Phthalate acid esters in the hospital environments: occurrence, multimedia partitioning simulation, and zonal health risk assessment

Hospital environments, rich in medical devices and plastic products containing phthalate acid esters (PAEs), may release these compounds into indoor air via migration and volatilization, posing potential health risk. This study systematically investigates the contamination characteristics of PAEs in hospital settings and assesses their associated human health risks. We quantified the concentrations of PAEs in indoor dust samples collected from hospitals in Changchun, China. The concentrations of ∑PAEs ranged from 65.1 to 88,824 μg/g (mean: 5506 μg/g, median: 2520 μg/g). Spatial analysis showed ∑PAEs concentrations followed a clear gradient: healthcare personnel zones > patient zones > public zones. To characterize multimedia distribution, the Weschler and Nazaroff K_OA-based partitioning model coupled with Monte Carlo simulations was utilized to estimate gaseous and particulate concentrations. The estimation results showed that gas-phase PAEs were predominated by DBP (zonal means: 172 to 192 µg/m³), while the particulate phase was dominated by DEHP (zonal means: 10.2 to 11.6 µg/m³). Results showed that for most PAEs, the mean concentrations in the gas phase substantially exceeded those in the particulate phase. Risk assessment based on U.S. EPA models indicated that patients in care zones were subject to a non-carcinogenic health risk. Moreover, all individuals within the hospital environment were at potential risk of carcinogenic effects from DEHP exposure. In light of these findings, targeted mitigation strategies should be implemented in hospitals according to functional zoning and occupant characteristics to promote a healthier medical environment.