Cumulative health risk in children and adolescents exposed to bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been widely concerned owing to its widespread detection and endocrine disrupting effect. Nevertheless, systematic analysis and evaluation of the current status of DEHP contamination are still insufficient for children and adolescents. Dietary exposure and nondietary exposure to DEHP were investigated to estimate the total average daily dose (ADD). The top three contributors were dust exposure, edible oil and vegetable intake. Dietary intake contributed highly (70%) to daily exposure to DEHP. By analyzing the monitoring data on DEHP exposure, the cumulative health risks of DEHP were assessed for different age groups of children and adolescents in East China. The probability distributions of noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were determined by Monte Carlo simulation. The results showed that the risk level reduced with age. The predicted mean noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for all age groups exceeded the acceptable level, indicating that the general population would be at high risk by DEHP overexposure. Schoolchildren at ages 6∼<9 were more susceptible to DEHP exposure, with a 30% possibility of exceeding the safety limit Based on these results, gradual banning and restriction should be carried out to decrease DEHP contamination and potential health risks.