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Indoor phthalate concentrations in residences in Shihezi, China: implications for preschool children's exposure and
Yahua Li1, Jianjiang Lu2, Xiaowen Yin3
1Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Chemical Engineering of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China.
Insights
Phthalate exposure in Northwest China homes poses risks to preschoolers. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) intake levels are high, indicating a significant reproductive health risk for children in Shihezi.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Phthalate exposure poses health risks, yet research on preschool children in Northwest China is limited.
- Indoor dust is a significant exposure pathway for phthalates in residential environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess phthalate exposure levels in indoor dust of residences in Shihezi, China.
- To evaluate non-dietary phthalate exposure doses for preschool children.
- To conduct a risk assessment for potential reproductive and cancer risks.
Main Methods:
- Collected indoor dust samples from 50 residences in Shihezi.
- Quantified seven phthalates using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
- Calculated exposure doses via Monte Carlo simulation for non-dietary intake.
- Assessed risks by comparing exposure doses to California Proposition 65 benchmarks.
Main Results:
- High detection frequencies (>75%) for most phthalates, with Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) being most abundant.
- Median Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) daily intake for preschoolers (1.5-1.9 μg/day/kg) exceeded global levels.
- Risk assessment revealed potential reproductive risks for nearly all children due to DBP exposure (HI: 9.6-12.4).
Conclusions:
- Preschool children in Shihezi face significant reproductive health risks from indoor phthalate exposure, particularly DBP.
- Reducing indoor phthalate pollution is crucial for protecting children's health in this region.
- Further research and public health interventions are warranted to mitigate phthalate exposure risks.
Abstract:
Despite the risks associated with phthalate exposure, there are few studies emphasizing preschool children's exposure to phthalates in residences in Northwest China. In this study, seven phthalates from indoor dust samples were measured in 50 residences in Shihezi, China. Preschool children's exposure doses via non-dietary intake were calculated by Monte Carlo simulation. Risk assessment was conducted by comparing the simulated exposure dose with benchmarks for reproductive toxicity and cancer specified in Proposition 65 of California. The detection frequencies for all selected phthalates were more than 75%, with the exception of benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP). Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the most principal compound in the dust samples (median = 455 μg/g and 462 μg/g in the bedroom and living room, respectively). The simulation displayed that the median DBP daily intake was 1.5-1.9 μg/day/kg for preschool children in Shihezi, which was considered a high level compared with similar studies around the world. The risk assessment indicated that almost all preschool children face potential reproductive risk due to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) exposure, with medians of hazard index (HI) from 9.6 to 12.4 for all age groups. Therefore, from a children's health perspective, attention should be paid to reducing indoor phthalate pollution and exposure in this area.
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