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Potential hazards of exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate in babies. a review
1Division of Pediatrics, Ospedale A. Perrino, Brindisi, Italy. gilatini@tin.it
Insights
Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), a common plasticizer in polyvinylchloride (PVC), contaminates the environment. Long-term exposure risks, especially for pregnant women and children, warrant further investigation and potential replacement of DEHP in sensitive applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Polyvinylchloride (PVC) often contains plasticizers like di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP).
- DEHP is a widespread environmental contaminant found in water, soil, and food.
- Concerns exist regarding the toxic effects of DEHP on animals and humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the environmental presence and toxicological concerns of DEHP.
- To highlight the need for further research on long-term DEHP exposure in humans.
- To discuss the potential need for alternative plasticizers in sensitive applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on DEHP.
- Analysis of DEHP migration from plastics.
- Assessment of reported toxicological data.
Main Results:
- DEHP is confirmed as a widespread environmental contaminant due to its migration from plastics.
- While acute toxicity is low, long-term exposure effects require more in-depth study.
- DEHP has been detected in various environmental matrices and food.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial to understand the long-term health impacts of DEHP exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- If DEHP toxicity is confirmed, replacing it in products, especially those for babies, is advisable.
- The environmental persistence and potential health risks necessitate a re-evaluation of DEHP usage.
Abstract:
Many plastic items are made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) blended with plasticizers. The most frequently used plasticizer is di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP). DEHP migrates at a constant rate from plastics to the environment: it has been detected in water, soil and food and is therefore considered as a widespread environmental contaminant. Over the past several years, a number of publications concerning toxic effects of DEHP on animals and humans have been reported. Although DEHP is suggested to be of low acute toxicity, long-term exposure, especially in human beings at risk such as pregnant women and children, requires more in-depth studies. If DEHP toxicity in humans were to be confirmed, it would be advisable in the future to replace current PVC plasticizers, especially if they come into contact with babies, with better-quality materials.