Diisononyl Phthalate Research Articles

Non-occupational exposure to phthalates in Finland

The aim of this study was to assess phthalate exposure of non-occupationally exposed working aged population in Finland. Studied phthalates included diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP), di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP). Sample collection campaign took place in 2015.Metabolites of DEP, DnBP and DiBP were detected in all the first morning void urine samples of the non-occupationally exposed volunteers (n = 60; 42 women and 18 men; aged 25–63). Metabolite of BBP and secondary metabolites of DEHP and DiNP were detected in >90% of the samples. MCHP (1.7%), MEHP (18.3%), cx-MiNP (8.3%) and MnOP (1.7%) were less frequently detected. MiNP and OH-MPHP were not detected in any of the urine samples.The observed levels were mostly comparable to the levels published in the adult population in Europe and the US. One notable difference was the observed higher exposure of the Finnish study population to DnBP in comparison to the German, Austrian, Norwegian and US populations. The levels of individual phthalates did not often correlate very well with each other. In most cases, higher exposure to phthalates was seen in females in comparison to males, which is in accordance with other studies.The urinary levels were compared to the biomonitoring equivalents (BEs), which were calculated on the basis of published DNELs (derived no-effect levels). The P95 levels of individual phthalates remained below the respective BEs, the highest risk characterization ratio (RCR) being 0.88 for DnBP and the second highest 0.34 for DiBP. For other phthalates, the RCRs were below 0.2. Using the P95 levels, combined exposure to DnBP, DiBP, DEHP and BBP resulted in risk characterization ratio exceeding 1. This suggests a need to limit the exposure to these phthalates.

Detecting phthalate esters in sludge particulates from wastewater treatment plants

This study proposed a method for analysis of 10 phthalate esters compounds from wastewater treatment plant sludges. The analytical efficiency of GC-MS for of target compounds was verified by a standard mixture of phthalate esters. The response factors related to the respective internal standards from a five-point calibration curve quantified the phthalate esters in individual compounds. Based on the literature compiled by environmental agencies, new generation phthalate compounds have been developed, such as di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DiNP), di-iso-decyl phthalate (DiDP), as alternative to conventional phthalates. The analytical results showed that the total PAEs concentration was in the range from 7.4 to 138.6 mg kg−1 dw in these seven analyzed sludge samples. More, di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DiNP), di-iso-decyl phthalate (DiDP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) contributed to over 99% of PAEs in the sludge. The correlation between total PAEs concentration in household and sewage flow treated at seven WWTPs and concentrations of DEHP, DiNP and DiDP was significant.

Phthalates levels in olive oils and olive pomace oils marketed in Turkey

ABSTRACT Phthalates are used as additives and plasticisers in packaging for personal care and food products. Several investigations reported the harmful impact of phthalates on human health. In this study, different types of olive oils (12 olive oil; 20 extra virgin oil; 4 refined pomace oil) in different packaging materials [polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass and metal] obtained from local markets in Turkey in 2019, were analysed using GC-MS for the presence of benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP). The average recoveries of the 5 phthalates in olive oils were 87%-100%, with limits of quantification (LOQs) of 0.09–2.28 mg/kg. DEHP was the abundant phthalate in all olive oil samples ranging from below the LOQ (0.23 mg/kg) to 602 mg/kg. In all analysed samples, the levels of DINP and DIDP were less than their LOQ, thus these phthalates were not detected. The highest DEHP content was found in an olive oil sample containing 602 mg/kg, whilst 5 samples did not contain detectable phthalate esters.

Companion animals get close to the toxic aspects of antropogenic world: cytotoxicity of phthalates and bisphenol A on dog testicular primary cells.

