Exposure to phthalates from personal care products: Urinary levels and predictors of exposure

• Published in: Environmental research 2022-09, Vol.212 (Pt A), p.113194-113194, Article 113194
• Main Authors: Pagoni, Alexandra, Arvaniti, Olga S., Kalantzi, Olga-Ioanna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cosmetics; Exposure; Human; Personal care products; Phthalates; Urine
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113194

Phthalates are a large group of chemicals used in many everyday consumer products such as food packaging, household cleaners, cosmetics, fragrances and personal care products (PCPs). A number of diseases such as obesity, hypertension, as well as reproductive system effects and endocrine disorders have been linked to phthalate exposure through the use of PCPs, due to their frequent use and high phthalate content. In this study we review available literature on phthalates and their metabolites in urine and report the various determinants of exposure through the use of PCPs in infants, toddlers, children and adults. The range of creatinine-adjusted concentrations for each phthalate was 1.5–14956.1 μg/g for MEP, 0.4–94.5 μg/g for MEHP, 0.39–425.9 μg/g for MEHHP, 0.5–481.3 μg/g for MEOHP, 0.1–755.1 μg/g for MBzP, and 0.3–401.4 μg/g for MiBP. Time of sampling, frequency of use, race and age are critical factors that influence phthalate concentrations. Using PCPs 48 h before urine collection, using a combination of PCPs (i.e., particularly leave-on versus rinse-off products), being younger (i.e., children compared to their mothers), and being a woman of colour (i.e., Mexican-American and black versus white) leads to higher phthalate levels in urine. The most striking association between any phthalate and PCPs was observed between MEP and perfumes or fragrance-containing products such as shampoos, body lotions and hair products. Future studies should focus on different types and brands of PCPs (i.e., branded versus generic), explore possible ethnic/racial differences and the applicability of non-invasive matrices such as nails and hair for phthalate biomonitoring, as well as intervention studies that explore behavioural changes. •We reviewed 30 papers on the correlation among phthalates and cosmetic products use.•Sampling time, frequency usage, race and age influence phthalate concentrations.•MEP is the most frequently detected phthalate in urine.•MEP was strongly positively associated with perfumes and fragrance products (shampoos).