalable and respirable fractions can provide valuable information that can be used to improve the health and safety of workers at work.
Highlights
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can have a harmful effect on the endocrine system
The results of the qualitative determination of phthalates in the company A have shown that 3 phthalates dimethylphthalate (DMP), diethylphthalate (DEP), dibutylphthalate (DBP) were determined in the gas phase and 6 of them in both respirable and inhalable fractions [dimethylphthalate (DMP), diethylphthalate (DEP), dibutylphthalate (DBP), benzylbutylphthalate (BBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
As it was previously explained by Pei et al (2013) because of high boiling point and semi-volatile characteristics of phthalates, DMP and DEP often exist in indoor air in gaseous form, with small molecular weight and higher saturated vapour pressure, while, for example, DEHP with larger molecular weight mainly exists in the particle phase
Summary
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can have a harmful effect on the endocrine system. They interfere with natural hormones that act in very small quantities and at a specific time in order to regulate the development, growth, reproduction, metabolism, immunity and behaviour of the body. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (2020) 17:175–186 processes and pharmacy. They contain phthalates (used in the manufacture of plastics), alkylphenols (present in detergents, surfactants and used as antioxidants and additives to lubricating oils), polychlorinated PCBs (formerly used in electrical equipment), dioxins (released from incineration sites), organochlorinated pesticides and organohalogens (used as flame retardants) (Dodson et al 2012)
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