Phthalates, which are among the most abundant plasticizers, have detrimental effects on the reproductive system. Similar to human, dogs are prominently exposed to phthalates in daily routines at low concentrations; while toys, training devices and commercial dog foods are considered as the primary sources of exposure. This study aimed to reveal and compare the cytotoxic effects of selected phthalates (Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Di-'isobutyl' phthalate (DIBP), Di-'isodecyl' phthalate (-DIDP) Di-'isononyl' phthalate (DINP), Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP)), and Bisphenol A (BPA) following 24h exposure on primary testicular parenchymal cells of dog in vitro at concentrations between 0.001 and 2.5nM. According to cytotoxicity results, DEHP was found to be the most toxic phthalate with IC50 at 22.53µM; while DMP was the least (169.17nM). IC50 of BPA was 161.81nM, less than the average (61.95nM) of phthalates. In addition, dog primary testicular cells were found more susceptible to the high molecular weight phthalates (DNOP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP) than low molecular weight phthalates (DMP, DEP, DIBP, BBP). Further studies should focus on morphological, physiological and molecular differences to comprehend the mechanisms involved as well as decreasing the risk for impaired spermatogenesis caused by environmental toxicants in companion animal medicine.

Exposure to diisononyl phthalate promotes atopic march by activating of NF-κB and p38 MAPK

What factors and underlying mechanisms influence the occurrence of the atopic march remain unclear. Recent studies suggest that exposure to diisononyl phthalate (DINP) might be associated with the occurrence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. However, little is known about the role of DINP exposure in the atopic march. In this study, we investigated the effect of DINP exposure on the progression from AD to asthma, and explored the potential mechanisms. We built an atopic march mouse model from AD to asthma, by exposure to DINP and sensitization with OVA. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and SB203580 were used to block NF-κB and p38 MAPK respectively, to explore the possible molecular mechanisms. The data showed that DINP aggravated airway remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness (AhR) in the progression from AD to asthma, induced a sharp increase in IL-33, IgE, Th2 and Th17 cytokines, and resulted in an increase in the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and in the number of inflammatory cells. Blocking NF-κB inhibited AD-like lesions, and the production of IL-33 and TSLP in the progression of AD, while alleviating airway remodeling, AhR, and the expression of Th2 and Th17 cytokines in both the progression of AD and the asthmatic phenotype. Blocking p38 MAPK in the progression of asthma, inhibited airway remodeling, AhR, and the expression of Th2 and Th17 cytokines. The results demonstrated that exposure to DINP enhanced the immune response to memory CD4+ T helper cells through the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, leading to an aggravation of the atopic march.

The synergistic or adjuvant effect of DINP combined with OVA as a possible mechanism to promote an immune response

Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) is commonly used as a plasticizer in industrial and consumer product applications. Several studies have suggested a possible link between exposure to DINP and the development of allergic asthma, and the synergistic effect of DINP combined with Ovalbumin (OVA) is a possible way to promote an immune response. These findings are still speculative, since there is insufficient evidence to assess the ability of DINP to influence “allergic asthma pathology”. This study was designed to determine any effects of OVA/DINP exposure on airway reactivity, particularly when combined with allergen exposure. Experiments to determine these effects were conducted after 15 days of combined exposure and a subsequent challenge with aerosolized ovalbumin for one week. Airway hyper-responsiveness (lung function), lung tissue pathology, cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers were investigated. We showed that oral exposure to OVA/DINP could induce airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), and aggravate airway wall remodeling, and that this deterioration was concomitant with increased immunoglobulin-E and Th2 cytokines secretion. The data also demonstrated that DINP could promote oxidative damage in the lung. In summary, this study showed that DINP has an adjuvant effect on allergic asthma affecting lung function, lung histopathology, immune molecules and causes oxidative damage.

Exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate during adulthood disrupts hormones and ovarian folliculogenesis throughout the prime reproductive life of the mouse

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a phthalate commonly used for its plasticizing capabilities. Because of the wide production and use of DEHP, humans are exposed to DEHP on a daily basis. Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) is often used as a DEHP replacement chemical, and because of the increased use of DiNP, humans are increasingly exposed to DiNP over time. Of concern is that DEHP and DiNP both exhibit endocrine disrupting capabilities, and little is known about how short-term exposure to either of these phthalates affects aspects of female reproduction. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that short-term exposure to DEHP or DiNP during adulthood has long-lasting consequences on ovarian follicles and hormones in female mice. Female CD-1 mice aged 39–40 days were orally dosed with either vehicle control (corn oil), DEHP (20 μg/kg/day–200 mg/kg/day), or DiNP (20 μg/kg/day–200 mg/kg/day) for 10 days. Ovarian follicle populations, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B were analyzed at time points immediately post-dosing and 3, 6, and 9 months post-dosing. The results indicate that 10 days of exposure to DEHP and DiNP changed the distribution of ovarian follicle populations and sex steroid hormones at multiple time points, including the last time point, 9 months post-dosing. Further, FSH was increased at multiple doses up to 6 months post-dosing. Inhibin B was not affected by treatment. These data show that short-term exposure to either DEHP or DiNP has long-term consequences that persist long after cessation of exposure.

