Leaching of the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) from plastic containers and the question of human exposure

Abstract

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer to render poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) soft and malleable. Plasticized PVC is used in hospital equipment, food wrapping, and numerous other commercial and industrial products. Unfortunately, plasticizers can migrate within the material and leach out of it over time, ending up in the environment and, frequently, the human body. DEHP has come under increased scrutiny as its breakdown products are believed to be endocrine disruptors and more toxic than DEHP itself. DEHP and its breakdown products have been identified as ubiquitous environmental contaminants, and daily human exposure is estimated to be in the microgram per kilogram level. The objective of this review is to summarize and comment on published sources of DEHP exposure and to give an overview of its environmental fate. Exposure through bottled water was examined specifically, as this concern is raised frequently, yet only little exposure to DEHP occurs through bottled water, and DEHP exposure is unlikely to stem from the packaging material itself. Packaged food was also examined and showed higher levels of DEHP contamination compared to bottled water. Exposure to DEHP also occurs in hospital environments, where DEHP leaches directly into liquids that passed through PVC/DEHP tubing and equipment. The latter exposure is at considerably higher levels compared to food and bottled water, specifically putting patients with chronic illnesses at risk. Overall, levels of DEHP in food and bottled water were below current tolerable daily intake (TDI) values. However, our understanding of the risks of DEHP exposure is still evolving. Given the prevalence of DEHP in our atmosphere and environment, and the uncertainty revolving around it, the precautionary principle would suggest its phaseout and replacement. Increased efforts to develop viable replacement compounds, which necessarily includes rigorous leaching, toxicity, and impact assessment studies, are needed before alternative plasticizers can be adopted as viable replacements.

Quantification of Six Phthalates and One Adipate in Luxembourgish Beer Using HS-SPME-GC/MS

“…These can be additional sources of contamination. A lot of research (Suciu et al 2013;Erythropel et al 2014;Mousavi Khaneghah et al 2014) has focussed on the food contact materials with regard to phthalate contamination as it has long been thought of as being the main source of contamination. Recent research, however, has shown that the unprocessed starting ingredients and the food processing can be equally important if not more important (Fierens et al 2012b(Fierens et al , 2013Van Holderbeke et al 2014).…”

Identification of oxidative stress–related Xdh gene as a di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) target and the use of melatonin to alleviate the DEHP‐induced impairments in newborn mouse ovaries

“…Di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as plasticizer, with annual usage in the world of more than 10 million tons . DEHP is employed in industrial and medical devices and common household items.…”

Substances of Very High Concern in Food Contact Materials: Migration and Regulatory Background

“…In other cases, the origin of phthalates in, e.g. drinking water and bread was only partially attributed to the packaging material . In 2010, phthalate migration from different FCMs (tubing, cling films, gaskets and gloves, printing inks, and (recycled) paper and board) into food was reviewed in detail .…”