Exposure to phthalates in house dust and associated allergies in children aged 6-12years

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Collection of Alfalfa Root Exudates to Study the Impact of Di2-ethylhexyl Phthalate on Metabolite Production
06:46

Collection of Alfalfa Root Exudates to Study the Impact of Di2-ethylhexyl Phthalate on Metabolite Production

Published on: June 2, 2023

2.3K

Yu Ait Bamai1, Atsuko Araki1, Toshio Kawai2

  • 1Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.

Environment International
|September 3, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Phthalate exposure from house dust, particularly di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), is linked to allergies in children. Floor dust is a significant pathway for this exposure in Japanese households.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Allergy
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Phthalates are common plasticizers in consumer products.
  • Previous research suggests a link between phthalate exposure and increased allergy risk.
  • Children's exposure pathways and allergy correlations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate phthalate exposure in children aged 6-12 years.
  • To assess correlations between phthalate exposure and allergy symptoms.
  • To identify key exposure sources, specifically house dust.

Main Methods:

  • Collected house dust from floors and multi-surface objects.
  • Collected first morning void urine samples for metabolite analysis.
  • Calculated daily phthalate intake (DI) from dust (DI_dust) and urinary data (DI).

Main Results:

  • Exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in floor dust correlated with rhino-conjunctivitis in children, primarily boys.
  • Urinary mono-isobutyl phthalate showed an inverse association with wheeze in boys.
  • Daily phthalate intake estimates from dust and urine were correlated, with stronger links for floor dust.

Conclusions:

  • House dust, especially from low surfaces like floors, is a significant exposure route for phthalates (BBzP, DEHP) in Japanese children.
  • This highlights the importance of indoor dust control for mitigating phthalate exposure and potential allergy risks.
  • Gender-specific associations suggest different susceptibility or exposure patterns in boys.

Keywords:
AllergyChildDaily intakeHouse dustPhthalatesUrinary metabolites

More Related Videos

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber08:47

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber

Published on: March 3, 2023

3.1K
Effects of Exposure of Formaldehyde to a Rat Model of Atopic Dermatitis Induced by Neonatal Capsaicin Treatment06:47

Effects of Exposure of Formaldehyde to a Rat Model of Atopic Dermatitis Induced by Neonatal Capsaicin Treatment

Published on: September 27, 2017

10.2K

Related Concept Videos

Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
33.3K
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.7K
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.2K
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.6K
Preparedness and Phobias01:09

Preparedness and Phobias

Human fear responses to certain stimuli, such as darkness, heights, deep water, and blood, can often arise despite the absence of direct negative experiences. This phenomenon is rooted in evolutionary psychology, which posits that humans have developed a predisposition to fear stimuli that historically posed significant survival threats. This predisposition, known as preparedness, suggests that early humans who developed a fear of potentially dangerous entities, such as venomous snakes and...
422
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis01:30

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin,...
111