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BioMed Research International 2018Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is extensively used as a plasticizer in many products, especially medical devices, furniture materials, cosmetics, and personal care... (Review)
Review
Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is extensively used as a plasticizer in many products, especially medical devices, furniture materials, cosmetics, and personal care products. DEHP is noncovalently bound to plastics, and therefore, it will leach out of these products after repeated use, heating, and/or cleaning of the products. Due to the overuse of DEHP in many products, it enters and pollutes the environment through release from industrial settings and plastic waste disposal sites. DEHP can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact on a daily basis, which has raised some concerns about its safety and its potential effects on human health. The main aim of this review is to give an overview of the endocrine, testicular, ovarian, neural, hepatotoxic, and cardiotoxic effects of DEHP on animal models and humans and .
Topics: Animals; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 29682520
DOI: 10.1155/2018/1750368 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2020The production of plastic products, which requires phthalate plasticizers, has resulted in the problems for human health, especially that of reproductive health.... (Review)
Review
The production of plastic products, which requires phthalate plasticizers, has resulted in the problems for human health, especially that of reproductive health. Phthalate exposure can induce reproductive disorders at various regulatory levels. The aim of this review was to compile the evidence concerning the association between phthalates and reproductive diseases, phthalates-induced reproductive disorders, and their possible endocrine and intracellular mechanisms. Phthalates may induce alterations in puberty, the development of testicular dysgenesis syndrome, cancer, and fertility disorders in both males and females. At the hormonal level, phthalates can modify the release of hypothalamic, pituitary, and peripheral hormones. At the intracellular level, phthalates can interfere with nuclear receptors, membrane receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, and modulate gene expression associated with reproduction. To understand and to treat the adverse effects of phthalates on human health, it is essential to expand the current knowledge concerning their mechanism of action in the organism.
Topics: Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Male; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Reproductive Health
PubMed: 32961939
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186811 -
Environment International Jan 2022In this review of reviews, we overview the current global body of available evidence from structured reviews of epidemiological studies that explore human health... (Review)
Review
In this review of reviews, we overview the current global body of available evidence from structured reviews of epidemiological studies that explore human health outcomes associated with exposure to phthalates (chemical plasticisers commonly found in plastics). We found robust evidence for an association with lower semen quality, neurodevelopment and risk of childhood asthma, and moderate to robust evidence for impact on anogenital distance in boys. We identified moderate evidence for an association between phthalates/metabolites and low birthweight, endometriosis, decreased testosterone, ADHD, Type 2 diabetes and breast/uterine cancer. There was some evidence for other outcomes including anofourchette distance, fetal sex hormones, pre-term birth, lower antral follicle count, reduced oestrodiol, autism, obesity, thyroid function and hearing disorders. We found no reviews of epidemiological human studies on the impact of phthalates from recycled plastics on human health. We recommend that future research should use urine samples as exposure measures, consider confounders in analyses and measure impacts on female reproductive systems. Our findings align with emerging research indicating that health risks can occur at exposure levels below the "safe dose" levels set out by regulators, and are of particular concern given potential additive or synergistic "cocktail effects" of chemicals. This raises important policy and regulatory issues for identifying and controlling plastics and health related impacts and highlights a need for more research into substances of concern entering plastics waste streams via recycling.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Male; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Semen Analysis
PubMed: 34601394
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106903 -
Biology of Reproduction Feb 2021Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) is a high molecular weight, general purpose, plasticizer used primarily in the manufacture of polymers and consumer products. It can be... (Review)
Review
Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) is a high molecular weight, general purpose, plasticizer used primarily in the manufacture of polymers and consumer products. It can be metabolized rapidly and does not bioaccumulate. The primary metabolite of DiNP is monoisononyl-phthalate (MiNP) and the secondary metabolites include three oxidative derivatives of DiNP, which have been identified mainly in urine: mono-oxoisononyl phthalate (MOINP or oxo-MiNP), mono-carboxyisooctyl phthalate (MCIOP, MCOP or cx-MiNP), and mono-hydroxyisononyl phthalate (MHINP or OH-MiNP). The secondary metabolites are very sensitive biomarkers of DiNP exposure while primary metabolites are not. As the usage of DiNP worldwide increases, studies evaluating its potential reproductive toxicity are becoming more prevalent in the literature. In studies on female animals, the researchers found that the exposure to DiNP appears to induce negative effects on ovarian function and fertility in animal models. Whether or not DiNP has direct effects on the uterus is still controversial, and the effects on human reproduction require much more research. Studies on males indicate that DiNP exposure has disruptive effects on male reproduction and fertility. Occupational studies also indicate that the exposure to DiNP might induce negative effects on male reproduction, but larger cohort studies are needed to confirm this. This review presents an overview of the literature regarding the reproductive effects of exposure to DiNP.
