Recent biomonitoring reports on phosphate ester flame retardants: a short review

Abstract

Organophosphate triesters (PEFRs) are used increasingly as flame retardants and plasticizers in a variety of applications, such as building materials, textiles, and electric and electronic equipment. They have been proposed as alternatives to brominated flame retardants. This updated review shows that biomonitoring has gained incrementally greater importance in evaluating human exposure to PEFRs, and it holds the advantage of taking into account the multiple potential sources and various intake pathways of PEFRs. Simultaneous and extensive internal exposure to a broad range of PEFRs have been reported worldwide. Their metabolites, mainly dialkyl or diaryl diesters, have been used as biomarkers of exposure and have been ubiquitously detected in the urine of adults and children in the general population. Concentrations and profiles of PEFR urinary metabolites are seen to be variable and are highly dependent on individual and environmental factors, including age, country regulation of flame retardants, and types and quantities of emissions in microenvironments, as well as analytical procedures. Additional large biomonitoring studies, using a broad range of urinary diesters and hydroxylated metabolites, would be useful to improve the validity of the biomarkers and to refine assessments of human exposure to PEFRs.

Associations between urinary organophosphate ester metabolites and measures of adiposity among U.S. children and adults: NHANES 2013–2014

“…In the present study, we examined cross-sectional associations between several adiposity measures and urinary biomarker concentrations of five OPE metabolites among children and adults from a representative sample of the U.S. general population. Similar to prior studies ( Butt et al 2016 , 2014 ; Carignan et al 2013 ; Cequier et al 2015 ; He et al 2018a ; Saillenfait et al 2018 ; Van Den Eede et al 2015 ), several OPE metabolites were frequently detected in urine samples and GM concentrations were generally higher among children compared to adults and among females compared to males. Among children, we observed a significant inverse association between DBUP biomarker concentrations and the prevalence odds of being obese vs. normal weight.…”

Increased heart fibrosis and acute infection in a murine Chagas disease model associated with organophosphorus pesticide metabolite exposure

“…Humans in many countries are constantly exposed to a variety of harmful contaminants and pathogens throughout their lifetimes that affect their health and reduce their lifespan 13 . Pesticides are ubiquitous contaminants that can enter the body by direct or indirect contact with contaminated food or by the use of products that contain contaminants as additives, resulting in chronical exposure that has been implicated in severe health adverse effects 9,36–38 . Some reports indicate that OP pesticides exert immunotoxic effects 39,40 ; however, the effect of EtDAPs on the immune system is not fully understood.…”

Potential emerging chemical risks in the food chain associated with substances registered under REACH

“…In human biomonitoring studies, the relevant TDCIPP metabolite was frequently found in urine samples in concentrations above the LoD in studies in Sweden, 42 Norway 43 and Belgium. 44 The fraction of samples above the LoD appeared to be higher in Sweden and Norway (52-91%) than in Belgium (25%). These data demonstrate existing human exposure, but are unable to identify the sources of exposure.…”