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Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = the... Nov 2023Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), known as environmental hormones, are exogenous chemicals that can disrupt hormone levels and cause dysfunction of... (Review)
Review
Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), known as environmental hormones, are exogenous chemicals that can disrupt hormone levels and cause dysfunction of the secretory system in humans and animals. Plasticizers, which are widely used EDCs, are commonly used to enhance the flexibility of plastic products. As plastics age and wear, however, they can leach into the environment and enter the bodies of animals through various pathways such as the digestive tract and skin. They can lead to estrogen-like effects and have substantial reproductive toxicity. Residual plasticizer concentrations in the environment are typically low. Unlike high doses that induce acute damage to the reproductive system, low doses of plasticizers do not cause macroscopic harm and thus its reproductive toxicity is often overlooked for extended periods. An increasing number of studies conducted on humans and mice in recent years have demonstrated that low doses of plasticizers can induce reproductive toxicity by interfering with maternal behavior. Prenatal exposure to plasticizers can result in abnormal postnatal maternal behavior. Female offspring also exhibit significantly low maternal care, lactation, and other behaviors in adulthood, which may persist for multiple generations, significantly disrupting the animal breeding process and impacting the health and well-being of newborn pups. The underlying mechanisms have not been systematically summarized. The risk of continuous exposure to low-dose plasticizers in humans and animals has increased due to the extensive utilization of plastic and rubber products in modern production and lifestyle patterns. It is thus crucial to conduct a systematic review on the effects of low-dose plasticizers on maternal behavior. We reviewed the research progress on the disruptive effects of plasticizers on animals' maternal behavior and concluded that these effects are primarily caused by inducing oxidative stress damage and DNA methylation reprogramming in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, as well as disrupting the balance of the thyroid system and causing intestinal microbial disorders. It would offer a novel perspective for future studies about the influence of plasticizers and other environmental hormones on maternal behavior in domesticated animals.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Mice; Pregnancy; Hormones; Maternal Behavior; Plasticizers; Plastics; Reproduction
PubMed: 37997427
DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202311.028 -
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.) Mar 2020Additives are ubiquitously used in plastics to improve their functionality. However, they are not always desirable in their 'second life' and are a major bottleneck for... (Review)
Review
Additives are ubiquitously used in plastics to improve their functionality. However, they are not always desirable in their 'second life' and are a major bottleneck for chemical recycling. Although research on extraction techniques for efficient removal of additives is increasing, it resembles much like uncharted territory due to the broad variety of additives, plastics and removal techniques. Today solvent-based additive extraction techniques, solid-liquid extraction and dissolution-precipitation, are considered to be the most promising techniques to remove additives. This review focuses on the assessment of these techniques by making a link between literature and physicochemical principles such as diffusion and Hansen solubility theory. From a technical point of view, dissolution-precipitation is preferred to remove a broad spectrum of additives because diffusion limitations affect the solid-liquid extraction recoveries. Novel techniques such as accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) are promising for finding the balance between these two processes. Because of limited studies on the economic and environmental feasibility of extraction methods, this review also includes a basic economic and environmental assessment of two extreme cases for the extraction of additives. According to this assessment, the feasibility of additives removal depends strongly on the type of additive and plastic and also on the extraction conditions. In the best-case scenario at least 70% of solvent recovery is required to extract plasticizers from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) via dissolution-precipitation with tetrahydrofuran (THF), while solid-liquid extraction of phenolic antioxidants and a fatty acid amide slip agents from polypropylene (PP) with dichloromethane (DCM) can be economically viable even without intensive solvent recovery.
Topics: Plasticizers; Plastics; Polyvinyl Chloride; Recycling; Solvents
PubMed: 31978833
DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.01.003 -
Journal of Exposure Science &... May 2022Persistent organic pollutant exposures are well-documented in the Arctic, but fewer studies examined non-persistent chemicals, despite increased market food and consumer...
BACKGROUND
Persistent organic pollutant exposures are well-documented in the Arctic, but fewer studies examined non-persistent chemicals, despite increased market food and consumer product consumption.