Occupational Exposure of Plastics Workers to Diisononyl Phthalate (DiNP) and Di(2-propylheptyl) Phthalate (DPHP) in Finland.

The aim of this study was to assess occupational exposure to diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) and di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP] in Finland. Four companies took part in the research project: A cable factory, a plastic producing company, a producer of coated textiles, and a tarpaulin producer. The cable factory used DPHP (and occasionally also diisodecyl phthalate, DiDP), the plastic producing company used both DPHP and DiNP, and the latter two companies used DiNP in their production. Exposure was assessed by measuring phthalate metabolites in urine samples (biomonitoring) and by performing air measurements. Low-level occupational exposure to DiNP was observed in the company that produced coated textiles—out of eight workers, one extruder operator was exposed to DiNP at levels exceeding the non-occupationally exposed population background levels. Some workers in the cable factory and the plastics producing company were occupationally exposed to DPHP. Air levels of phthalates were generally low, mostly below the limit of quantification. All phthalate metabolite concentrations were, however, well below the calculated biomonitoring equivalents, which suggests that the health risks related to the exposure are low.

Особенности токсического действия диизононилфталата и его регламентирование в полимерных материалах и изделиях медицинского назначения

Особенности токсического действия диизононилфталата и его регламентирование в полимерных материалах и изделиях медицинского назначения

Peculiarities of toxic effects produced by diisononyl phthalate and regulation over it in polymer materials and medical products

Peculiarities of toxic effects produced by diisononyl phthalate and regulation over it in polymer materials and medical products

Prenatal exposure to a phthalate mixture leads to multigenerational and transgenerational effects on uterine morphology and function in mice

Phthalates are commonly used plasticizers and additives that are found in plastic containers, children’s toys and medical equipment. Phthalates are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and exposure to phthalates has been associated with several human health risks including reproductive defects. Most studies focus on a single phthalate; however, humans are exposed to a mixture of phthalates daily. We hypothesized that prenatal exposure to an environmentally relevant phthalate mixture would lead to changes in uterine morphology and function in mice in a multi-generational manner. To test this hypothesis, pregnant CD-1 dams were orally dosed with vehicle or a phthalate mixture (20 μg/kg/day, 200 μg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, and 500 mg/kg/day) from gestational day 10.5 to parturition. The mixture contained 35 % diethyl phthalate, 21 % di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 15 % dibutyl phthalate, 15 % diisononyl phthalate, 8% diisobutyl phthalate, and 5% benzylbutyl phthalate. The F1 pups were maintained and mated to produce two more generations (F2 and F3). At the age of 13 months, all females were euthanized and tissue samples were collected in diestrus. Our results showed that exposure to a phthalate mixture caused a decrease in progesterone levels in the treated groups in the F2 generation. The 200 mg/kg/day treatment group showed a decreased and increased luminal epithelial cell proliferation in the F1 and F2 generations respectively. In addition, these mice in the F2 generation had reduced Hand2 expression in the sub-epithelial stroma compared to the controls. A higher incidence of multilayered luminal epithelium and large dilated endometrial glands were observed in the phthalate mixture exposed groups in all generations. The mixture also caused a higher incidence of smooth muscle actin expression and collagen deposition in the endometrium compared to controls. Collectively, our results demonstrate that prenatal exposure to an environmentally relevant phthalate mixture can have adverse effects on female reproductive functions.

