Original scientific paper
Migration of Phthalates from Plastic Products to Model Solutions
Jasna Bošnir
Dinko Puntarić
Ivo Škes
Maja Klarić
Spomenka Šimić
Ivan Zorić
Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to determine the level and rate of migration of
phthalates, compounds used as plastic softeners, from various plastic products into model
solutions and to assess the possible adverse effects of the phthalate amounts released
on human health, thus to contribute to harmonization of the opinions on the maximal
allowed human exposure to these compounds through environmental factors. Nine specimens
of plastic toys, 16 specimens of plastic food containers and 10 specimens of other
plastic consumer goods were analyzed. The specimens of plastic products were submitted
to 10-day action of model solutions. Three model solutions were used: distilled water,
10% ethyl alcohol, and 3% acetic acid. Identification and quantification of the
phthalates released were performed by the method of gas chromatography on days 1, 5
and 10 of exposure, at a detection limit of 0.005 g/kg. On day 10, the highest level of released
phthalates (54.5 mg/kg) was measured in distilled water, followed by 44.4 mg/kg
in 3% acetic acid and 32.3 mg/kg in 10% ethyl alcohol. According to plastic product categories,
the highest pooled level of phthalates released to all three solutions was recorded
for plastic toys (66.2 mg/kg), followed by food containers (37.6 mg/kg) and other consumer
goods (27.4 mg/kg). According to plastic product categories, toys showed the most
rapid phthalate release, with 65.4% (43.3 of 66.2 mg/kg) of the pooled level of phthalates
released to all three solutions recorded on day 1. As indicated by the study results, the
levels of phthalates released would not present a hazard for human health, not even
over a prolonged period of time. However, data on the highest and fastest pooled
phthalate release from plastic toys, and this especially to distilled water simulating salivary
action, point to the need of continuous evaluation and amendments of the legislation
on phthalates in consumer goods.
Keywords
phthalates; toys; containers; consumer goods; solution model; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
28115
URI
Publication date:
26.6.2003.
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