Total Phthalate Research Articles

Association between prenatal phthalate exposure and ano-genital indices among offsprings in an Israeli cohort

BackgroundIn-utero phthalate exposure was shown to be associated with shortened anogenital distance (AGD) in male newborns, but findings among female are inconsistent. While phthalate exposure among pregnant women in Israel is widespread, no study has examined the association with offspring AGD. The objective of the current study was to investigate the association between maternal phthalates urinary concentration and offspring AGD at time of delivery among a birth cohort in Israel. MethodsWe measured spot urinary concentration of monobutyl phthalate (MBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (MECPP), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexylphthalate (MEHHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP) among women presenting to the delivery room at Shamir Medical Center in Israel. Birthweight, length and AGD were measured in all newborns using a standardized protocol. Each AGD measurement was adjusted to weight (ano-genital index). Confounders included socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities and obstetrical history. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed the associations between phthalates, confounders and AGD. ResultsOverall, 193 mother and infant were analyzed. All newborns were born at term and had normal Apgar scores. Mean maternal age was 32 ± 4.7 years old. Mean birth weight and pregnancy week were 3183 ± 498 g and 39 ± 1.3, respectively. Median (IQR) urinary phthalate concentration adjusted to creatinine (ug/g) were 3.96 (2.2–6.6), 1.22 (0.7–2), 10.84 (7–20.4), 6.36 (3.3–11.2) and 0.64 (0.4–1.1) for MBP, MBzP, MECPP, MEHHP and MEOHP, respectively. Univariate comparison showed a significant association between higher than median MBzP concentration, higher Ano-Fourchetal index (AFI: 4.4 vs. 4.1, p = 0.037) and Ano-clitoral index (ACI: 11.5 vs. 10.4, p = 0.032) in infants. Total urinary phthalates concentration ≥26.25 μg/g was significantly associated with smaller penile width index (3.5 vs. 3.7, p = 0.022), higher ACI (11.6 vs. 10.3, p = 0.013) and a trend towards significance for higher AFI (4.3 vs. 4.1, p = 0.055). Following multivariate linear regression only PWI remained significantly associated with total phthalate urinary concentration. ConclusionsMaternal urinary phthalates concentration at delivery were not associated with female AGD, but total urinary phthalate concentration were inversely associated with penile width.

Characteristics of microplastics and their effects on phthalates and microbial activity in greenhouse soil after long-term planting

As an exogenous pollutant, the microplastics accumulated in soil could alter microbial activity. The use of plastic mulch in greenhouse vegetable planting not only enhances vegetable yield and quality, but also leads to the formation and accumulation of microplastics in the soil over time. It is essential to determine the characteristics of microplastics and microorganisms in soils with varying years of planting is crucial for ensuring vegetable quality and quantity. Therefore, this study investigated the abundance and particle size of microplastics, the concentration of phthalates (PAEs), and the dynamics of soil microbial activity in greenhouse soils with different planting years (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years). Results showed that microplastics increased in abundance, particle size, and PAEs concentration as planting years progressed. Specifically, the abundance of microplastics rose from 70.0 ± 8.7 to 224.0 ± 10.4 items/kg, with the proportion of microplastics sized 0–2 mm increasing from 14.02 to 69.11 %, and the total PAEs concentration in the soil escalating from 0.31 to 1.89 mg/kg. Additionally, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria levels increased, correlating with organic matter degradation. Metabolic pathway linked to degradation were enriched according to KEGG analysis. Correlation analysis revealed that microplastics notably decreased soil pH, creating an acidic environment that boosted urease activity and the relative abundance of Nitrospirae. This study sheds light on the accumulation characteristics of microplastics and their impact on soil microbial activity following prolonged planting.

A Noninvasive Quantitative Method for Evaluating Intestinal Exposure to Microplastics Based on the Excretion and Metabolism Patterns of Microplastics and Their Additives.

