Abstract  The present work investigates release mechanisms of theophylline pellets coated with an aqueous ethyl cellulose (EC) dispersion containing plasticizers and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as a water soluble pore former. Three different drug release mechanisms from coated pellets can be determined as a function of the water solubility of the plasticizers and the ionic strength of the release medium. Coated pellets with the addition of more hydrophilic plasticizers such as triethyl citrate (TEC) or diethyl phthalate (DEP) show an approximate zero-order-release rate. In contrast, two-phase release profiles can be observed from pellets coated with dispersions containing hardly soluble plasticizers such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or dibutyl sebacate (DBS). Only in a release medium of high ionic strength the water soluble pore former will remain in the coating. Thus the drug diffuses through a hydrated swollen membrane containing EC, HPMC and insoluble plasticizer. The release mechanisms depend on the glass transition temperature of the ethyl cellulose and therefore on the migration of the plasticizers and the pore former. This was shown by investigation of the migration of the additives and the influence of the temperature of the release medium on the release. Additionally, the study investigates the effect of curing and storage conditions of coated pellets on the drug release rate.

Abstract  A high-performance liquid chromatographic assay is described for the determination of six phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in orange juice packaged in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bottle. Samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges and separated by a C₁₈ column. The calibration curves were all linear with a correlation coefficient r > 0.9900. The limits of detection for the assay ranged from 2.6 to 13.8 ng/mL. Expressed as the within- and between-day coefficient of variation (CV), precision was 1.4-13.4% and 1.9-13.3%, respectively, and relative errors were 7.6-12.8% and -9.0-14.2%, respectively. The recovery ranged from 76.8 to 112.3% with the CV from 0.3 to 11.3%. The proposed methodology was applied for studing the migration of the selected PAEs into orange juice packaged in PVC bottle. Di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were detected in the orange juice without the other four PAEs. Concentrations would increase with the storage time and reach up to 0.385 μg/mL and 0.662 μg/mL, respectively, when the expiration date arrived. The level of DEHP was about 110 times higher than the limiting one in drink water (6 ppb) regulated by U.S. EPA. Results suggest that PVC plasticized by DEHP should not be used as the packaging material for orange juice.

Abstract  The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the levels of prenatal exposure to phthalate ester and PAHs and birth outcomes among 149 Japanese pregnant women. Urinary concentrations of 9 phthalate ester metabolites, mono methyl phthalate (MMP), mono ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate (MEHHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP), mono-iso-nonyl phthalate (MINP) and mono-n-octyl phthalate (MnOP) and PAHs metabolite (1-hydroxypyrene, 1-OHP) were analyzed in spot urine samples collected from pregnant women. Correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted between the concentrations of maternal urinary metabolites and birth outcomes such as birth weight, birth length, head circumference and gestational age. Creatinine-corrected concentration (geometric mean; microg/g cre) was 9.14 (MMP), 9.76 (MEP), 51.6 (MnBP), 5.62 (MBzP), 5.45 (MEHP), 10.6 (MEHHP), 11.3 (MEOHP), 0.031 (MINP), 0.025 (MnOP) and 0.121 (1-OHP). These concentrations are comparable with literature value. The relationships between prenatal exposure to phthalate esters and birth outcomes were not significant. Statistically significant negative correlation was observed between 1-OHP and birth weight, birth length and head circumstances although the correlation was insignificant when only non-smokers were included in multiple regression analysis. In conclusion, we found that prenatal exposure to phthalate esters or PAHs did not affect birth outcomes at the exposure level of the present subjects.

