Diverging trends of plasticizers (phthalates and non-phthalates) in indoor and freshwater environments—why?

Abstract Background European chemicals management aims to protect human health and the environment from legacy emerging contaminants. The plasticizer market changed in response restriction of low molecular weight (LMW) phthalate plasticizers such as Di (2-ethylhexyl) (DEHP) due their hazardous properties. We investigated patterns trends 19 regulated house dust German homes suspended particulate matter (SPM) major rivers. samples were used mid-2000s late 2010s two governmental long-term monitoring programs Germany. Results While sum respective levels hardly over study period, we observed a significant decrease LMW phthalates both (2003/06, 80% ?plasticizer concentration; 2014/17, 31%) SPM (2005, 48%; 2017, 28%). This was accompanied by substitution with high (HMW) non-phthalates. HMW increased 19% concentration 46% between dust, 50% 63% samples. Diisononyl (DINP) replaced DEHP dominant compartments. A tenfold increase ( p < 0.05) for (2-propylheptyl) (DPHP) (1–13%), compared (2014/17, 1%). Non-phthalates 23% but only 9% (mid-2000s: 1%; SPM, 1.5%). In recent samples, terephthalate (DEHT) had third highest all contributed 18% total load, whereas Tris trimellitate (TOTM) one non-phthalates Conclusions Unlike indoor environment, aquatic characterized shift towards potentially DPHP TOTM identified chemical regulation endocrine disrupting compounds persistent, bioaccumulative toxic compounds. Our data document need integrated safeguard transition non-toxic environment.