Microplastics (MPs) pose potential health risks to the intestinal tract and gut microbiota, a topic that has garnered significant attention. However, the absence of quantitative assessment methods for human gut MP exposure impedes related health risk assessments. Here, we performed long-term continuous exposure experiments on mice using MPs that mimic actual human exposure characteristics. The daily excretion of fecal MPs and the concentrations of phthalates (PAEs) and their metabolites (mPAEs) in serum and urine were detected. The cumulative excretion rate of fecal MPs remains stable at about 93%. A significant linear correlation was observed between MP exposure and concentration of mPAEs in urine for both low MP (LMP; 150 μg of MPs/d) (R2 = 0.90) and high MP (HMP; 360 μg of MPs/d) groups (R2 = 0.97). Moreover, a strong correlation was found between daily PAEs exposure and total MP-associated PAEs exposure in both LMP (R2 = 0.77) and HMP (R2 = 0.88) groups. Based on these findings, we established a noninvasive model and evaluated multiple MP exposure parameters in the human gut across 6 continents, 30 countries, and 133 individuals. This study offers novel insights for the quantitative assessment of in vivo MP exposure and provides technical support for assessing the health risks of MPs.

Distribution, seasonal variation and ecological risk assessment of phthalates in the Yitong River, a typical urban watercourse located in Northeast China

Phthalates (PAEs) are a typical class of endocrine disruptors (EEDs). As one of the most commonly used plasticizers, they have received widespread attention due to their wide application in various countries and high detection rates in various environmental media. To be able to clarify the contamination status of PAEs pollutants in a typical northern cold-temperate urban river, 30 water samples from Yitong River in Changchun City, northern China were collected, during the 2023 dry season (March), normal season (May) and wet season (July). Using these samples, a total of 16 target PAEs are investigated. The resulting total PAEs concentrations are: dry season 408 to 1494 ng/L, wet season 491 to 1299 ng/L, and normal season 341 to 780 ng/L. The average concentration of the 16 PAEs over the three seasons is 773 ng/L. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) have the highest concentrations, ranging from 12 to 403 ng/L and 28–680 ng/L respectively. The ecological risks within the Yitong River Basin are evaluated based on the degree of PAEs contamination. DBP and DEHP pose higher risk assessment levels for algae, crustaceans and fish than the other target PAEs. The accurate determination of PAEs provided baseline data on PAEs for the management of the Yitong River, which is of great significance for the prediction of ecological risk assessment and the development of corresponding control measures, supported further research on PAEs in the cold-temperate zone aquatic environments, and shed light on the seasonal variations of PAEs in the Northeast region in the future. Moreover, considering the bioaccumulation and persistence of PAEs, it is necessary to continue to pay attention to the pollution status of cold-temperate zones rivers and the changes in ecological risks in the future.

Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Pesticides, Phthalates, and Heavy Metal Residues in Vegetables from Hydroponic and Conventional Cultivation.

Hydroponic cultivation of fresh produce is gaining popularity worldwide, but few studies have provided a comparative assessment of hydroponic and conventional soil-based vegetables. In this study, we analyzed a series of hazardous chemicals, including 120 pesticides, 18 phthalates (PAEs), and 2 heavy metals (lead and cadmium) in four vegetable commodities (lettuces, celeries, tomatoes, and cucumbers) from hydroponic and conventional soil-based cultivation. Our study showed that at least one pesticide was present in 84% of the conventionally grown samples, whereas only 30% of the hydroponic samples contained detectable pesticide residues. Regarding the total PAE concentrations, there was no significant difference between conventional and hydroponic vegetables. The lead and cadmium residues in conventionally cultivated vegetables were significantly higher than in those produced from hydroponic cultivation. Lead is the primary heavy metal pollutant across all vegetable samples. The hazard index (HI) values of the hydroponic and conventional vegetables were 0.22 and 0.64, respectively. Since both values are below one, the exposure to these hazardous chemicals through consumption of the studied vegetables may not pose a significant health risk. The HI values also suggested that the health risks of eating hydroponic vegetables are lower than for conventional soil-based vegetables.

Basin scale monitoring of microplastics and phthalates in sediments from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Makran using GIS-based algorithms: Insights towards spatial variation and potential risk assessment

