Phthalate ester exposure--air levels and health of workers processing polyvinylchloride

Exposure to phthalic acid esters (PAE; mainly di-(2-ethylhexyl), diisodecyl and butylbenzyl phthalates) of workers in a polyvinyl chloride processing industry ranged from 0.02 to 2 mg/m3 in different job categories. The workers excreted slightly but significantly higher levels of PAE metabolites in urine than controls. In 54 workers studied clinically, there were no indications of peripheral nerve or respiratory system effects. Some biochemical tests were abnormal; these should be studied further.