Phthalate and Bisphenol A - Exposure in Austria

Phthalates are produced and used worldwide in large quantities as plastic plastic plasticizers and bisphenol A as a starting material for plastic production and as an additive. As part of a human biomonitoring study, the Federal Environment Agency investigated the absorption of these industrial chemicals into the human body. Approximately 600 urine samples were examined for phthalate metabolites and bisphenol A. The results show that phthalate metabolites could be detected in all urine samples, with children and some women being subjected to higher levels of stress on average. Bisphenol A was detected in 16% of the samples. Here, too, there were higher burdens in children. Based on the results, reference values were derived for Austria for the first time. In addition, correlations between stress and certain lifestyle and environmental factors could be established.