Information on sedimentary microplastics and phthalates has been restricted to the coastal regions of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Makran. Our basin-wide study monitored their levels, spatial behaviors, and potential risks using GIS-based techniques. Microplastics and phthalates ranged from 5 to 75 particles/kg d.w and 0.004–1.219 μg g−1 d.w, respectively. Microplastics were in the size category of 100 μm to 3 mm, and black microfibers (< 1 mm) and high-density polymers were dominant. The total number of microplastics was between 356.333 × 1012 and 469.075 × 1012 particles in the surface sediments of the studied regions (confidence interval = 99 %). Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and Di-isobutyl phthalate contributed 88 % of detected phthalates. Significant correlations among microplastic abundance, total phthalates, and DEHP were distinguished (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings reiterated the widespread presence of microplastics and a potential link between phthalates and microplastics. Semi-variogram, cluster Voronoi polygons, and Trend analysis identified spatial outliers and major deposition sites of microplastics and phthalates and consequently outlined the localities where upcoming studies should be concentrated. A hotspot of potential risks was marked using Fuzzy logic and GIS-based algorithms in the Sea of Makran, covering an area equal to 342. 99 km2.

Assessment of phthalate exposure at a fire site in Korean firefighters

ABSTRACT To determine phthalate exposure in 32 firefighters, the concentrations of urinary phthalate metabolites, immediately (exposure day) and three weeks (control day) after fire suppression, were compared. Mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-n-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), and total phthalates (∑phthalates) levels, and creatinine-adjusted levels of MBP, MBzP, and ∑phthalates were significantly higher on exposure day than on control day. Phthalate concentration was significantly higher in firefighters who performed the fire extinguishing tasks (geometric mean [GM], 149.9 μg/L) than in those who performed other tasks (GM 70.8 μg/L) (p = .012). The GM concentration of firefighters who were active ≤ 50 m from the fire was 119.0 μg/L, and 37.6 μg/L for those who were > 50 m away (p = .012). The GM concentration was significantly different (p = .039) in firefighters with subjective symptoms after fire suppression (151.9 μg/L) compared to those without symptoms (81.6 μg/L). This study showed that firefighters were exposed to phthalate.

Personal Protective Equipment as a Potential Source of Phthalate Exposure during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Personal protective equipment (PPE)—especially face masks, face shields, and gloves—was used to minimize the spread of COVID-19. PPE is primarily made of plastic materials with various plastic additives, such as phthalate plasticizers. Phthalates are linked with various adverse health effects. Therefore, this study investigated the amounts of six commonly used phthalates (DBP, BBP, DEHP, DnOP, DINP, and DIDP) in different types of PPE samples collected during the pandemic. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to detect six selected phthalates and other organic chemicals in PPE samples. The quality of data was ensured using certified reference materials, internal standards, procedural blanks, and replicate analyses. The total phthalate content found in face shields and face masks was in the range of 0.29 µg/g to 942.60 µg/g, with DBP, DEHP, and DINP detected most frequently. A health risk assessment concluded that the determined levels were not expected to pose adverse health effects on the wearer. However, the findings of this study suggest that chronic daily intakes of phthalates from two vinyl glove samples with phthalate content exceeding 11% and 14% (w/w) of the glove’s weight may potentially increase the risk of cancer in humans. In addition to the target phthalates, flame retardants and other plasticizers (e.g., organophosphates and dioctyl isophthalate) were tentatively identified in various PPE samples.

Assessment of phthalic acid esters plasticizers in sediments of coastal Alabama, USA: Occurrence, source, and ecological risk

Considering the ubiquitous occurrences and ecotoxicity of phthalates (PAEs), it is essential to understand their sources, distribution, and associated ecological risks of PAEs in sediments to assess the environmental health of estuaries and support effective management practices. This study provides the first comprehensive dataset on the occurrence, spatial variation, inventory, and potential ecological risk assessment of PAEs in surface sediments of commercially and ecologically significant estuaries in the southeastern United States, Mobile Bay and adjoining eastern Mississippi Sound. Fifteen PAEs were widely detected in the sediments of the study region, with total concentrations varying between 0.02 and 3.37 μg/g. The dominance of low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAEs (DEP, DBP and DiBP) relative to high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAEs (DEHP, DOP, DNP) indicates that residential activities have stronger impacts than industrial activities on PAE distributions. The total PAE concentrations displayed an overall decreasing trend with increasing bottom water salinity, with the maximum concentrations occurring near river mouths. These observations suggest that river inputs were an important pathway by which PAEs were transported to the estuary. Linear regression models identified sediment adsorption (measured by total organic carbon and median grain size) and riverine inputs (measured by bottom water salinity) as significant predictors for the concentrations of LMW and HMW PAEs. Estimated 5-year total inventories of sedimentary PAEs in Mobile Bay and the eastern Mississippi Sound were 13.82 tons and 1.16 tons, respectively. Risk assessment calculations suggest that LMW PAEs posed a medium-to-high risk to sensitive aquatic organisms, and DEHP posed a low or negligible risk to the aquatic organisms. The results of this study provide important information needed for establishing and implementing effective practices for monitoring and regulating plasticizer pollutants in estuaries.