Topics: Animals; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Reproduction
PubMed: 33125036
DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa201 -
Environment International Jan 2021We present a list of Chemicals of Concern (CoCs) in plastic toys. We started from available studies reporting chemical composition of toys to group plastic materials, as...
We present a list of Chemicals of Concern (CoCs) in plastic toys. We started from available studies reporting chemical composition of toys to group plastic materials, as well as to gather mass fractions and function of chemicals in these materials. Chemical emissions from plastic toys and subsequent human exposures were then estimated using a series of models and a coupled near-field and far-field exposure assessment framework. Comparing human doses with reference doses shows high Hazard Quotients of up to 387 and cancer risk calculated using cancer slope factors of up to 0.0005. Plasticizers in soft plastic materials show the highest risk, with 31 out of the 126 chemicals identified as CoCs, with sum of Hazard Quotients >1 or child cancer risk >10. Our results indicate that a relevant amount of chemicals used in plastic toy materials may pose a non-negligible health risk to children, calling for more refined investigations and more human- and eco-friendly alternatives. The 126 chemicals identified as CoCs were compared with other existing regulatory prioritization lists. While some of our chemicals appear in other lists, we also identified additional priority chemicals that are not yet covered elsewhere and thus require further attention. We finally derive for all considered chemicals the maximum Acceptable Chemical Content (ACC) in the grouped toy plastic materials as powerful green chemistry tool to check whether chemical alternatives could create substantial risks.
Topics: Child; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Plasticizers; Plastics; Play and Playthings; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 33115697
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106194 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Feb 2018Phthalates are chemical compounds classified as endocrine disruptors which are present in practically every environment of daily life. In the field of artificial... (Review)
Review
Phthalates are chemical compounds classified as endocrine disruptors which are present in practically every environment of daily life. In the field of artificial nutrition, they are relevant because they are found as plasticizers in infusion lines made with PVC. They are lipophilic molecules which weakly pair with PVC and, therefore, they are easily extracted by the fatty compounds that are part of both the parenteral and enteral nutrition, as various studies show. As endocrine disruptors, they directly affect the reproductive organs because of their antiandrogenic and estrogenic effects. They promote inflammation and oxidative stress and they are also related to the development of obesity, asthma, neurological and ophthalmic disorders, cholestasis and other gastrointestinal disorders. The legislation establishes the highest recommended exposure level for daily exposure; however, in the medical environment the exposure follows a different pattern, more occasional with very high peaks, for which there are no established thresholds, that is why it is recommended to avoid exposure whenever possible. The industry is working on the development of alternative plasticizers, for which the use experience is still limited. Currently, in the field of artificial nutrition it is recommended to use phthalate-free intravenous and enteral infusion lines.
Topics: Endocrine Disruptors; Enteral Nutrition; Humans; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers
PubMed: 29756983
DOI: 10.20960/nh.1833 -
Indoor Air Nov 2019Degrading 2-ethylhexyl-containing PVC floorings (eg DEHP-PVC floorings) and adhesives emit 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) in the indoor air. The danger of flooring degradation...
Degrading 2-ethylhexyl-containing PVC floorings (eg DEHP-PVC floorings) and adhesives emit 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) in the indoor air. The danger of flooring degradation comes from exposing occupants to harmful phthalates plasticisers (eg DEHP), but not from 2-EH as such. Since the EU banned the use of phthalates in sensitive applications, the market is shifting to use DEHP-free and alternative types of plasticisers in PVC products. However, data on emissions from DEHP-free PVC floorings are scarce. This study aimed at assessing the surface and bulk emissions of two DEHP-free PVC floorings over three years. The floorings were glued on the screed layer of concrete casts at 75%, 85%, and 95% RH. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were actively sampled using FLEC (surface emissions) and micro-chamber/thermal extractor (µ-CTE, bulk emissions) onto Tenax TA adsorbents and analyzed with TD-GC-MS. 2-EH, C9-alcohols, and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) emissions are reported. Emissions at 75% and 85% RH were similar. As expected, the highest emissions occurred at 95% RH. 2-EH emissions originated from the adhesive. Because the two DEHP-free floorings tested emitted C9-alcohols at all tested RH, it makes the detection of flooring degradation harder, particularly if the adhesive used does not emit 2-EH.