Abstract  We have developed a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method to determine five phthalate monoesters (monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), monoisononyl phthalate (MINP) and monobenzyl phthalate (MBz)) in human urine. Human urine samples were subjected to enzymatic deconjugation of the glucuronides followed by extraction with hexane. The extracted phthalate monoesters were methylated with diazomethane, purified on a Florisil column and then subjected to GC-MS analysis. The recoveries from urine spiked with five phthalate monoesters were 86.3%-119% with coefficients of variation of 0.6%-6.1%. We measured phthalate monoester levels in human urine by analyzing 36 samples from volunteers. MBP and MEP were detected in all samples, and their median concentrations were 60.0 and 10.7 ng/mL, respectively. MBzP and MEHP were found in 75% and 56% of samples, and their median concentrations were 10.9 and 5.75 ng/mL, respectively. MINPs were not detected in most samples (6% detectable). Women had significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean concentrations of MBP and MEP than men. The estimated daily exposure levels for the four parent phthalates excluding diisononyl phthalate ranged from 0.27 to 5.69 mug/kg/day (median).

Abstract  This study aimed to investigate the sources and distribution of phthalate esters (PAEs) in alluvial sediment of humid climate regions where water cycle is very active in order to reveal their behavior of transport from topsoil and/or surface water to deep sediment and groundwater. Topsoil and deeper sediment samples were collected from nine and seventeen sites in July 2007, and January 2008, respectively, from the eastern part of JiangHan Plain, Central China. On each site, samples were collected at every 20-40cm depth within the sediment profiles. Contents of 16 PAEs were detected for each sample. summation operator(16)PAEs contents in the topsoil ranged from 252.6 to 2515.7ngg(-1), with an average value of 926.8ngg(-1). Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP) were the dominant PAE species. The horizontal distribution of PAEs was related to time (season), cultivation type, distance and exact position from surface water. DEP existed only on the upper layer of soil due to its rapid degradation. However, DEHP, DnBP, and DiBP could be transported downward into deep sediment even though large amount of them were lost due to biodegradation and adsorption. On the other hand, DEHP, DnBP, and DiBP could be transported into deep sediment along with the horizontal flow of shallow groundwater from surface water, such as Yangtze River, Hanjiang River, and Honghu Lake.

Abstract  To study the serum contents of the PAEs of obese children at the ages of 10 to 12 years, in order to estimate the harm of PAEs on obese children.

The contents of three kinds PAEs(DEP, DBP and DEHP) in the serum for two groups of children, including 36 obese children and 36 normal weight children, were determined by the reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method And the average measure value of three kind PAEs between two groups of children were analysed.

The median serum levels of PAEs were 0.0032 (DEP), 0.1649 (DBP) and 0.1680 (DEHP) in obese children. And the serum levels of PAEs were 0.0026 (DEP), 0.0359 (DBP) and 0.1063 (DEHP) in normal weight children. The differences of average measure value of DBP and DEHP in three kind PAEs between two groups of children were significant (P < 0.01). The amounts of obese children in high level were more than those of normal weight children, and the constitution ratios in three kinds of PAEs of obese children were higher than those of normal weight children. The differences between two groups of children were significant (P < 0.01).

The average levels of DBP and DEHP in serum of obese children were more than those of serum of normal weight children. The amounts of obese children were higher than those of normal weight children in high level content of three kinds of PAEs.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Bottom ash is the main solid residue (in weight) which is produced by municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) facilities. To be reused in public works, it has to be stored previously a few months. This material is composed primarily of a mineral matrix but also contains unburnt organic matter. The mineral content and its change in the course of aging are relatively well-known, in contrast with the organic content. So in order to detect the phenomena responsible for changes in organic matter an vailable in bottom ash, composed essentially of carboxylic acids and n-alkanes (steroids and PAH's to a lesser extent), and consequently that it would improve the bottom ash quality. Furthermore these results were confirmed by the study of aging conducted in conditions used in the industrial scale (over 12 months).