Leaching of Phthalates from Medical Supplies and Their Implications for Exposure.

In this study, 72 single-use medical products, grouped into four categories, namely, creams/liquids (n = 8), medical devices (n = 46; 15 of 46 labeled "di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)-free"), first aid products (n = 13), and intravenous (IV) infusion/irrigation fluids (n = 5), were collected from an intensive care unit in a hospital in New York State in 2015 and analyzed for the migration of 10 phthalates in ethanol/water (1:1) mixture for 1 h. The total phthalate concentration (Σphthalates) leached from medical products ranged from 0.04 to 54,600 μg. DEHP was the major phthalate found in 99% of the samples analyzed, with the highest amount leached from respiratory support devices (median: 6560 μg). DEHP was also found at notable concentrations in products labeled as "DEHP-free". Direct exposure to phthalates from the use of medical devices and first aid supplies and dermal intake from the use of creams/lotions were calculated. The highest DEHP exposure dose of 730 μg/kg bw/day was determined from the use of cannula for neonates. This is the first study to document the amount of phthalates leached from various medical supplies and associated exposures.

Migration of Bisphenol A and several phthalate acid contaminants into bottled drinking water: influence of storage conditions and their health risks

ABSTRACT The presence of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates (PAEs) as endocrine-disrupting chemicals in drinking water stored in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles leads to serious consideration regarding the possible impacts on human health. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and migration of PAEs (DNOP, DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP) and BPA from PET bottles into drinking water immediately after production (control) and storage at −18, 4, 25 and 40°C for 30, 60 and 90 days. The main novelty of this study was to investigate the release of hazardous contaminants from PET bottles into drinking water under different storage conditions using the method of magnetic solid phase extraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry technique. The results revealed that control samples contained 0.44 µg/L of DEHP, and the levels of other compounds were below the detectable levels. The migration of phthalates and BPA were positively correlated with temperature and time of storage. The slight increase in the release of compounds started after 30 days of storage under freezing conditions (−18°C). The highest leaching was found at 40°C after 90 days for water bottles with BPA and total phthalates amounting to 0.18 and 5.75 µg/L, respectively. Among the detected phthalate esters, DBP concentration was lower than the other phthalates, and measured levels were in the range of 0.76–0.96 µg/L, whereas the highest migration level was related to DEHP (0.44–3.44 µg/L) and was lower than the permissible limit established by US EPA. The non-carcinogenic health risk assessment indicated HQ for all target compounds was within the safe limit. The carcinogenic risk of DEHP was 1.37 × 10−6 in samples kept for 90 days at 40°C. Therefore, long-term exposure to DEHP through bottled water consumption did not pose carcinogenic health risks to consumers.

Phthalate mixtures and insulin resistance: an item response theory approach to quantify exposure burden to phthalate mixtures.

Molar sums are often used to quantify total phthalate exposure, but they do not capture patterns of exposure to multiple phthalates. To introduce an exposure burden score method for quantifying exposure to phthalate metabolites and examine the association between phthalate burden scores and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). We applied item response theory (IRT) to data from 3474 adults aged 20-60 years in the 2013-2018 National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) to quantify latent phthalate exposure burden from 12 phthalate metabolites. We compared model fits of three IRT models that used different a priori groupings (general phthalate burden; low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW) burdens; and LMW, HMW and DEHP burden), and used the best fitting model to estimate phthalate exposure burden scores. Regression models assessed the covariate-adjusted association between phthalate burden scores and HOMA-IR. We compared findings to those using molar sums. In secondary analyses, we examined how the IRT model could be used for data harmonization when a subset of participants are missing some phthalate metabolites, and accounted for measurement error of the phthalate burden scores in estimating associations with HOMA-IR through a resampling approach using plausible value imputation. A three correlated factors model (LMW, HMW and DEHPburdens) provided the best fit. One interquartile range (IQR) increase in DEHP burden score was associated with 0.094 (95% CI: 0.022, 0.164, p = 0.010) increase in log HOMA-IR, co-adjusted for LMW and HMW burden scores. Findings were consistent when using log molar sums. Associations of phthalate burden and insulin resistance were also consistent when participants were simulated to be missing some phthalate metabolites, and when we accounted for measurementerror in estimating burden scores. Both phthalate molar sums and burden scores are sensitive to associations with insulin resistance. Phthalate burden scores may be useful for data harmonization.

