Diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (DINCH) and Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) in indoor dust samples: Concentration and analytical problems

Possible human health effects of phthalate plasticizers have been intensely discussed during the last decade. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), the phthalate acid ester with the largest production volume worldwide, has been substituted by new compounds like Diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (DINCH) or Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) in many applications. There are numerous reports about concentration levels of phthalates in indoor environments, but data on concentrations of these alternative plasticizers are not available yet. Also, the methods for the determination of phthalate substitutes are not yet established. This study presents the results achieved by quantification using different analytical methods. Data on the concentration of DEHT and DINCH in 953 dust samples from German households are presented. These samples were obtained in four different studies conducted from 1997 to 2009. Maximum concentrations of 110 mg DINCH/kg dust and 440 mg DEHT/kg dust were found. Especially the amount of DINCH has increased significantly after the market introduction of this plasticizer in 2002. Up to the beginning of 2006, DINCH was found in 44% of the dust samples. Dust samples collected in 2009 indicate an increased concentration for both softeners.