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.
Kwapniewski
Rachel
R
Department of Nursing, School for Health Studies, Simmons College, Boston, MA 02115-5898, USA.
Kozaczka
Sarah
S
Hauser
Russ
R
Silva
Manori J
MJ
Calafat
Antonia M
AM
Duty
Susan M
SM
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