OBJECTIVE
To measure phenol, paraben, phthalate, and alternative plasticizer concentrations in Inuit adults.
METHODS
The study included 30 pooled urine samples from Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (Q2017) participants. Creatinine-adjusted geometric mean concentrations (GM) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were compared across sex, age, and regions, and compared to those in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI).
RESULTS
Q2017 bisphenol-A concentrations were double the CHMS 2018-2019 concentrations [GM (95% CI): 1.98 (1.69-2.31) versus 0.71 (0.60-0.84) µg/g creatinine], but in line with FNBI [1.74 (1.41-2.13) µg/g creatinine]. Several phthalate concentrations were higher in Q2017 versus CHMS, particularly monobenzyl phthalate, which was was 19-fold higher in Q2017 versus CHMS 2018-2019 [45.26 (39.35-52.06) versus 2.4 (2.0-2.9) µg/g creatinine] and four-fold higher than FNBI. There were also four-fold higher concentrations of the two alternate plasticizer 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TIXB) metabolites in Q2017 compared to CHMS 2018-2019. Women and people living in Ungava Bay had generally higher concentrations of non-persistent chemicals.
SIGNIFICANCE
The results suggest higher concentrations of certain non-persistent chemicals in Inuit versus the general Canadian population.
IMPACT
Few studies have explored non-persistent chemical distributions in Northern communities, despite the increasing consumer product and market food consumption. We analyzed 30 pooled samples from the Qanuilirpitaa? Nunavik Inuit Health Survey 2017 to assess exposures to common plasticizes and plastic constituents and compare their levels with the general Canadian population and First Nation groups. We observed particularly higher levels of bisphenol-A, of monobenzyl phthalate, and of two 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB) metabolites among Nunavimmiut compared to the general Canadian population, notably among women and Ungava Bay residents. Larger studies are required to confirm our findings and identify potential adverse health effects from these exposures.
Topics: Adult; Canada; Creatinine; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 35347231
DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00425-w -
The Science of the Total Environment Apr 2023Due to the rising usage of plastics, plastic debris are present throughout marine ecosystems and detrimentally affects marine biota. Additionally, plastics likely result...
Due to the rising usage of plastics, plastic debris are present throughout marine ecosystems and detrimentally affects marine biota. Additionally, plastics likely result in elusive toxicity effects due to addition of plasticizers. The aim of the present study was to reveal the potential effects and mechanism of microplastics (MPs), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and copollution of MPs and DEHP (MPs-DEHP) on Peneaus vannamei (P. vannamei) juveniles regarding oxidative stress, transcriptomics and metabolomics. MPs, DEHP and MPs-DEHP significantly induced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); MPs and DEHP have an antagonistic effect for malondialdehyde (MDA); suggesting that disorders of the antioxidant defence systems. 13, 133 and 58 differentially expressed genes and 21, 82 and 39 differentially expressed metabolites were responsible for the distinction of MPs, DEHP and MPs-DEHP groups, respectively. The combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that MPs, DEHP and MPs-DEHP exposure disturbed amino acid and lipid metabolism, and further induced inflammatory responses and dysfunction of purine metabolism. Furthermore, the presence of MPs might alleviate the biotoxicity of DEHP in P. vannamei. These findings provide new insights into the single and combined toxicological effects of MPs and additives for marine biota.
Topics: Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Plastics; Microplastics; Transcriptome; Ecosystem; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers
PubMed: 36640892
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161549 -
International Journal of Biological... Dec 2020The objective of this study was to develop eco-friendly films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CTS) with the addition of plasticizer (glycerol or...
The objective of this study was to develop eco-friendly films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CTS) with the addition of plasticizer (glycerol or sorbitol) and surfactant (cocamidopropyl betaine). The properties of the obtained polymeric films were determined by contact angle measurements, attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), mechanical tests, and moisture content analysis. The results indicated that four-component blends had high surface hydrophilicity and surface roughness due to the presence of the surfactant. Glycerol incorporation into PVA/CTS blends resulted in higher flexibility and greater water absorption capacity of the three- and four-component polymeric blends compared with these blends with sorbitol. By contrast, the addition of the surfactant to the materials is essential for their application in personal hygiene products as disposable wipes.