Abstract  Foodstuffs contribute to the total exposure of man to pesticides and other contaminants. To estimate the mean daily intake of such substances in Switzerland, during the period 1991 to 1996 a total of 36 ready-to-eat food samples representative for daily nutrition were analyzed with a multi residue method capable of detecting more than 300 contaminants. 66 different pesticides and pesticide metabolites, 8 plasticizers and 6 PCB-congeners were found and quantitatively determined. For most pesticides and organochlorine contaminants the estimated daily intake was found to be much less than 1% of the corresponding ADI values. Among the investigated plasticizers, the results obtained for phthalates are of particular interest. The highest value being 10 % of the ADI was found for bis-n-butyl-phthalate. This finding indicates that more attention should be drawn to this class of substances in future. Interesting is the fact that the intake of fungicides from fruits is more important than from salad. This observation is in contrast to the opinion that salad in wintertime is the main source.

Abstract  Because of their wide use as plasticizers and production in millions of tons per year, phthalate esters have become environmental pollutants. Phthalates or metabolites of them are suspected to be hepatocarcinogenic [1,2] and teratogenic [3] after chronic exposure and/or high dosage. Their metabolism in rats and humans involves the hydrolysis of one ester bond. and further metabolites are formed from the monoesters [1, 4]. Hydrolytic activity has been detected in rat pancreas, liver, mucosa, kidney and lung [5], but apart from the characterization of a pancreatic hpase [6] the identification of mammalian esterases or lipases involved in the metabolism of phthalate esters is unsatisfactory so far. Since in mammals hepatic carboxylesterases are mainly responsible [7,8] for the hydrolysis of many ester- or amide-type drugs, we determined the action of purified carboxylesterases from rat and human liver on various phthalate diesters, in order to evaluate the contribution of these detoxication enzymes on the metabolism of these xenobiotics.

Abstract  Phthalic acid and phthalate esters are of growing interest due to their significant usage and potential toxicity. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and glass are both widely used materials for bottled drinking water. In this study, phthalic acid (PhA), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiisoBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were analysed in a large number of Italian bottled water samples. These samples showed different concentrations of phthalates are nearly 20 times higher in samples bottled in PET than those from glass bottles with total levels of phthalates of 3.52 and 0.19 microg l(-1), respectively. However, the observed levels do not represent a significant exposure pathway when considering the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) reference dose (an estimate of a daily oral exposure to the human population, including sensitive subgroups, that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of deleterious effects during a lifetime). In addition, no significant correlation was found between the phthalate concentrations and the physicochemical properties of the different water samples, apart from the still/sparkling water parameter for the PET samples. In this instance, slightly higher concentrations were observed for the PET bottled still water samples than for the sparkling water samples, although no explanation has been found yet.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Following earlier work (Al-Omran & Preston, 1987) in which phthalate ester speciation was examined in laboratory studies, the present paper describes the results of an attempt to validate the results by field measurements in the River Mersey Estuary, Liverpool, UK. Samples of water, suspended solids and sediments were analysed for their phthalate ester content. Solid samples were also analysed for their carbon, organic carbon and lipid content. A comparison of the field and laboratory results confirms the association between diethylhexyl phthalate and small particles and shows that other phthalates tend to be associated with relatively coarse, lipid-rich particles. Partition coefficients between dissolved phthalate esters and suspended particles are calculated and compared with other laboratory studies.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. RRM JAPAN

