Bisphenol-A and phthalates contamination of urine samples by catheters in the Elfe pilot study: Implications for large-scale biomonitoring studies

Exposure to phthalates and Bisphenol A could cause developmental and reproductive toxicity. This study provides a first assessment of these exposures for more than 250 French pregnant women. The median concentrations of total and free Bisphenol A in urine were similar to those in other studies except the highest concentrations (5% of women had total and free Bisphenol A >50 μg/L). Our study highlights high levels of Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate metabolites in pregnant women, suggesting recent exposure, probably in hospital. Differences between types of delivery (caesarean vs. natural) support this hypothesis. This is a significant implication for large-scale biomonitoring studies among this population.

► First assessment of Di2ethylhexylphthalate metabolites and Bisphenol A in French pregnant women. ► High levels of Di2ethylhexylphthalate metabolites and Bisphenol A suggesting recent exposure. ► Higher levels of Bisphenol A and Di2ethylhexylphthalate metabolites in caesarean section. ► Contamination can occur from catheterization or urine probes when biomonitoring at delivery. ► Limitation for large-scale biomonitoring studies including women who have been put on drips.