An estimate of phthalate exposure among pregnant women living in Trujillo, Peru.
Phthalates are a group of phthalic acid esters which are used as plasticizers and additives. In laboratory animals, several phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. Several studies have described phthalate exposure in the United States and developed countries but little is known about phthalate exposure in the developing world, particularly during pregnancy. To assess exposure to six different phthalates, we measured the concentrations of nine phthalate metabolites in spot urine samples collected during the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy from a group of 72 women living in Trujillo, Peru. Additionally, women completed questionnaires to provide demographic characteristics. Statistical analysis via linear models was used to evaluate potential differences in the concentrations of phthalate metabolites by trimester, cooking fuel type, socioeconomic status, and education. All metabolites were detected in>40% of samples analyzed, and mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, and monoethyl phthalate were found in>90% of samples. Five of nine unadjusted urinary metabolites and four of nine creatinine-adjusted urinary metabolites were significantly lower in this group of pregnant women living in Peru compared to pregnant women in the US general population.
Irvin
Elizabeth Ann
EA
Department of Environmental Health Science, The University of Georgia, College of Public Health, Athens, GA, USA.
Calafat
Antonia M
AM
Silva
Manori J
MJ
Aguilar-Villalobos
Manuel
M
Needham
Larry L
LL
Hall
Daniel B
DB
Cassidy
Brandon
B
Naeher
Luke P
LP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010568:Peru; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D010968:Plasticizers / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D010968:Plasticizers; C032279:phthalic acid