Abstract  Studies have shown that phthalate esters traverse the food web and can be found as the original ester in fish. However, concentrations are not expected to be magnified across the food web to a great extent since fish appear more capable of F degrading them than do in- vertebrates. Under conditions of continuous exposure, respiratory and dietary factors influence phthalate ester accumulation. Effects: Lethality: One of the major problems in testing the biological effects of phthalate esters in aqueous systems is their initial or sustained solubility in water The methodological details given in the studies reported allow few definitive statements concerning the actual ester concentrations used. Six phthalate esters have been studied for lethality, detailed studies for most of the organisms involved only DnBP. Lethal concentrations (LC50) for all the aquatic or- ganisms investigated range from 1 to 10 mg/1. The only noted lethal threshold is at a DnBP concentration of 0.5 mg/1 for rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). The data on the lethality of dimethylphthalate (DMP), diethylphthalate (DEP) and din-propylphthalate (DnPP) seem generally to fall within the same range as that for DnBP. In contrast, the values for DEHP lethal concentrations (LC50) are at least an order of magnitude higher than those for DnBP. The data for di-n-octylphthalate (DnOP) suggest that it is even less toxic than DEHP. Studies on the mortality of aquatic organisms exposed chroni- cally to phthalate esters are limited in number and difficult to interpret. The data for DnBP indicate that no threshold exists. Several effects of phthalate esters have been reported to occur at what may be considered an acutely lethal range of concentrations. Such effects cannot be truly classified as sublethal but are most probably manifestations of toxicity prior to actual death. Hence, effects such as suppression of respiration, failure of reproduction and survival of young, growth impairment,and depression of heartbeat, although usually considered as sublethal effects, were noted in experiments using acutely lethal concentrations of phthalate esters. Although the mechanisms are not known, DnOP, DEHP and di-iso-butylphthalate (DiBP) were found to suppress respira- tion in a soil not preincubated with phthalate esters. However, soil that had been preincubated did not undergo respiration suppression even at very high ester con- centrations. No variation in either the number of species of microorganisms or other responses, such as respiration, was found after the introduction of DEHP, phthalic acid, or 2-ethylhexanol into an intermittent flow-through hydrosoil. The number of larvae of brine shrimp (Artemia salina) hatched over 24 hours was reduced by 20 and 40 percent because of DEP and DnBP, respectively. No reduction was caused by DMP. There was a sufficient dosage (either in concentration or time) of these phthalate esters to allow for significant mortality in the early-hatching larvae. It has been reported that dietary phthalate esters have an effect upon the survival of zebrafish (Brachydamio rerio) fry. However, it is unclear whether the reduction in survival was due to the parent or the fry feeding on the DEHP in the diet. In addition, the variation in spawns and eggs per spawn may have been within the expected range of the species and the relationship to DEHP concentration was probably coincidental. The only studies that have examined the effects of phthalate esters on growth were carried out with some micro- organisms. The concentrations that inhibit growth are high, been shown to act as heartbeat depressors in goldfish (Cra- ssius auratus). Reductions of approximately 60% were recorded for 12 mg/l DnBP and 200 mg/l benzylbutylphthalate (BBP), respectively. A reduction of 33% was recorded for 200 mg/l DEHP. Sublethal Effects: Very little information is available on the sublethal effects of phthalate esters on aquatic organisms. Depression of reproduction in the water flea (Daphnia magna) has been observed. Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, in concentrations of 3, 10 an 30 ug/l, reduced egg laying over a 3-week period by 60, 70 and 80% respectively. The growth of rainbow trout fry, adult brook trout (Sulvelinus fontinalis) and fathead minnow fry was not sig- nificantly affected when the fish were exposed to low levels of DEHP; however, vertebral collagen content of bone and hydroxylproline content of collagen were altered. Steroid hormone biosynthesis in male Atlantic cod (Gradus morhus) was affected by DEHP at concentrations as low as 1 ug/g of tissue. The present criteria describing the sublethal effects of phthalate esters on aquatic organisms do not form an adequate scientific base on which to develop water quality objectives for the protection of aquatic life. (Shortened)

Abstract  A capillary gas chromatographic method with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) for the detection of the six phthalates (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP)) in the cosmetics was developed. The phthalates were extracted from cosmetics with methanol under ultrasonication and then separated with high-speed centrifugation. The supernatant was dehydrated and filtrated through membrane with 0.5 microm pore diameter. The filtrate was injected into the GC system for analysis. Then the positive results observed in the GC-FID chromatogram were confirmed by gas chromatography-electron impact-mass detection (GC-EI-MS) analysis. Retention times of the peaks could be applied for qualitative analysis. External standard method was used for quantitative analysis. The recoveries of the six phthalates were between 82.90% and 109.50%. The relative standard deviations were between 2.1% and 4.6%. The detection limits of the method were: 0.1 ng for DMP, DEP, DBP and BBP, and 0.5 ng for DEHP and DOP, respectively. The method presented the advantages of high precision, high sensitivity, small sample size, and simple pretreatment. The method can be used to test the six phthalates in the cosmetics.