Endocrine Disruptors (Phthalates and Alkylphenols) in Harbor Surface Sediments Reflect Anthropogenic Pollution

ABSTRACT Phthalates (PAEs) and alkylphenols (APs), known as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), are ubiquitous in aquatic environments worldwide and may be harmful to aquatic ecosystems. This study is the first to comprehensively assess the occurrence and potential ecological risks of 12 EDCs in the surface sediments of seven major harbors in Taiwan. In addition, a correlation model was established between the concentration levels of individual PAEs and APs in the sediments and their production. The total PAEs concentrations in the sediments ranged between 129–1894 ng/g dw (mean: 558 ± 479 ng/g dw). Total APs concentrations ranged between<0.2–913 ng/g dw with a mean of 52 ± 178 ng/g dw. Among the 12 EDCs, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (55.1%) and diisononyl phthalate (31.6%) were the predominant PAEs, while 4-nonylphenol (93.2%) was the main AP. The occurrence and concentrations of PAEs and APs in the sediments were significantly correlated with their production (r = 0.989, p < .01), reflecting the status and degree of anthropogenic pollution. The concentrations of PAEs and APs in the sediments of Taiwanese harbors showed a potential decreasing trend over time, which should be related to strengthened regulations and changes in the industrial market. The estimated total risk quotient (TRQ) of algae exposed to the concentrations of 12 EDCs in sediments suggests moderate to high potential risks (TRQ = 0.74–2.18), while crustaceans (TRQ = 0.02–0.27) and fish (TRQ = 0.03–0.10) may have low to moderate potential risks. The main compounds responsible for these risks are dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, and 4-nonylphenols. The results show that the pollution degree of surface sediments in the harbor could reflect anthropogenic pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the pollution of surface sediments in harbors, grasp the pollution situation, and evaluate the regulatory effect.

The fate of phthalate acid esters in wastewater treatment plants and their impact on receiving waters

Phthalates (PAEs) are gaining attention and being researched as an endocrine disruptor as global plastic use surge. There is an urgent need to explore the key factors affecting the removal of PAEs from wastewater and the impact of wastewater effluent on receiving water. Here we investigated the levels and distribution patterns of 16 typical PAEs in surface water and five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) along the Dongyang River from Yiwu, China, collecting 42 surface water and 31 wastewater samples. We found that influent PAEs concentration and treatment process were the key factors affecting the degradation efficiency of PAEs in primary and secondary treatment, respectively. In primary treatment, long-chain PAEs were more easily removed (and sometimes less likely to accumulate) than short-chain PAEs, regardless of the influent PAEs concentration (a key factor in primary treatment), while in secondary treatment, short-chain PAEs were easily removed regardless of the treatment process (a factor in secondary treatment). This was not the case for long-chain PAEs, which were only more readily removed in the A/A/O process. In addition, by comparing the significant differences between wastewater and surface water, we found that the total PAEs in the treated effluent were significantly lower than in surface water upstream and in built-up urban areas, indicating that wastewater discharges in the study area did not increase PAEs in the receiving water. Finally, river in the city center and artificial treatment facilities in the study area were identified as requiring priority attention. The results of this study can serve as a model for controlling PAEs in other similar developing cities in China and provide valuable information on the fate of endocrine disruptor from wastewater treatment in China and their impact on surface water.

