Phthalate levels and related factors in children aged 6-12 years

Although previous studies showed that children are widely exposed to phthalates, the sources of phthalate exposure for school-aged children in China are not well understood. This study aimed to assess phthalate metabolite levels and explore the factors influencing exposure in children. We collected demographic data and biological samples from 336 children aged 6-12 years. We calculated urinary concentrations of 14 mono-phthalate metabolites and conducted chi-square (χ2) tests and logistic regression analysis to determine the variables associated with phthalate levels. Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) were the most abundant urinary phthalate metabolites. In addition, housing type, decorating materials in the home, and frequency of canned food consumption were associated with exposure to low molecular weight phthalates. Water source, duration of time spent playing with toys, residential area, and frequency of canned food consumption were associated with exposure to high molecular weight phthalates. Based on these results, potential strategies to reduce exposure to phthalates include avoiding plastic food containers and chemical fragrances as well as eating fewer processed foods, especially canned foods, and foods in plastic packaging.