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The association between phthalates in dust and allergic diseases among Bulgarian children

Barbara Kolarik1, Kiril Naydenov, Malin Larsson

  • 1Technical University of Denmark, Department of Mechanical Engineering, International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Lyngby, Denmark. bf@mek.dtu.dk

Environmental Health Perspectives
|January 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Higher levels of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in house dust were linked to wheezing in Bulgarian children. This phthalate exposure may increase the risk of respiratory symptoms in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Allergy
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Phthalates are common indoor pollutants found in dust.
  • Previous research suggests a link between phthalate exposure and allergic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between phthalate ester concentrations in home dust and allergic symptoms in Bulgarian children.
  • Specifically investigate associations with wheezing, rhinitis, and eczema.

Main Methods:

  • Collected settled dust samples from bedrooms of children aged 2-7 years in Bulgaria.
  • Analyzed dust for six phthalate esters: DMP, DEP, DnBP, BBzP, DEHP, and DnOP.
  • Compared phthalate levels in homes of children with allergic symptoms (cases) versus healthy children (controls).

Main Results:

  • Elevated concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were found in dust from homes of children with symptoms compared to controls.
  • DEHP concentration showed a significant association with reported wheezing in the past 12 months.
  • A dose-response relationship was observed between DEHP levels and both case status and wheezing.

Conclusions:

  • Indoor dust DEHP concentration is associated with wheezing in preschool children in Bulgaria.
  • This finding highlights a potential environmental risk factor for pediatric respiratory health.
Abstract

Keywords:
DEHPallergyasthmachildrenphthalates

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