Exposure to phthalates, potential endocrine disruptors, in an infant cohort in Modena, Italy

Abstract Phthalates are pollutants ubiquitous in the environment. Human exposure to phthalates and their endocrine disrupting effects have been widely studied. Therefore, European Union forbids toys, cosmetic kitchenware manufacturing. However, phthalate metabolites can still be found human biological matrices. The purpose of this study is investigate over time a group Italian healthy newborns. In prospective cohort study, we enlisted 187 women who gave birth University Hospital Modena, Italy, between January 2019 May 2020. Urine samples from after delivery infants at birth, 3 6 months were collected 8 analysed. Descriptive statistics calculated preliminary correlation coefficients tests performed. Monoethylphthalate (MEP) was always detectable urine samples. MEP, monomethylphthalate diethylhexylphthalate showed an increasing trend time, while monobutylphthalate monobenzylphthalate decreasing levels time. Associations mother infant pairs for few metabolites, appeared often significantly associated. Infants’ Modena high prolonged even those more toxic strictly regulated. As presence indoor environment risk factor especially most fragile groups population, such as children, public Health campaigns addressing childbearing age should stress about posed by these substances how avoid exposure. Moreover, regulatory actions stricter legislation considered. Key messages • Italy phthalates, including forbidden, appears continuous Public heath intervention