RESIDENTIAL EXPOSURE TO PLASTICIZERS AND ITS POSSIBLE ROLE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ASTHMA

The plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used in bu ilding materials. DEHP is identified as the major plasticizer exposure in dwellings. We provide evidence that inhalation exposure to DEHP as aerosols adsorbed to particulate matter is as important, or more impo rtant, than vapor phase exposure. The particulate inhalation exposure to DEHP is considered to be significant due to its low clearance and e xtensive penetration into the pulmonary region. DEHP is capable of cre ating high local concentrations in the airways at the deposition site with subsequent local effects. The proposed mechanism of effect states that mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate ih (MEHP), the primary hydrolysis p roduct of DEHP, mimics the inducing prostaglandins (PG) PGD(2), 9 alph a,11 beta PGF(2), and PGF(2 alpha), and thromboxanes in the lungs, the reby increasing the risk of inducing inflammation in the airways, whic h is a characteristic of asthma.