Emission of phthalates from PVC and other materials

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to generate quantitative and qualitative emission data on phthalates from different materials. To achieve this the existing (Chamber for Laboratory Investigations of Materials, Pollution and Air Quality) Climpaq-based procedure for simplified measurements of emissions of plasticizer from PVC and other plasticized materials was modified. It was applied to a range of products. Some of them were suspected of contributing to the indoor concentration of plasticizers. The emissions from PVC flooring, polyolefine flooring, a refrigerator list, two electric cables, PVC skirting and floor wax were studied in separate Climpaqs. The emission from the PVC flooring in the Climpaq was compared with results from the ultra-small chamber Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC). Sampling and analysis methods were optimized to measure plasticizers. Samples were taken in exhaust air from the chambers after 6, 35, 62, 105, and 150 days from the start of the experiment. PVC flooring was tested for an additional 100 days. Polyolefine covered with wax resulted in an air concentration of 22 microg/m3 of dibutylphthalate (DBP), which is two orders of magnitude larger than any other materials, but did not emit di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). The other materials resulted in max concentration of approximately 1 microg/m3 of DEHP and low emissions of DBP. The concentration of DEHP in each chamber increased slowly to a rather stable level which was reached after 150 days. DBP concentrations in the chambers with PVC skirting, PVC flooring, polyolefine and floor wax reached their quasi-static equilibrium after 60 days. The modified method did not create sufficient data for the calculation of emission rates. Adsorption of emission on chamber surfaces made it impossible to use the first part of the experiment for emission rate calculation. When the concentration had stabilized, it was found to be almost identical and independent of chamber and ventilation rate. Emission rates were reduced at high concentrations probably because the concentration in the material was near equilibrium with the concentration in the chamber air.

An unusual strategy for the anoxic biodegradation of phthalate

“…Several studies of potential adverse health effects of PAE suggest an endocrinedisrupting activity (Caldwell, 2012). PAE are not covalently bound to polymers, and can easily migrate into the environment during manufacturing, use and disposal of plastics (Staples et al, 1997;Mersiowsky et al, 2001;Fujii et al, 2003;Afshari et al, 2004).…”

Phthalate Ester Concentrations, Sources, and Risks in the Ambient Air of Tianjin, China

“…They are used in numerous polymer products and other consumer products such as flooring, wallpaper, toys, cosmetics, medical products, electronics, and auto parts (Afshari et al, 2004;Duty et al, 2004). Because of the weak intermolecular forces between PAEs and polymer products, PAEs can continuously leach and be released from products into the environment over time.…”

Pollution levels and characteristics of phthalate esters in indoor air in hospitals

“…They can increase a product's ductility and plasticity, and are applied in hundreds of different fields, primarily in the production of wallpaper, flooring, and in packaging material for food, plastic film, blood bags, and rubber tubing (Afshari et al, 2004;Wang et al, 2013;Pors & Fuhlendorff, 2001;Peters, 2003). Because PAEs are not chemically bound as parts of chemical compounds in products, various products continuously emit PAEs over time.…”

“…Air is an important medium that cannot be ignored, as it relates to the uptake of PAEs by humans. Hospitals use a wealth of plastic infusion bags, blood bags, plastic film, injectors, and rubber tubing that often contain many types of PAEs (Afshari et al, 2004;Wang et al, 2013;Pors & Fuhlendorff, 2001;Peters, 2003); therefore, hospital air inevitably contains undesirable levels of many PAEs. In addition, aside from the effects of PAEs on medical workers themselves, a large group of patients, especially babies and pregnant women, have weak immune systems and may easily suffer adverse reactions to PAEs.…”

“…Afshari et al (2004) reported the emission of phthalates from PVC products and other materials. Weschler et al (2008) reported the partitioning of phthalates into gaseous substances, airborne particles and dust settling in indoor environments.…”