Exposure to Organophosphate Ester Flame Retardants in the Occupational Environment

Abstract

Rationale: Flame retardants (FR) are commonly used in consumer products, electronics, and safety equipment. Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a sub-class of FRs and are widely used in various industries. Occupational risk of exposure is expected for many workers in various industries. However, the evidence of occupational exposure to OPE FRs is limited.
 Objectives: This study aimed to summarize evidence of occupational exposure to OPE FRs.
 Methods: A scoping review was conducted using Scopus (April-2022) and Google Scholar (January-2022). Search terms included ""occupational"", ""exposure"", ""flame retardants"", ""organophosphate"" and similar. Studies with quantitative measures of OPE exposure in workplaces were retained. Information on sample types, exposure levels, routes of exposure, and contextual information was extracted and summarized.
 Results: To-date, 15 studies have met the inclusion criteria. Groups most frequently assessed for OPE exposure include workers in e-waste recycling facilities and constructions. Published studies have described inhalation exposure, incidental ingestion, and dermal absorption routes. Sampling methods included active air sampling, passive air sampling, biological sampling, and dermal sampling. Triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), and Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) were the three most common sampled OPEs.
 Conclusions: There is evidence of OPE exposure in a limited number of industries and occupations at levels higher than the general population. The adverse health effects associated with OPE exposure included reproductive complications, endocrine disruption, and potential carcinogenicity. More research is needed to understand the prevalence and level of occupational exposure to OPE FRs and the potential work-related health impacts.