Abstract  A simple and efficient liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) technique was developed using directly suspended organic microdrop coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), for the extraction and the determination of phthalate esters (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diallyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dicyclohexyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)) in water samples. Microextraction efficiency factors, such as nature and volume of the organic solvent, temperature, salt effect, stirring rate and the extraction time were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized extraction conditions (extraction solvent: 1-dodecanol; extraction temperature: 60 degrees C; microdrop volume: 7 microL; stirring rate: 750 rpm, without salt addition and extraction time: 25 min), figures of merit of the proposed method were evaluated. The values of the detection limit were in the range of 0.02-0.05 microg L(-1), while the R.S.D.% value for the analysis of 5.0 microg L(-1) of the analytes was below 7.7% (n=4). A good linearity (r(2)>/=0.9940) and a broad linear range (0.05-100 microg L(-1)) were obtained. The method exhibited enrichment factor values ranging from 307 to 412. Finally, the designed method was successfully applied for the preconcentration and determination of the studied phthalate esters in different real water samples and satisfactory results were attained.

Abstract  Mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the active metabolite of the testicular toxicant di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, inhibits FSH-stimulated rat Sertoli cell cAMP accumulation, stimulates basal lactate production, and decreases intracellular ATP levels in vitro. Dibutyl phthalate and dipentyl phthalate but not diethyldimethyl or dipropyl are also age-dependent testicular toxicants in vivo. We therefore examined the effect of animal age and phthalate monoester on the Sertoli cell FSH-stimulated cAMP accumulation, lactate secretion, and ATP levels in order to determine if these effects are part of the mechanism of action of phthalate esters in vivo. MEHP, monobutyl and monopentyl phthalates but not the monoethyl, monomethyl, or monopropyl phthalates inhibited FSH-stimulated cAMP accumulation, a segregation which matches the in vivo toxicity potential of these agents. MEHP and monopentyl, but not monobutyl phthalates, also stimulated Sertoli cell lactate secretion. The effect of the active phthalates on FSH-stimulated cAMP accumulation and lactate secretion is not dependent on age of animal over a range of 13-80 days, suggesting that the age-related toxicity in vivo may be related to differences in metabolism and disposition rather than tissue sensitivity. Since the ED50 of MEHP inhibition of cAMP accumulation and lactate secretion is similar, these two effects may be related to a common initial effect of the active phthalates. Inhibition of intracellular ATP levels is specific for MEHP and is lost with age (greater than 28 days of age) and thus is not likely to be an essential part of the in vivo mechanism of action of phthalate diesters.

Abstract  OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the role of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics and textile materials in the home in the development of bronchial obstruction during the first 2 years of life. METHODS: The study was a matched pair case-control study based on a cohort of 3754 newborns in Oslo in 1992 and 1993 who were followed up for 2 years. The case group consisted of 251 children with bronchial obstruction; the control group was matched one-to-one for date of birth. RESULTS: In conditional logistic regression analysis, the risk of bronchial obstruction was related to the presence of PVC flooring (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14, 3.14) and textile wall materials (adjusted OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 0.98, 2.54). The reference category was wood or parquet flooring and painted walls and ceiling. Further analysis revealed an exposure-response relationship between the assessed amount of PVC and other plasticizer-containing surface materials and the risk of bronchial obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new evidence of the role of PVC and textile wall materials in the development of bronchial obstruction in young children.