Quantitative Evaluation of Phthalate Esters in Three Tributaries of Asa River, Ilorin, Nigeria

This paper focuses on the determination of both the presence and concentration of phthalate esters in three tributaries of Asa River in Kwara State, Nigeria.Water samples were collected at different points from each of the three tributaries (Unity, Osere and Yidi streams) and a total number of 18 samples were collected and the concentration of the prevailing phthalates was determined using GC-MS. Seven different phthalates were found present in the samples and they are: DMP, BBP, DEHP, DNOP, DEP, DBP, and DNHP. The concentration of DMP in the 18 samples ranged from 0.114 -0.525 μg/L, BBP (0.266-0.697 μg/L), DEHP (0.086- 0.198 μg/L), DNOP (0.062- 0.456 μg/L), DEP (0.162- 0.679 μg/L), DBP (0.168- 0.399 μg/L), and DNHP (0.010-0.064 μg/L). The total phthalate concentration in the three tributaries was lower than the USEPA limit of 3 μg/L for fishes and aquatic lives except for Unity stream where the total was 3.018 μg/L. This study was carried out during the rainy season and the result obtained here could be used as a reference for a further study during dry season to compare the impact of seasonal variation on the distribution and concentration of phthalate esters in the selected tributaries.

The effects of phthalate exposure on metabolic parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome

Background-aimPhthalates are known as endocrine disrupting chemicals which are present in wide-range of products. The objective of the study was to investigate whether phthalate exposure may attribute to the metabolic syndrome development in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodThe cross-sectional study involved 60 women in reproductive age with confirmed PCOS. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were examined together with detected levels of ten phthalate metabolites measured by GC–MS in morning urine samples. ResultsIn this study at least one phthalate metabolite was detected in 51.7% of samples. Total phthalate metabolites urine concentrations were positively associated with BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height-ratio (WtHR), leptin serum levels as well as lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Mono-methyl-phthalate (MMP) levels was significantly correlated with WtHR, LAP and VAI. Additionally, total phthalate metabolites levels were significantly linked with fasting plasma glucose and HOMA index, whereas MMP concentrations were associated with fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels. Total cholesterol (TC) level was statistically significantly higher among PCOS women with detected phthalate metabolites compared to those without phthalates. The sum of all phthalates was correlated with LDL and triglyceride levels as well as TC/HDL. MMP concentrations were linked positively with TC, LDL and triglyceride levels as well as with TC/HDL. It is noteworthy that MMP concentrations were positively associated with testosterone serum levels while the total phthalate metabolites concentrations were also linked but with moderate significance. ConclusionsThe increased phthalate metabolites concentrations may interfere with obesity, glucose and lipid impairment in PCOS women. Additionally, testosterone serum levels can be disrupted by MMP.

Determination of Bisphenol A and Phthalate Levels in Wastewater Samples

Objective: The use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA) in plastics manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, and paint manufacturing increas daily. The water treated in wastewater treatment plants is used in many areas such as irrigation of parks and gardens, and reinforcement of underground water resources. However, whether the treatment process eliminates EDCs in wastewater is not exactly known, and determining this as well as the amounts of these chemicals in treated water are important in terms of protecting the environment and human health. The aim of the study was to determine BPA and phthalate concentrations in the influent and effluent flow samples obtained from wastewater treatment plants. Materials and Methods: BPA and phthalate concentrations were measured in influent and effluent flow samples using the enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. BPA and phthalate measurements were performed as competitive measurements of BPA and total phthalates in samples using specific monoclonal antibodies. Results: BPA and phthalate levels were measured respectively as 7.69 μg/L and 78.27 μg/L in the influent water samples and 3.17 μg/L and 25.56 μg/L in the effluent water samples. The concentration of BPA and phthalates in the effluent samples decreased significantly compared to the influent water samples. Conclusion: This study is believed to shed light on the importance of monitoring BPA and phthalate concentrations in wastewater treatment plants and inspections for detecting other EDCs in wastewater.

Phthalate metabolite concentrations and effects on albuminuria in the US population