Advanced Plasticized Electroactive Polymers Actuators for Active Optical Applications: Live Mirror

Herein, an advanced concept to enhance the actuation ability of electroactive polymers (EAPs) based on modified terpolymer P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE) is proposed. Such a polymer matrix attracts a great deal of attention because of its outstanding electromechanical coupling property, particularly when doped with plasticizers, e.g., diisononyl phthalate (DINP). Herein, it is demonstrated that by optimizing the structure's multilayer design, the electromechanical coupling of the modified terpolymer is enhanced with its high dielectric permittivity, low Young's modulus, and exceptional dielectric strength. This leads to a large strain response as well as a high mechanical energy density at relatively low electric fields according to the electrostriction phenomena. The concept of stacked multilayers is demonstrated as a simple and effective technique to boost the actuation abilities. Experimental results in accordance with numerical models show actuator performance with a large electromechanical response. This technology shows feasibility for active optical surface shape control. The potential of multiple‐stack actuators is tested in a small prototype. This demonstrated mirror optical shape control and correction with a few degrees of freedoms. The proposed Live Mirror technology is useful for ground‐ and space‐based astronomy and communications telescopes.

Occurrence and Dietary Exposure of Adult Population to Phthalates in Hong Kong

This study aimed (1) to determine the levels of seven phthalates including Di-Ethyl Phthalate (DEP), Di-n-Butyl Phthalate (DnBP), Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBzP), Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-Octyl Phthalate (DnOP), Di-isononyl Phthalate (DiNP) and Di-isodecyl Phthalate (DiDP) in selected foods that are commonly consumed in Hong Kong as well as foods those are reported to be adulterated with phthalates; (2) to estimate the dietary exposure to phthalates of the Hong Kong adult populations at territory-wide scale; and (3) to assess the health risk associated with the exposure. Total Diet Study (TDS) approach was used to assess the associated health risk to the local people. Among the seven phthalates examined, DEHP was the most commonly detected phthalate, followed by DiNP, DnBP, BBzP, DiDP, DEP and DnOP. The maximum detected levels were found to be 23, 43, 93, 560, 3,500, 3,800 and 7,900 µg kg-1 for DnOP, DEP, BBzP, DnBP, DEHP, DiDP and DiNP respectively. It is believed that elevated levels of phthalates detected in isolated samples were more related to chemical nature of the food substrates. Food contact materials used in food manufacturing and packaging may also explain the situation. This study estimated that the dietary exposures to seven phthalates analyzed in the average adult consumer population ranged from a low of 0.098 μgkg-bw-1 day-1 for DnOP (upper bound) to a high of 4.8 μgkg-bw-1 day-1 in the case of DiNP. The exposure to both average and high consumers (95th percentile, or P95) of the adult populations were well within the corresponding Health-Based Guidance Values (HBGVs) for individual phthalate (maximum 13% of HBGVs). Furthermore, no age-sex population sub-group exceeded their respective HBGVs. The findings indicate that dietary exposures to seven phthalates analyzed in this study were unlikely to pose an unacceptable health risk to the Hong Kong population. The food group cereal and its products was the major contributor for DnBP, BBzP, DEHP, DnOP and DiNP dietary exposure, while non-alcoholic drinks and poultry were the major contributors for DEPs and DiDPs, respectively.

Decrease in serum testosterone levels after short-term occupational exposure to diisononyl phthalate in male workers

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to examine the effects of occupational exposure to diisononyl phthalate (DINP) on serum testosterone levels in male workers.MethodsFrom 2015 to 2018, 97 male workers...

Trends for plasticizers in German freshwater environments – Evidence for the substitution of DEHP with emerging phthalate and non-phthalate alternatives

Plasticizers are marketed in high volumes and Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is frequently detected in the environment and human populations. Industry had largely relied on DEHP until regulation started to restrict its marketing in 1999 due to environmental and human health concerns. The aim of this study was to obtain spatial-temporal trends for DEHP and its substitutes in German rivers. We have investigated suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples from the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB) for the presence of 23 plasticizers, i.e. 17 phthalates and 6 non-phthalates. The samples were collected in the last 10 years at 13 sites in large river basins in Germany such as the Rhine, Elbe and Danube. A decrease in DEHP concentrations was observed at all sampling sites between the mid-2000s and 2017. The maximum concentration for DEHP was determined in 2006 in samples from Rehlingen/Saar (6720 ng/g dry weight (dw)). By 2017, the DEHP concentration in Rehlingen had dropped to 2080 ng/g dw. Currently, Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) is the plasticizer with the highest levels in the SPM samples (maximum value 4150 ng/g dw in Rehlingen/Saar). Our results show that novel plasticizers such as Diisononylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) spread rapidly in surface waters after their market introduction. We have found several plasticizers of emerging concern in the environmental samples, the further use of which is currently under review under the EU chemicals regulation (REACH, registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals). In particular for Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) a significant increase in concentration was observed at almost all sites between the mid-2000s and 2017, for example in Prossen/Elbe from 24 ng/g dw (2005) to 1380 ng/g dw (2017).

