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Phthalate Metabolites in Urine of Chinese Children and Their Association with Asthma and Allergic Symptoms

Yuxuan Zhao1, Yuexia Sun1, Changqi Zhu1

  • 1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Childhood exposure to phthalates, particularly di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is linked to increased asthma risk. This study highlights phthalate metabolites in urine as potential asthma indicators in children.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Phthalates are common chemicals with potential adverse effects on child health.
  • Childhood asthma and allergic conditions are significant public health concerns.
  • Understanding environmental risk factors for pediatric asthma is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between phthalate exposure and asthma and allergic symptoms in children.
  • To identify specific phthalate metabolites in urine as potential biomarkers for childhood asthma.
  • To assess the risk of phthalate exposure on respiratory health in children aged 4-8 years.

Main Methods:

  • A nested case-control study design was employed.
  • 243 first morning urine samples were collected from children in Tianjin, China.
  • Eight phthalate metabolites were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS).

Main Results:

  • Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), and mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxylpentyl) phthalate (MECPP) were dominant urinary metabolites.
  • Significant positive associations were observed between diagnosed asthma and MnBP, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP).
  • The adjusted odds ratios for asthma associated with these metabolites ranged from 1.96 to 2.09.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood exposure to phthalates, specifically di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), may increase the risk of developing asthma.
  • Urinary phthalate metabolites can serve as indicators of exposure and potential risk factors for pediatric asthma.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking phthalate exposure to asthma development in children.

Keywords:
allergybiomarkersendocrine disruptorsphthalate metabolites

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