Evaluation of skin sensitization response of dialkyl (C₆‐C₁₃) phthalate esters

Abstract

Isolated case reports suggest that dermal contact with some phthalate esters may result in skin sensitization. This issue was investigated in guinea pig sensitization tests, but the results were inconclusive. Consequently, 7 dialkyl phthalate esters, (diisohexyl, diisoheptyl, di(2-ethylhexyl), diisononyl, diisodecyl, diundecyl and ditridecyl phthalates), ranging in carbon number from C6 to C13, were tested in a 104-person panel human repeated insult patch test (HRIPT) using the modified Draize procedure. Test concentrations of 100% were selected for the induction and challenge phases of the HRIPT based upon a 24-h occluded irritation test on 15 panelists. Under the conditions of this HRIPT, no evidence of dermal irritation or sensitization for any of the 7 phthalate esters was observed in the 104-person panel. These HRIPT data provide evidence for the lack of experimental skin sensitization potential for the phthalate esters tested.

Effects of phthalate esters on the sensitization phase of contact hypersensitivity induced by fluorescein isothiocyanate

“…The fact that phthalate esters can facilitate the process of sensitization to FITC suggested that the co‐existence of different chemicals has some impact on the outcome of contact sensitization. In a human volunteer study in which phthalate esters with carbon numbers C6–C13 (including DEHP and DINP) were investigated by means of a patch test, negative results for skin sensitization were obtained [12]. However, in that study, phthalate esters with shorter alkyl chains were not examined.…”

Integrating Biomonitoring Exposure Data into the Risk Assessment Process: Phthalates [Diethyl Phthalate and Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate] as a Case Study

“…No reports exist of dermal or inhalation toxicity of DEHP in adult humans, and DEHP is neither a dermal irritant nor a sensitizer (ATSDR 2002; Medeiros et al 1999). DEHP does not appear to be readily absorbed through human skin (ATSDR 2002).…”

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and skin manifestations

“…Phthalates are also employed in skin care products or other products as stabilizers, binders, emulsifiers, and lubricants, including skin moisturizers, mosquito repellents, perfumes, deodorants, shampoos, and nail polishers [23]. There are many reports of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) [24,25], and phthalates were even responsible for recent increase prevalence of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) [26]. Prenatal exposure to BBzP, as measured by levels of MBzP in spot urine samples during the third trimester of pregnancy, has been associated with a risk of developing eczema in early childhood [27].…”