Childhood exposure to DEHP, DBP and BBP under the existing chemical management systems: A comparative study of sources to aggregate exposure in Korea and in Denmark

Since early 20th century, phthalates have been widely used as plasticizers. Due to the potential for adverse health effects - particularly reproductive effects - for vulnerable population such as children, phthalates like Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and Benzyl-butyl phthalate (BBP) have been gradually under regulations. Despite the similar adverse health effects, no harmonized regulations exist for these substances. Varying regulations are focused on single/multiple substances in separate product categories, e.g. toys, childcare articles, cosmetics and food packaging materials. Cumulative risks of DEHP, DBP and BBP to children in Korea and Denmark were estimated based on exposure via the environment and food. While the estimated risk was higher in Korea with a median RCR of 0.32 (KR) vs. 0.16 (DK), the back calculated risk from urinary metabolites was higher in Denmark with a median RCR of 0.91 (DK) vs. 0.62 (KR) (unpublished results). The present study aims to assess the aggregated exposure from consumer products assuming that every single product’s regulatory standard is respected. Total exposure to the three phthalates will be estimated taking into account different consumption patterns and life styles of children in Denmark and Korea. The estimated exposure from products will be added to the exposure via the environment and foods and total exposure will be compared to biomonitoring data. The result will verify the appropriateness of current product regulations for DEHP, DBP and BBP such as REACH and directives on cosmetics, building materials, toys and childcare articles. Furthermore, the need for a system approach (Lee et al., 2013) which links existing chemical regulations with environmental management tools such as waste management systems and environmental impact assessment will be discussed in the context of obtaining a better and equal protection of the environment and human health at a territorial level.