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Phthalate exposure and pulmonary function

Jane A Hoppin1, Ross Ulmer, Stephanie J London

  • 1Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health/DHHS, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233, USA. hoppin1@niehs.nih.gov

Environmental Health Perspectives
|April 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Phthalate exposure, specifically monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and monoethyl phthalate (MEP), may negatively impact lung function in adult males. These chemicals are linked to reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1).

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Phthalates are common in consumer products, leading to widespread human exposure.
  • Previous studies linked phthalate exposure to adverse respiratory outcomes in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and pulmonary function in adults.
  • To assess specific phthalates: monobutyl phthalate (MBP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP), and monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 240 adult participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).
  • Measured urinary phthalate concentrations and four pulmonary function parameters (FVC, FEV1, PEF, maximum mid-expiratory flow).
  • Employed linear regression models, controlling for demographic and lifestyle factors including smoking.

Main Results:

  • Monobutyl phthalate (MBP) was significantly associated with reduced pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, PEF) in adult males, but not females.
  • Monoethyl phthalate (MEP) also showed associations with lower FVC and FEV1 in men.
  • Monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) did not demonstrate adverse associations with any pulmonary function parameters.

Conclusions:

  • MBP and MEP exposure may negatively influence pulmonary function in adult males.
  • The findings suggest sex-specific effects of certain phthalates on lung health.
  • MEHP, a metabolite of a common plasticizer, was not found to impact pulmonary function in this study population.

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