Topics: Chitosan; Glycerol; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Plasticizers; Polymers; Polyvinyl Alcohol; Sorbitol; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Surface Properties; Surface-Active Agents
PubMed: 32758608
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.001 -
Environmental Science & Technology Dec 2022While new biodegradable materials are being rapidly introduced to address plastic pollution, their end-of-life impacts remain unclear. Biodegradable plastics typically...
While new biodegradable materials are being rapidly introduced to address plastic pollution, their end-of-life impacts remain unclear. Biodegradable plastics typically comprise a biopolymer matrix with functional additives and/or solid fillers, which may be toxic. Here, using an established method for continuous biodegradation monitoring, we investigated the impact of a commonly used plasticizer, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), on the biodegradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) in soil. The presence of DBP delayed the initial stage of PHBV biodegradation but then accelerated subsequent rates of biodegradation. Furthermore, it led to significant increases in total bacterial and fungal biomass and altered the composition of microbial communities with significant increases in the relative abundances of (gammaproteobacterial) and (fungal) populations. It is proposed, with evidence from biodegradation behavior and microbial analysis, that the presence of DBP likely stimulated a microbial community shift, introduced higher proportions of more readily degradable amorphous regions from the plasticizing effect, and facilitated access to the bulk polymer matrix for microorganisms or at least their associated enzymes. These effects in combination overcame the initial inhibition effect of the DBP and resulted in a net increase in the rate of biodegradation of PHBV.
Topics: Plasticizers; Polyhydroxyalkanoates; Phthalic Acids; Dibutyl Phthalate; Biodegradation, Environmental
PubMed: 36480707
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06583 -
The Science of the Total Environment Nov 2022Microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant, are of global concern due to their wide distribution and large quantities. In addition to MPs themselves, various additives... (Review)
Review
Microplastics (MPs), an emerging pollutant, are of global concern due to their wide distribution and large quantities. In addition to MPs themselves, various additives within MPs (such as plasticizers, flame retardants, antioxidants and heavy metals) may also have harmful effects on the environment. Most of these additives are physically bound to plastics and can therefore be leached from the plastic and released into the environment. Aging of MPs in the actual environment can affect the migration and release of additives, further increasing the ecotoxicological risk of additives to organisms. This work reviews the functions of several commonly used additives in MPs, and summarizes the representative characterization methods. Furthermore, the migration and leaching of additives in the human environment and marine environment are outlined. As aging promotes the internal chain breaking of MPs and the increase of specific surface area, it in turn stimulates the release of additives. The hazards of additive exposure have been elucidated, and various studies from the laboratory have shown that more toxic additives such as phthalates and brominated flame retardants can disrupt a variety of biological processes in organisms, including metabolism, skeletal development and so on. Increase of MPs ecological risk caused by the leaching of toxic additives is discussed, especially under the effect of aging. This study presents a systematic summary of various functional and environmental behaviors of additives in plastics, using weathering forces as the main factor, which helps to better assess the environmental impact and potential risks of MPs.
Topics: Aging; Antioxidants; Environmental Pollutants; Flame Retardants; Humans; Metals, Heavy; Microplastics; Plasticizers; Plastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35961392
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157951 -
Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. Journal of... 2023We determined the fifteen types of plasticizers, including four kinds of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) used in 220 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toys on Japanese market from...
We determined the fifteen types of plasticizers, including four kinds of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) used in 220 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toys on Japanese market from 2019 to 2020. Three kinds of previously undetected types of PAEs were also detected, but not identified in this study. Di (2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) was the highest detection rate in 209 soft PVC toys out of 220 toys, with 71.2% for designated toys and 88.9% for not-designated toys, respectively, showing a gradual increase from the previous reports in 2009 and 2014. On the other hand, the usages of o-acetyl tributyl citrate and adipic acid esters decreased, but the six types of PAEs prohibited to use for the designated toys in Japan were not detected in them, the usage of diisobutyl phthalate were increased. In contrast, four types of PAEs were detected in not-designated toys. Among them, the detection ratio of di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate decreased to about 1/10. The content levels of plasticizers in per each sample were continued to keep low level from the report five years ago. These results showed that the main plasticizer used in PVC toys is DEHTP, and that the usage of other plasticizers was decreased.
