Indoor phthalate exposure and contributions to total intake among pregnant women in the SELMA study

Phthalates are widely used in consumer products. Exposure to phthalates can lead adverse health effects humans, with early-life exposure being of particular concern. Phthalate occurs mainly through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. However, our understanding the relative importance different routes is incomplete. This study estimated intake five from residential indoor environment for 455 Swedish pregnant women SELMA using phthalate mass fraction dust compares these total daily intakes back-calculated metabolite concentrations women's urine. Steady-state models were estimate air measurements. Intakes made meaningful contributions more volatile di-ethyl (DEP), di-n-butyl (DnBP), di-iso-butyl (DiBP) (11% DEP 28% DnBP DiBP combined). Dermal absorption was dominant pathway contributing environmental exposure. Residential less minor intake. These results suggest that reducing presence low molecular weight meaningfully reduce among women.