Phthalate exposure in Thai children and adolescents

Sedtasiriphokin, Nuttanun; Supornsilchai, Vichit; Jantarat, Chutima; Nosoongnoen, Wichit

doi:10.1515/abm-2018-0006

Abstract

Background

Phthalates are found in products made of plastic. Because of concerns regarding the hazards of phthalate exposure, including endocrine disruption, many countries have regulations to restrict their use in products used by children. However, in Thailand, no such restrictions exist, and data relating to phthalate exposure are scarce.

Objectives

To determine the level of exposure of Thai children and adolescents to phthalates, and study its associations with sociodemographic data and the exposure to potential sources of phthalates.

Methods

Healthy children aged 2–18 y were enrolled into the present cross-sectional study between January 2016 and December 2016 inclusive. Their anthropometric indices and Tanner staging were determined. Urinary concentrations of the phthalate metabolites, monomethyl phthalate (MMP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), were determined in spot samples by high-performance liquid chromatography to estimate the level of phthalate exposure. Associations between sociodemographic data, exposure to potential sources of phthalates, and phthalate metabolite concentrations were analyzed.

Results

We included 103 boys and 118 girls with a mean age of 9.4 ± 3.64 (range 2.8–17.1) y and detected MMP in 28.5% and MBP in 88.6%. The geometric means (interquartile range) of urinary MMP and MBP were 3400 (2489, 4642) and 214.4 (164, 279) μg/g creatinine (Cr), respectively. Significant associations were found between exposure to floor cleaning products and Cr-adjusted urinary MMP level (P < 0.05), and paint and Cr-adjusted urinary MMP and MBP levels (P < 0.05). Prepuberty was significantly associated with urinary Cr-adjusted MMP level.

Conclusion

Urinary phthalate metabolite levels were high in a proportion of Thai children and adolescents. Exposure to floor cleaning products and paint is associated with phthalate exposure, and advanced Tanner stage is negatively associated with urinary Cr-adjusted MBP.

