Abstract:
Phthalates are semi-volatile organic compounds, there were used in several products in everyday life. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors which effect on male and female reproductive, precocious puberty in female, abortion, preterm birth and effect on respiratory symptoms in children. This study was cross-sectional study aimed to develop sampling of phthalates in indoor work environment and to study phthalates in work environment in offices and beauty salons. The methodology was
compared by 2 dust sampling methods which was active sampling via vacuum cleaner and passive sampling via surrogate dust collection materials, evaluated in 3 types of workplaces include 5 nail salons 5 hair salons and 6 office works. The active sampling was collected 3 times in day 1th, 30th and 60th and passive sampling was placed the surrogate materials in workplaces for 60 days. Amount of phthalate dust from
2 sampling methods were compared. Factors related phthalates dust and exposure assessment of workers were evaluated. Collected dust was analyzed by GC-FID which was assess 6 phthalates consist of DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP and DINP. The sampling period was done during November 2022 to January 2023
The study found that concentration of phthalates from active and passive sampling was not correlation which revealed that each sampling method was affecting to phthalates concentration.
Phthalate dust from active sampling showed that DINP was the most in dust followed by DBP DEHP DMP DEP and BBP respectively and the concentration of total phthalates in dust from 3 types of workplaces found that nail salons were the most total phthalates followed by hair salons and office works respectively. Phthalate dust from passive sampling found that DINP was the most in dust followed by DEHP DEP DBP BBP and DMP respectively and the concentration of phthalates in dust from
3 types of workplaces found that hair salons were the most total phthalates followed by nail salons and office works respectively. Factors associated with phthalates dust in workplaces were building materials particularly wall materials (wallpapers), fall materials (PVC floor materials), air conditioner used, and indoor PM10. The exposure assessment of workers revealed that exposure via inhalation was the most route of phthalate exposure followed by ingestion and skin absorption. The worker exposures were compared with reference doses of each phthalate which were acceptable level.
Hence, to control the workers health from phthalate exposure should select phthalate free products in work involving other indoor or building materials. Moreover, workplace should control indoor air ventilation and provide face mask which capable to protect vapor and dust during working.