Phthalate metabolites in urine of children and adolescents in Germany. Human biomonitoring results of the German Environmental Survey GerES V, 2014-2017.

During the population representative German Environmental Survey of Children and Adolescents (GerES V, 2014-2017) 2256 first-morning void urine samples from 3 to 17 years old children and adolescents were analysed for 21 metabolites of 11 different phthalates (di-methyl phthalate (DMP), di-ethyl phthalate (DEP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-iso-butyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), di-cyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), di-n-pentyl phthalate (DnPeP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DiNP), di-iso-decyl phthalate (DiDP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP)). Metabolites of DMP, DEP, BBzP, DiBP, DnBP, DEHP, DiNP and DiDP were found in 97%-100% of the participants, DCHP and DnPeP in 6%, and DnOP in none of the urine samples. Geometric means (GM) were highest for metabolites of DiBP (MiBP: 26.1μg/L), DEP (MEP: 25.8μg/L), DnBP (MnBP: 20.9μg/L), and DEHP (cx-MEPP: 11.9μg/L). For all phthalates but DEP, GMs were consistently higher in the 3-5 years old children than in the 14-17 years old adolescents. For DEHP, the age differences were most pronounced. All detectable phthalate biomarker concentrations were positively associated with the levels of the respective phthalate in house dust. In GerES V we found considerably lower phthalate biomarker levels than in the preceding GerES IV (2003-2006). GMs of biomarker levels in GerES V were only 18% (BBzP), 23% (MnBP), 23% (DEHP), 29% (MiBP) and 57% (DiNP) of those measured a decade earlier in GerES IV. However, some children and adolescents still exceeded health-based guidance values in the current GerES V. 0.38% of the participants had levels of DnBP, 0.08% levels of DEHP and 0.007% levels of DiNP which were higher than the respective health-based guidance values. Accordingly, for these persons an impact on health cannot be excluded with sufficient certainty. The ongoing and substantial exposure of vulnerable children and adolescents to many phthalates confirms the need of a continued monitoring of established phthalates, whether regulated or not, as well as of potential substitutes. With this biomonitoring approach we provide a picture of current individual and cumulative exposure developments and body burdens to phthalates, thus providing support for timely and effective chemicals policies and legislation.

Use of stored serum in the study of time trends and geographical differences in exposure of pregnant women to phthalates

BackgroundExposure to some phthalate diesters has been associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes in both rodents and humans indicative of anti-androgenic effects. Exposure during sensitive periods of development, such as prenatally, is of particular concern. ObjectivesWe wished to investigate whether phthalate metabolites measured in maternal serum samples from historical birth cohorts can be used to assess prenatal exposure. Further, we aimed to study temporal and geographical trends in phthalate exposure across three different birth cohorts. MethodsWe compared phthalate metabolite levels in maternal serum samples from an Australian (1989–91) and a Danish (1997–2001) birth cohort with levels in serum and urine samples from a recent Danish birth cohort (2012–14). Samples were analysed for 32 phthalate metabolites from 15 phthalate diesters by isotope-diluted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Correlations between metabolites were tested by Spearman rank correlation test, and differences between the cohorts were tested by Mann-Whitney U test. ResultsOverall, we observed large variations in serum phthalate metabolite levels between individuals. Secondary metabolites of di-(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DiNP) in serum were weakly to moderately and positively correlated to the levels measured in urine, and secondary metabolites of DEHP were also moderately to strongly and significantly correlated in serum. Correlations with mono-(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and mono-iso-nonyl phthalate (MiNP), the two primary metabolites of DEHP and DiNP, were inconsistent, and we found indications of sample contamination. We observed some significant differences in phthalate metabolite levels between the three cohorts with generally higher levels in the older birth cohorts. ConclusionBased on comparison across two older birth cohorts and a recent cohort, our results support the concept that historical biobanked serum samples may be used for assessment of prenatal exposure to phthalates when using serum levels of the monoesters of the low-molecular weight (LMW) phthalates and the secondary metabolites of the high-molecular weight (HMW) phthalates. Serum phthalate measurements are, however, not suitable for human biomonitoring and should only be used to exploit historical samples from cohorts, where urine samples were not collected. Our findings suggest that phthalate exposure may have decreased over time from the early 1990s to the 2010s.