Abstract  Studies have been carried out on the simultaneous determination of 8 phthalates, i. e. di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) , di-propyl phthalate (DPP) , di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) , dibutyl phthalate (DBP) , benzyl butyl phthalate ( BBP) , di-cyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) , di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-octyl phthalate (DOP) and 4 parabens, i. e. methylparaben (MPB), ethylparaben (EPB), propyl paraben (PPB), and butyl paraben (BPB) by gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in electron ionisation mode (EI) with selected-ion monitoring (SIM) acquisition method. The phthalates and parabens in 15 cosmetic products, including hair sprays, perfumes, deodorants, cream, lotion, etc. were determined. The determination of the samples were performed after sonication-assisted extraction with methanol, cleaned up with an LC-C18 column (3 mL) and analyzed by GC/MS method. The base peak (m/z 149) of the phthalates and the base peak (m/z 121) of the parabens were selected for the screening studies. The characteristic ions, m/z 121, 149, 177, 222 for DEP; m/z 149, 191, 209 for DPP; m/z 57, 149, 223 for DIBP; m/z 104, 149 for DBP; m/z 91, 132, 149, 206 for BBP; m/z 55, 149, 167 for DCHP; m/z 113, 149, 167, 279 for DEHP; m/z 149, 279 for DOP; m/z 65, 93, 121, 152 for MPB; m/z 93, 121, 138, 166 for EPB; m/z 93, 121, 138, 180 for PPB; and m/z 93, 121, 138, 194 for BPB were chosen for quantitative studies. These techniques are capable to detect phthalates and parabens at the level of 0. 1 -5. 0 microg/kg. Overall recoveries were 80% - 100% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 10%. Only one of the 15 examined samples was free from phthalates and parabens. The rest 14 samples were found to contain at least 3 or more of these phthalates and/or parabens. The predominant phthalates detected in the studied samples were MPB, PPB, DPP, DCHP and DEHP. The residue levels were at 1. 42 -4 278 mg/kg.

Abstract  Studies on the determination of seven kinds of phthalates, i.e. diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and dioctyl phthalate, and four parabens, i.e. methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, in 15 kinds of cosmetic products, including hair sprays, perfumes, deodorants, cream, lotion, etc., by HPLC with diode array detection and GC-MS in electron impact ionization mode with selected-ion monitoring have been carried out. Methods have been developed for both qualitative and quantitative detection of phthalates and parabens. Extraction, clean-up, and analysis procedures have been optimized. HPLC and GC-MS determinations were performed after sonication-assisted extraction with methanol and clean-up with C18 SPE. These techniques permit detection of phthalates at a level of 10.0-100.0 microg/kg and of parabens at a level of 20.0-200.0 microg/kg. Overall recoveries were 85-108% with RSD values of 4.2-8.8%. Only one of the 15 examined samples was free from phthalates and parabens. The remaining 14 samples were found to contain at least three or more of these phthalates and/or parabens. The predominant phthalates and parabens detected in the studied samples were methylparaben, propylparaben, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. The residue level is at 1.22-5289 mg/kg.

Abstract  Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are used in many branches of industry and are produced in huge amounts throughout the world. An investigation on particulate- and gas-phase distribution of PAEs has been conducted in Nanjing (China). The 12-h daily sampling program (from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm) for ten consecutive days was conducted in April, July and October 2005, and in January 2006 at about 1.5m above the ground level. For comparative purposes, sampling events were simultaneously conducted at two stations, one at the urban center and the other about 12 km from city center for suburban background monitoring. It was observed that the most abundant members of the PAE group were dimethyl phthalate (DMP) (10.1 ng m(-3), average), diethyl phthalate (DEP) (3.4 ng m(-3)), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (58.8 ng m(-3)), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) (3.2 ng m(-3)), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (20.3 ng m(-3)) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP) (1.2 ng m(-3)). The average contribution of PAEs in the gas phase to the total PAE concentration (Sigma(6)PAE, sum of six PAE congeners) ranged from 75.0% to 89.2%. Both particulate- and gas-phase Sigma(6)PAE concentrations decreased with increasing temperature. Experimentally determined gas-particle partitioning (K(p)) of PAEs is well-correlated with their vapor pressure. The Sigma(6)PAE levels in the urban area are approximately 3.5 times as high as the levels found at the suburban station. The vertical profiles from 1.5 to 30.0m above the ground display slight height dependence.