References

Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Bourguignon JP, Giudice LC, Hauser R, Prins GS, Soto AM, et al. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev. 2009; 30:293–342.1950251510.1210/er.2009-0002
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kim SH, Park MJ. Phthalate exposure and childhood obesity. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2014; 19:69–75.2507708810.6065/apem.2014.19.2.69
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Watkins DJ, Eliot M, Sathyanarayana S, Calafat AM, Yolton K, Lanphear BP, et al. Variability and predictors of urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites during early childhood. Environ Sci Technol. 2014; 48:8881–90.10.1021/es501744v24977926
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Fujii M, Shinohara N, Lim A, Otake T, Kumagai K, Yanagisawa Y. A study on emission of phthalate esters from plastic materials using a passive flux sampler. Atmos Environ. 2003; 37:5495–504.10.1016/j.atmosenv.2003.09.026
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Elsisi AE, Carter DE, Sipes IG. Dermal absorption of phthalate diesters in rats. Fundam Appl Toxicol. 1989; 12:70–7.292502010.1016/0272-0590(89)90063-8
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
McKee RH, El-Hawari M, Stoltz M, Pallas F, Lington AW. Absorption, disposition and metabolism of di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) in F-344 rats. J Appl Toxicol. 2002; 22:293–302.1235555810.1002/jat.861
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wormuth M, Scheringer M, Vollenweider M, Hungerbuhler K. What are the sources of exposure to eight frequently used phthalic acid esters in Europeans? Risk Anal. 2006; 26:803–24.1683463510.1111/j.1539-6924.2006.00770.x
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Schettler T. Human exposure to phthalates via consumer products. J Androl. 2006; 29:134–9.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kim BN, Cho SC, Kim Y, Shin MS, Yoo HJ, Kim JW, et al. Phthalates exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in school-age children. Biol Psychiatry. 2009; 66:958–63.10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.07.03419748073
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Frederiksen H, Skakkebaek NE, Andersson AM. Metabolism of phthalates in humans. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007; 51:899–911.1760438810.1002/mnfr.200600243
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Braun JM, Sathyanarayana S, Hauser R. Phthalate exposure and children’s health. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2013; 25:247–54.2342970810.1097/MOP.0b013e32835e1eb6
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Swan SH, Main KM, Liu F, Stewart SL, Kruse RL, Calafat AM, et al. Decrease in anogenital distance among male infants with prenatal phthalate exposure. Environ Health Perspect. 2005; 113:1056–61.10.1289/ehp.810016079079
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Suzuki Y, Yoshinaga J, Mizumoto Y, Serizawa S, Shiraishi H. Foetal exposure to phthalate esters and anogenital distance in male newborns. Int J Androl. 2012; 35:236–44.10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01190.x21696396
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Foster PM. Disruption of reproductive development in male rat offspring following in utero exposure to phthalate esters. Int J Androl. 2006; 29:140–47; discussion 81–5.10.1111/j.1365-2605.2005.00563.x16102138
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wolff MS, Teitelbaum SL, Pinney SM, Windham G, Liao L, Biro F, et al. Investigation of relationships between urinary biomarkers of phytoestrogens, phthalates, and phenols and pubertal stages in girls. Environ Health Perspect. 2010; 118:1039–46.2030803310.1289/ehp.0901690
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Grun F, Blumberg B. Environmental obesogens: organotins and endocrine disruption via nuclear receptor signaling. Endocrinology. 2006; 147 Suppl 6:S50–55.1669080110.1210/en.2005-1129
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cho SC, Bhang SY, Hong YC, Shin MS, Kim BN, Kim JW, et al. Relationship between environmental phthalate exposure and the intelligence of school-age children. Environ Health Perspect. 2010; 118:1027–32.10.1289/ehp.090137620194078
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Testa C, Nuti F, Hayek J, De Felice C, Chelli M, Rovero P, et al. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and autism spectrum disorders. ASN Neuro. 2012; 4:223–9.22537663
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Miodovnik A, Engel SM, Zhu C, Ye X, Soorya LV, Silva MJ, et al. Endocrine disruptors and childhood social impairment. Neurotoxicology. 2011; 32:261–7.2118286510.1016/j.neuro.2010.12.009
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Engel SM, Miodovnik A, Canfield RL, Zhu C, Silva MJ, Calafat AM, et al. Prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with childhood behavior and executive functioning. Environ Health Perspect. 2010; 118:565–71.2010674710.1289/ehp.0901470
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Swan SH, Liu F, Hines M, Kruse RL, Wang C, Redmon JB, et al. Prenatal phthalate exposure and reduced masculine play in boys. Int J Androl. 2010; 33:259–69.1991961410.1111/j.1365-2605.2009.01019.x
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hurst CH, Waxman DJ. Activation of PPARα and PPARγ by environmental phthalate monoesters. Toxicol Sci. 2003; 74:297–308.1280565610.1093/toxsci/kfg145
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Just AC, Whyatt RM, Perzanowski MS, Calafat AM, Perera FP, Goldstein IF, et al. Prenatal exposure to butylbenzyl phthalate and early eczema in an urban cohort. Environ Health Perspect. 2012; 120:1475–80.10.1289/ehp.1104544
