Leaching of Phthalates from Medical Supplies and Their Implications for Exposure

Abstract

In this study, 72 single-use medical products, grouped into four categories, namely, creams/liquids (n = 8), medical devices (n = 46; 15 of 46 labeled "di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)-free"), first aid products (n = 13), and intravenous (IV) infusion/irrigation fluids (n = 5), were collected from an intensive care unit in a hospital in New York State in 2015 and analyzed for the migration of 10 phthalates in ethanol/water (1:1) mixture for 1 h. The total phthalate concentration (Σ phthalates ) leached from medical products ranged from 0.04 to 54,600 μg. DEHP was the major phthalate found in 99% of the samples analyzed, with the highest amount leached from respiratory support devices (median: 6560 μg). DEHP was also found at notable concentrations in products labeled as "DEHP-free". Direct exposure to phthalates from the use of medical devices and first aid supplies and dermal intake from the use of creams/ lotions were calculated. The highest DEHP exposure dose of 730 μg/kg bw/day was determined from the use of cannula for neonates. This is the first study to document the amount of phthalates leached from various medical supplies and associated exposures.

Mediating Role of Glucose-Lipid Metabolism in the Association between the Increased Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Exposure to Organophosphate Esters, Phthalates, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

“…The detection rate of miNP was significantly higher in CHD patients than in general adults (88.8% vs 58.2%); moreover, the presence of miNP was highly correlated with the presence of several DEHP metabolites. DEHP is a plasticizer frequently used in medical devices, cosmetics, and HPCPs . DEHP has been banned from general use since 2015 under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 due to evidence of endocrine-disrupting ability and reproductive toxicity .…”

Nanoelectrode Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry

“…The inlet of the sampling tube was inserted ∼4 cm into the mouth of the open bottle and the bottle was gently shaken side to side. The plasticizer diethyl phthalate (DEP) was identified in the form of its characteristic fragment, [DEP – CH 3 CH 2 O] + at m / z 177.2 . Phthalate plasticizers are known to be used in pharmaceutical pill coatings and packaging …”

Inhalation of Microplastics—A Toxicological Complexity

“…Phthalates, used as plasticizers to impart flexibility to polymer plastics, are an example of additives that are not chemically bound to the polymer matrix and that can migrate to the surface of the product [81]. Phthalates are additives known to leak from plastic medical devices and accessories when in contact with solvents such as n-hexane and a mixture of ethanol/water in laboratory conditions [82,83]. Phthalates (along with other additives) are prevalent in indoor air and dust, particularly in environments with plastic products and devices such as hospitals and freshly decorated spaces [84,85].…”