Abstract  Some phthalates such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and their metabolites are suspected of producing teratogenic or endocrine-disrupting effects. To predict possible human exposure to phthalates in cosmetics, the levels of DEHP, diethyl phthalate (DEP), DBP and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 102 branded hair sprays, perfumes, deodorants and nail polishes. DBP was detected in 19 of the 21 nail polishes and in 11 of the 42 perfumes, and DEP was detected in 24 of the 42 perfumes and 2 of the 8 deodorants. Median exposure levels to phthalates in cosmetics by derman absorption were estimated to be 0.0006 micrograms/kg body weight (bw)/d for DEHP, 0.6 micrograms/kg bw/d for DEP, and 0.103 micrograms/kg bw/d for DBP. Furthermore, if phthalates in cosmetics were assumed to absorbed exclusively via 100% inhalation, the median daily exposure levels to phthalates in cosmetics were estimated to be 0.026 micrograms/kg bw/d for DEHP, 81.471 micrograms/kg bw/d for DEP, and 22.917 micrograms/kg bw/d for DBP, which are far lower than the regulation levels set by the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity, and the Environment (CSTEE) (37 micrograms/kg bw/d, DEHP), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (7000 micrograms/kg bw/d, DEP), and International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) (66 micrograms/kg bw/d, DBP), respectively. Based on these data, hazard indices (HI, daily exposure level/regulation level) were calculated to be 0.0007 for DEHP, 0.012 for DEP, and 0.347 for DBP. These data suggest that estimated exposure to phthalates in the cosmetics mentioned are relatively small. However, total exposure levels from several sources may be greater and require further investigation.

Abstract  The mutagenic potential of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEPH), as well as metabolites of DEHP--i.e., mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH), and phthalic acid (PA)--were tested in Salmonella typhimurium cultures using the Ames test procedure. The compounds were tested on strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, and TA2637 for base-pair substitution or frameshift-type mutations. Spot tests yielded negative responses for all compounds with the strains tested. Each compound was tested for a dose-effect relationship in the TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1538 systems. DEP and DBP exhibited a mildly positive response in both TA100 and TA1535 cultures, and DMP showed a similar response in TA1535. Normalization of the data for cytotoxicity of DMP suggests TA100 has a mildly positive effect. The higher doses of these compounds exhibited some cytotoxic effects. The mutagenic effects were apparently abolished by the addition of S9 fraction in TA100 and TA1535 cultures, while no effect, other than cytotoxicity, was observed in the TA98 and TA1538 systems. DEHP, MEHP, 2-EH, and PA exhibited no mutagenicity in any of the strains of Salmonella typhimurium tested, with or without S9 metabolic activation. MEHP and 2-EH, however, exhibited a moderate cytotoxic effect in most cultures

Abstract  Tests were performed with the freshwater invertebrates Hyalella azteca, Chironomus tentans, and Lumbriculus variegatus to determine the acute toxicity of six phthalate esters, including dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHP), and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). It was possible to derive 10-d LC50 (lethal concentration for 50% of the population) values only for the four lower molecular weight esters (DMP, DEP, DBP, and BBP), for which toxicity increased with increasing octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) and decreasing water solubility. The LC50 values for DMP, DEP, DBP, and BBP were 28.1, 4.21, 0.63, and 0.46 mg/L for H. azteca; 68.2, 31.0, 2.64, and > 1.76 mg/L for C. tentans; and 246, 102, 2.48, and 1.23 mg/L for L. variegatus, respectively. No significant survival reductions were observed when the three species were exposed to either DHP or DEHP at concentrations approximating their water solubilities