Exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate and bisphenol A through infant formulas.
Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are ubiquitous contaminants identified as endocrine disruptors. Phthalates are worldwide used as plasticizers, in particular to improve the mechanical properties of polymers such as polyvinyl chloride. Because they are not chemically bound to the polymer, they tend to leach out with time and use. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) are the two most common phthalates. BPA is an estrogenic compound used to manufacture polycarbonate containers for food and drink, including baby bottles. It can migrate from container into foods, especially at elevated temperatures. Diet is a predominant source of exposure for phthalates and BPA, especially for infants. The aim of this study was to test the presence of DEHP, DnBP, and BPA in infant formulas. DEHP, DnBP, and BPA concentrations were measured in 22 liquid and 28 powder milks by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection, respectively. DEHP concentrations in our samples were between 0.005 and 5.088 μg/g (median 0.906 μg/g), DnBP concentrations were between 0.008 and 1.297 μg/g (median 0.053 μg/g), and BPA concentrations were between 0.003 and 0.375 μg/g (median 0.015 μg/g). Concentrations of the investigated contaminants in liquid and powder milks were not significantly different, even though samples were packed in different types of containers. These data point out potential hazards for infants fed with baby formulas. Contamination seems more related to the production of formulas than to a release from containers.
†Department of Agriculture, "Federico II" University, Via Università, 100 80055 Portici, Naples Italy.
Teresa
T
Cirillo
‡Clinical Physiology Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Via Andrea Bafile, 6, 72100 Brindisi, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
Latini
§Department of the Woman, the Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of NaplesVia Costantinopoli, 104 80138 Naples, Italy.
Maria Antonietta
MA
Castaldi
‡Clinical Physiology Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Via Andrea Bafile, 6, 72100 Brindisi, Italy.
Lucia
L
Dipaola
†Department of Agriculture, "Federico II" University, Via Università, 100 80055 Portici, Naples Italy.
Evelina
E
Fasano
†Department of Agriculture, "Federico II" University, Via Università, 100 80055 Portici, Naples Italy.
Francesco
F
Esposito
†Department of Agriculture, "Federico II" University, Via Università, 100 80055 Portici, Naples Italy.
Gelsomina
G
Scognamiglio
‡Clinical Physiology Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Via Andrea Bafile, 6, 72100 Brindisi, Italy.|∥Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of PisaVia Giuseppe Moruzzi, 3 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Fabio Di
FD
Francesco
§Department of the Woman, the Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of NaplesVia Costantinopoli, 104 80138 Naples, Italy.
Luigi
L
Cobellis
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003993:Dibutyl Phthalate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000737:chemistry*; D010636:Phenols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D010968:Plasticizers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D003993:Dibutyl Phthalate; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate; D010636:Phenols; D010968:Plasticizers; C006780:bisphenol A; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
bisphenol A; di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate; di-n-butyl phthalate; infant formula