BackgroundThe usage pattern of phthalates has changed with the introduction of new alternatives such as 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester (DINCH) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP). However, the concentrations of these alternatives at the population level and their effects on endothelial function are under-studied. ObjectivesWe examined the concentrations of the new alternatives and their previous counterparts, as well as the associations between phthalate exposure and albuminuria in the general US population. MethodsIn total, 2672 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 were enrolled in this study, and we obtained data on 19 urinary phthalate metabolites, albumin, and creatinine. The distributions of urinary phthalates were studied by age and sex. Linear and logistic regressions were used to estimate the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and albumin. ResultsThe geometric mean of the total phthalate concentrations in males and females was 124.97 and 113.09 ng/mL respectively. The detection rates of most urinary phthalate metabolites were greater than 95 %. The major phthalate metabolites found in the US population were MEP (24.20 %) and MECPTP (23.76 %). More positive relationships between phthalate and micro- plus albuminuria were found in females aged ≥ 60 years group（1.49 (95 % CI: 1.08–1.90), 1.44 (95 % CI: 1.06–1.81), 1.52 (95 % CI: 1.14–1.90), 1.41(95 % CI: 1.04–1.78), 1.29(95 % CI: 1.01–1.58), 1.60(95 % CI: 1.20–2.01), 1.45(95 % CI:1.14–1.77), and 1.55(95 % CI: 1.22–1.87) in MECPP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MEHP, MCPP, MHBP, MHNCH and MCOCH respectively）. In total population, logistic regression showed that all traditional phthalate metabolites were associated with an increased proportion of albuminuria (OR range from 1.19 to 1.40, all p < 0.05). However, three new alternatives were not associated with albuminuria (OR range from 1.01 to 1.05, all p > 0.05), and six new alternatives were associated with an increased proportion of albuminuria (OR range from 1.14 to 1.30, all p < 0.05). ConclusionsChildren have higher metabolite concentrations than adults. Exposure to certain phthalates may disrupt albuminuria homeostasis, especially in older females. Alternative phthalates may have a lower impact on albuminuria than conventional phthalates. The safety of the new alternatives should be interpreted with caution, as more research is still required.

Seven-year-long screening of phthalate esters in clothing and textile products from a quality control laboratory

The results of extensive yearly screening (2014–2020) of ortho-phthalate ester levels in textiles sent to a quality control laboratory by textile companies from southern European and northern African countries are presented. Six different regulated phthalates: benzyl butyl phthalate, di-butyl phthalate, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-iso-decyl phthalate, di-iso-nonyl phthalate and di-n-octyl phthalate, were measured in 4729 samples of textile materials from 10 different groups. Analyses were carried out according to the standard gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy procedure, as described by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The results revealed a high level of compliance with the European Union legislation (97.25%). In the group of noncompliant samples (total phthalate content &gt;0.1% w/w), positive results were due to the presence of two or more phthalates in almost 60% of the cases. The phthalate esters most commonly detected were di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, followed by di-iso-nonyl phthalate and di-butyl phthalate. In the group of compliant samples (total phthalate &lt;0.1% w/w), the same frequency of occurrence was identified, but in this case most of the samples (almost 90%) contained only one phthalate. In addition, a growing tendency for a decrease in di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate levels and an increase in di-iso-nonyl phthalate and di-iso-decyl phthalate concentrations were detected throughout the study, due to replacement of the former by the latter in the use as a plasticizer. No significant differences between countries were noted with regard to the frequency or concentration of phthalates in the textile samples. The study findings contribute to advancing knowledge about the phthalate content of textiles and to evaluating and controlling the potential risks of exposure to these compounds.

Biological monitoring for exposure assessment of phthalatesby Korean firefighters at the fire site

[BACKGROUND AND AIM]The phthalates metabolites in urine for exposed phthalates were evaluated for firefighters who participated in the actual fire suppression to determine whether firefighters were exposed to hazardous chemicals, which is the basic data on health risk of firefighters [METHODS]The results of comparing the concentration of metabolites of phthalates immediately after fire suppression and after 3 weeks of fire suppression in spot urine. [RESULTS]The concentration of Mono-n-butyl phthalate(MnBP), Mono-benzyl phthalate(MBzP), and total phthalates(Σphthalates) increased significantly immediately after fire suppression than after 3 weeks of suppression. In case of adjusted for creatinine, the concentration of MnBP, MBzP and Σphthalates were equally increased. There was a statistically significant difference in the geometric mean concentration(GM) of firefighters who performed fire suppression tasks as 55.59㎍/g as Cr and 29.69㎍/g as Cr for other tasks. The GM concentration of firefighters who were active within 50m from the fire site was 44.80㎍/g as Cr, and when it fell over 50m, there was a difference of 20.47㎍/g as Cr. The GM concentration of firefighters with subjective symptoms within 7 days after extinguishing the fire was 61.68㎍/g as Cr and without symptoms was 31.62㎍/g as Cr, which was different. [CONCLUSIONS]This study confirmed that fire fighters are exposed to various phthalates during the firefighting process. [KEYWORDS]Fire fighter, Phthalate metabolites