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Benayoun L, Letuve S, Druilhe A, Boczkowski J, Dombret MC, Mechighel P, et al. Regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g expression in human asthmatic airways: relationship with proliferation, apoptosis, and airway remodeling. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2001; 164:1487–94.10.1164/ajrccm.164.8.2101070
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hsu NY, Lee CC, Wang JY, Li YC, Chang HW, Chen CY, et al. Predicted risk of childhood allergy, asthma, and reported symptoms using measured phthalate exposure in dust and urine. Indoor Air. 2012; 22:186–99.10.1111/j.1600-0668.2011.00753.x21995786
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bornehag CG, Sundell J, Weschler CJ, Sigsgaard T, Lundgren B, Hasselgren M, et al. The association between asthma and allergic symptoms in children and phthalates in house dust: a nested case-control study. Environ Health Perspect. 2004; 112:1393–7.10.1289/ehp.718715471731
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kolarik B, Naydenov K, Larsson M, Bornehag CG, Sundell J.The association between phthalates in dust and allergic diseases among Bulgarian children. Environ Health Perspect. 2008; 116:98–103.18197306
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Meeker JD, Hu H, Cantonwine DE, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Calafat AM, Ettinger AS, et al. Urinary phthalate metabolites in relation to preterm birth in Mexico city. Environ Health Perspect. 2009; 117:1587–92.2001991010.1289/ehp.0800522
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Whyatt RM, Adibi JJ, Calafat AM, Camann DE, Rauh V, Bhat HK, et al. Prenatal di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate exposure and length of gestation among an inner-city cohort. Pediatrics. 2009; 124:e1213–20.1994862010.1542/peds.2009-0325
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wu J, Ye Z, Li X, Wang X, Luo F, Sheng B, et al. Optimization of a NH₄PF₆-enhanced, non-organic solvent, dual microextraction method for determination of phthalate metabolites in urine by high performance liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr B. 2016; 1014:1–9.10.1016/j.jchromb.2016.01.024
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gao CJ, Liu LY, Ma WL, Ren NQ, Guo Y, Zhu NZ, et al. Phthalate metabolites in urine of Chinese young adults: concentration, profile, exposure and cumulative risk assessment. Sci Total Environ. 2016; 543:19–27.10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.00526575634
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Casas L, Fernández MF, Llop S, Guxens M, Ballester F, Olea N, et al. Urinary concentrations of phthalates and phenols in a population of Spanish pregnant women and children. Environ Int. 2011; 37:858–66.10.1016/j.envint.2011.02.012
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Silva MJ, Barr DB, Reidy JA, Malek NA, Hodge CC, Caudill SP, et al. Urinary levels of seven phthalate metabolites in the U.S. population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2000. Environ Health Perspect. 2004; 112:331–8.14998749
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Guo Y, Kannan K. Comparative assessment of human exposure to phthalate esters from house dust in China and the United States. Environ Science Tech. 2011; 45:3788–794.10.1021/es2002106
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hauser R, Calafat AM. Phthalates and human health. Occup Environ Med. 2005; 62:806–18.1623440810.1136/oem.2004.017590
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mouritsen A, Frederiksen H, Sørensen K, Aksglaede L, Hagen C, Skakkebaek NE, et al. Urinary phthalates from 168 girls and boys measured twice a year during a 5-year period: associations with adrenal androgen levels and puberty. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013; 98:3755–64.10.1210/jc.2013-128423824423
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bertelsen RJ, Carlsen KC, Calafat AM, Hoppin JA, Håland G, Mowinckel P, et al. Urinary biomarkers for phthalates associated with asthma in Norwegian children. Environ Health Perspect. 2013; 121:251–6.23164678
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kim S, Kang S, Lee G, Lee S, Jo A, Kwak K, et al. Urinary phthalate metabolites among elementary school children of Korea: sources, risks, and their association with oxidative stress marker. Science Total Environ. 2014; 472:49–55.10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.10.118
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Romero-Franco M, Hernández-Ramírez RU, Calafat AM, Cebrián ME, Needham LL, Teitelbaum S, et al. Personal care product use and urinary levels of phthalate metabolites in Mexican women. Environ Int. 2011; 37:867–71.10.1016/j.envint.2011.02.01421429583
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Duty SM, Ackerman RM, Calafat AM, Hauser R. Personal care product use predicts urinary concentrations of some phthalate monoesters. Environ Health Perspect. 2005; 113:1530–35.10.1289/ehp.808316263507
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sathyanarayana S, Karr CJ, Lozano P, Brown E, Calafat AM, Liu F, et al. Baby care products: possible sources of infant phthalate exposure. Pediatrics. 2008; 121:e260–68.1824540110.1542/peds.2006-3766
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Teitelbaum SL, Britton JA, Calafat AM, Ye X, Silva MJ, Reidy JA, et al. Temporal variability in urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites, phytoestrogens and phenols among minority children in the United States. Environ Res. 2008; 106:257–69.1797657110.1016/j.envres.2007.09.010
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article