Using ambient mass spectrometry to explore the origins of phthalate contamination in a mass spectrometry laboratory

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors that can have adverse effects on human hormonal balance and development. Phthalates are semi-volatile chemical compounds, thus they can continuously leach from phthalate-containing objects and pollute the environments such as offices or laboratories, where workers in these spaces can inhale potentially harmful amounts of phthalates. Identifying and removing phthalate-contaminated objects from these indoor environments can effectively eliminate exposure to these environmental hormones. However, as of now, it is highly impractical to perform a large-scale screening of phthalate-containing objects using conventional analytical techniques which are usually time- and labor-intensive. In this study, thermal desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (TD-ESI/MS) combined with probe sampling was used to screen phthalates on all non-metallic objects in a mass spectrometry (MS) laboratory. Due to sample pre-treatment was unnecessary and there was no limitation of sampling on sample's shape, size, and material, screening of phthalates on an object using this ambient mass spectrometric approach was completed within 30s, which enable sufficient and high-throughput screening. Phthalate signals of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) were qualitatively detected on the surfaces of the filters of air conditioners and air purifiers and laboratory door, indicating there was a possibility of phthalates contamination in the studying area. Other screened objects in the laboratory included the ceiling, wall, floor, chairs, benches, pipes, mechanical vacuum pump tubes, and some personal belongings, all of which contained phthalates. Among them, floor and mechanical vacuum pump tubes contained high concentration of DEHP, DINP and DIDP, suggesting they were the main sources of phthalate contamination in the MS laboratory.

Phthalate exposure in Chinese homes and its association with household consumer products

Phthalates are SVOCs (Semi-volatile Organic Compounds) that are widely used in industrial and daily home products. This study aimed to investigate exposure levels to phthalates in Chinese homes and to relate these to building characteristics and lifestyles. Dust in 399 homes of 410 children in urban Tianjin and rural Cangzhou was analyzed for concentrations of six target phthalates. The median concentrations were 0.31μg/g for diethyl phthalate (DEP), 16.39μg/g for di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), 42.60μg/g for di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), 0.10μg/g for benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP), 127.11μg/g for di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 0.28μg/g for di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP). Strong associations were found between modern flooring materials (laminated wood/wood) and concentrations of DiBP, BBzP and DiNP; modern window frame (aluminum/plastic steel) and BBzP concentration; leather polish and DEHP concentration; perfume and DEP concentration. Concentrations of phthalates were significantly higher in Tianjin urban homes than Cangzhou rural homes. Concentrations of phthalates increased significantly with increasing household income. Our study indicates that exposure to phthalates in Chinese homes increases with attributes of modern life.

Tough decisions ahead for US chemical regulators

The US Environmental Protection Agency has its work cut out for it this year. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the agency faces a June deadline to finalize risk evaluations for 10 chemicals already on the market. The agency must also begin reviewing an additional 20 high-priority chemicals in order to complete those evaluations within 3–3½ years. On top of that, the EPA is expected to evaluate the risks of two phthalates—diisononyl phthalate and diisodecyl phthalate—as requested by manufacturers. The EPA has been evaluating the first 10 chemicals since TSCA was revised in 2016. It has yet to release draft assessments for four of them, including two particularly controversial substances: asbestos and trichloroethylene. The agency plans to publish those drafts early this year to give stakeholders and its TSCA advisory committee time to provide input before the June deadline. Once the EPA finalizes all 10 reviews, the agency will