Topics: Plasticizers; Polyvinyl Chloride; Esters; Japan
PubMed: 37673604
DOI: 10.3358/shokueishi.64.145 -
Environmental Research Nov 2022Microplastic (MP) ingestion, along with accumulated plasticizers such as bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS), and phthalates represented by...
Microplastic (MP) ingestion, along with accumulated plasticizers such as bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS), and phthalates represented by diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), were quantified in bivalves, fish, and holothurians collected from a coastal pristine area at the western Mediterranean Sea. MP ingestion in sediment-feeders holothurians (mean value 12.67 ± 7.31 MPs/individual) was statistically higher than ingestion in bivalves and fish (mean 4.83 ± 5.35 and 3 ± 4.44 MPs/individual, respectively). The main ingested polymers were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. The levels of BPS, BPF, and DEHP were highest in bivalves' soft tissue; BPA and DBP had the highest levels in the holothurians' muscle. In addition, the levels of all plasticizers assessed were lowest in fish muscle; only BPA levels in fish were higher than in bivalves, with intermediate values between those of bivalves and holothurians. This study provides data on exposure to MPs and plasticizers of different species inhabiting Cabrera Marine Protected Area (MPA) and highlights the differences in MP ingestion and levels of plasticizers between species with different ecological characteristics and feeding strategies.
Topics: Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds; Bivalvia; Dibutyl Phthalate; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Eating; Fishes; Microplastics; Phenols; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 35948144
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114034 -
Journal of Exposure Science &... Mar 2023Many phthalates are environmental pollutants and toxic to humans. Following phthalate regulations, human exposure to phthalates has globally decreased with time in...
BACKGROUND
Many phthalates are environmental pollutants and toxic to humans. Following phthalate regulations, human exposure to phthalates has globally decreased with time in European countries, the US and Korea. Conversely, exposure to their substitutes DEHT and/or DINCH has increased. In other countries, including China, little is known on the time-trends in human exposure to these plasticizers.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to estimate time-trends in the urinary concentrations of phthalates, DEHT, and DINCH metabolites, in general population from non-European countries, in the last decade.
METHODS
We compiled human biomonitoring (HBM) data from 123 studies worldwide in a database termed "PhthaLit". We analyzed time-trends in the urinary concentrations of the excreted metabolites of various phthalates as well as DEHT and DINCH per metabolite, age group, and country/region, in 2009-2019. Additionally, we compared urinary metabolites levels between continents.
RESULTS
We found solid time-trends in adults and/or children from the US, Canada, China and Taiwan. DEHP metabolites decreased in the US and Canada. Conversely in Asia, 5oxo- and 5OH-MEHP (DEHP metabolites) increased in Chinese children. For low-weight phthalates, the trends showed a mixed picture between metabolites and countries. Notably, MnBP (a DnBP metabolite) increased in China. The phthalate substitutes DEHT and DINCH markedly increased in the US.
SIGNIFICANCE
We addressed the major question of time-trends in human exposure to phthalates and their substitutes and compared the results in different countries worldwide.
IMPACT
Phthalates account for more than 50% of the plasticizer world market. Because of their toxicity, some phthalates have been regulated. In turn, the consumption of non-phthalate substitutes, such as DEHT and DINCH, is growing. Currently, phthalates and their substitutes show high detection percentages in human urine. Concerning time-trends, several studies, mainly in Europe, show a global decrease in phthalate exposure, and an increase in the exposure to phthalate substitutes in the last decade. In this study, we address the important question of time-trends in human exposure to phthalates and their substitutes and compare the results in different countries worldwide.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Phthalic Acids; Environmental Pollutants; Plasticizers; North America; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 35513587
DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00441-w