Occupational exposure to dibutyl phthalate among manicurists.
OBJECTIVE
To measure manicurists' exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) at work and to determine whether workplace characteristics influence this exposure. DBP is a reproductive and developmental toxicant in rats and is used in nail polish to hold color and prevent chipping.


METHODS
Pre- and postshift spot urine samples were collected from 40 manicurists. Linear regression compared the relationship between the log of the cross-shift differences in urinary phthalate monoester metabolite concentrations and use of workplace exposure control methods.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant cross-shift increase of 17.4 ng/mL in the urinary concentration of mono-n-butyl phthalate, the major metabolite of DBP. Use of gloves reduced mono-n-butyl phthalate concentrations by 15.1 ng/mL below the preshift concentration compared with a 20.5 ng/mL increase if gloves were not worn.


CONCLUSIONS
Manicurists are occupationally exposed to DBP and glove use may minimize this exposure.
Department of Nursing, School for Health Studies, Simmons College, Boston, MA 02115-5898, USA.
Rachel
R
Kwapniewski
Sarah
S
Kozaczka
Russ
R
Hauser
Manori J
MJ
Silva
Antonia M
AM
Calafat
Susan M
SM
Duty
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D001505:Beauty Culture; D003993:Dibutyl Phthalate / Q000032:analysis* / Q000652:urine; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D010968:Plasticizers / Q000032:analysis*; D011481:Protective Clothing; D014691:Ventilation
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D010968:Plasticizers; D003993:Dibutyl Phthalate