Topics: Adhesives; Air Pollution, Indoor; Alcohols; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Floors and Floorcoverings; Hexanols; Humans; Plasticizers; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 31348556
DOI: 10.1111/ina.12591 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Sep 2023Being an essential component in the plastics industry, phthalates are ubiquitous in the environment and in everyday life. They are considered environmental contaminants... (Review)
Review
Being an essential component in the plastics industry, phthalates are ubiquitous in the environment and in everyday life. They are considered environmental contaminants that have been classified as endocrine-disrupting compounds. Despite di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) being the most common plasticizer and the most studied to date, there are many others that, in addition to being widely used in the plastic, are also applied in the medical and pharmaceutical industries and cosmetics. Due to their wide use, phthalates are easily absorbed by the human body where they can disrupt the endocrine system by binding to molecular targets and interfering with hormonal homeostasis. Thus, phthalates exposure has been implicated in the development of several diseases in different age groups. Collecting information from the most recent available literature, this review aims to relate human phthalates' exposure with the development of cardiovascular diseases throughout all ages. Overall, most of the studies presented demonstrated an association between phthalates and several cardiovascular diseases, either from prenatal or postnatal exposure, affecting foetuses, infants, children, young and older adults. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly explored. Thus, considering the cardiovascular diseases incidence worldwide and the constant human exposure to phthalates, this topic should be extensively studied to understand the mechanisms involved.
Topics: Pregnancy; Child; Female; Humans; Aged; Environmental Exposure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Phthalic Acids; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 37269565
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131680 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2022This review aims to understand the impacts of plasticizers on the thyroid system of animals and humans. The thyroid gland is one of the earliest endocrine glands that... (Review)
Review
This review aims to understand the impacts of plasticizers on the thyroid system of animals and humans. The thyroid gland is one of the earliest endocrine glands that appear during embryogenesis. The thyroid gland synthesizes thyroid hormones (TH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) that are important in the regulation of body homeostasis. TH plays critical roles in regulating different physiological functions, including metabolism, cell growth, circadian rhythm, and nervous system development. Alteration in thyroid function can lead to different medical problems. In recent years, thyroid-related medical problems have increased and this could be due to rising environmental pollutants. Plasticizers are one such group of a pollutant that impacts thyroid function. Plasticizers are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products, such as children's toys, food packaging items, building materials, medical devices, cosmetics, and ink. The increased use of plasticizers has resulted in their detection in the environment, animals, and humans. Studies indicated that plasticizers could alter thyroid function in both animals and humans at different levels. Several studies demonstrated a positive and/or negative correlation between plasticizers and serum T4 and T3 levels. Plasticizers could also change the expression of various TH-related genes and proteins, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and transporters. Histological analyses demonstrated thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia in response to several plasticizers. In conclusion, plasticizers could disrupt TH homeostasis and the mechanisms of toxicity could be diverse.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Plasticizers; Thyroid Hormones; Thyrotropin; Thyroxine; Triiodothyronine
PubMed: 35303231
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19594-0 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2022The global utilization of single-use, non-biodegradable plastics, such as bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has contributed to catastrophic levels of...
Microbial Consortia and Mixed Plastic Waste: Pangenomic Analysis Reveals Potential for Degradation of Multiple Plastic Types via Previously Identified PET Degrading Bacteria.
The global utilization of single-use, non-biodegradable plastics, such as bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has contributed to catastrophic levels of plastic pollution. Fortunately, microbial communities are adapting to assimilate plastic waste. Previously, our work showed a full consortium of five bacteria capable of synergistically degrading PET. Using omics approaches, we identified the key genes implicated in PET degradation within the consortium's pangenome and transcriptome. This analysis led to the discovery of a novel PETase, EstB, which has been observed to hydrolyze the oligomer BHET and the polymer PET. Besides the genes implicated in PET degradation, many other biodegradation genes were discovered. Over 200 plastic and plasticizer degradation-related genes were discovered through the Plastic Microbial Biodegradation Database (PMBD). Diverse carbon source utilization was observed by a microbial community-based assay, which, paired with an abundant number of plastic- and plasticizer-degrading enzymes, indicates a promising possibility for mixed plastic degradation. Using RNAseq differential analysis, several genes were predicted to be involved in PET degradation, including aldehyde dehydrogenases and several classes of hydrolases. Active transcription of PET monomer metabolism was also observed, including the generation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)/polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biopolymers. These results present an exciting opportunity for the bio-recycling of mixed plastic waste with upcycling potential.
Topics: Bacteria; Microbial Consortia; Plasticizers; Plastics; Polyethylene Terephthalates
PubMed: 35628419
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105612