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Exposure, risk, and potential sources of phthalates, alternative plasticizers, and phenolic compounds in Thai
Ah-Reum Jo1, Pussadee Laor2, Joeun Jung3
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
Insights
Children in Thailand show higher exposure to phthalates and phenolic compounds than those in Germany and the US. Significant regional differences exist, with Chiang Rai children exhibiting higher levels and increased health risks, necessitating targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Exposure Assessment
Background:
- Phthalates and phenolic compounds are widespread consumer chemicals with potential health risks, especially for children.
- Limited data exists on children's exposure levels and regional variations within Thailand.
- Understanding exposure is crucial for developing effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess urinary concentrations of phthalate and phenolic compound metabolites in children from two distinct regions of Thailand.
- To compare exposure levels with international data and identify regional differences.
- To evaluate potential health risks associated with these exposures.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 250 children from Suphan Buri and Chiang Rai, Thailand in 2023.
- Measurement of urinary metabolites of phthalates, plasticizers, and phenolic compounds.
- Administration of questionnaires to gather information on potential exposure sources.
Main Results:
- Thai children exhibited higher median concentrations of key phthalate metabolites (∑DEHP, MnBP, ∑DiNP) compared to German and US children.
- Significant regional variations were found, with Chiang Rai children showing higher levels for 16 out of 26 metabolites.
- DiNP metabolite levels in Chiang Rai were notably higher than reported elsewhere; a substantial percentage of children in Chiang Rai exceeded a cumulative hazard index of 1.
Conclusions:
- Thai children, particularly in Chiang Rai, face significant exposure to phthalates and phenolic compounds, exceeding international benchmarks.
- Specific phthalates like DnBP, DEHP, DiBP, and DEHA are major contributors to health risks.
- Sauce consumption and medication use are identified as potential contributing factors, underscoring the need for targeted exposure reduction strategies and regulatory actions in Thailand.
Abstract:
Phthalates and phenolic compounds are ubiquitous consumer chemicals, and children are particularly vulnerable to their potential health effects. In Thailand, however, information on children's exposure and regional variation remains limited. We recruited 250 children from two distinct regions of Thailand (Suphan Buri and Chiang Rai) in 2023, measured urinary concentrations of major metabolites of phthalates and alternative plasticizers as well as parent phenolic compounds, and administered questionnaires. The highest median concentrations were observed for the sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (∑DEHP, 73.2 ng/mL), followed by mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP, 72.2 ng/mL) and the sum of diisononyl phthalate metabolites (∑DiNP, 22.6 ng/mL). These levels were 1.4-3.4 times higher than those in German children (GerES V, 2014-2017) and 2.5-5.7 times higher than those in U.S. children (NHANES, 2017-2018). Significant regional differences were identified, with 16 of 26 metabolites showing higher concentrations in Chiang Rai children. These included metabolites of diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), DEHP, DiNP, and di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) as well as benzophenone-3 and bisphenol S. Notably, DiNP metabolite levels in Chiang Rai were 1.9-2.6-fold higher than the highest levels reported elsewhere. Risk assessment showed 69.3% of children in Chiang Rai and 16.4% in Suphan Buri exceeded a cumulative hazard index of 1. Regardless of region, DnBP, DEHP, DiBP, and di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) were the primary contributors to risk. Sauce consumption and medication use were associated with higher phthalate levels. These findings highlight the need to develop targeted exposure-reduction strategies and regulatory interventions for Thai children.
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