Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) in House Dust in Canadian Homes: Behaviors and Associations with Housing Characteristics and Consumer Products

Background. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is ubiquitous in indoor environments, was the predominant phthalate measured in house dust in the Canadian CHILD Cohort and was found to be associated with a large increased risk of childhood asthma. Objective. To inform interventions by identifying sources of DEHP in dust and assessing behaviors related to DEHP concentrations in house dust. Methods. DEHP levels were measured in 726 dust samples collected at similar to 3 months of age in CHILD as well as in similar to 50 homes at two time points (June and November) in the CHILD pilot study. DEHP metabolites were measured in urine for a subset of the similar to 3-month-old infants. Housing characteristics were assessed at the time of dust and urine collection. Numerous factors from these surveys were investigated as potential sources of DEHP using univariate analyses and multivariable regressions. Correlations between DEHP in dust and urinary metabolites and between repeat dust samples were examined to study the relationship between dust measurement and DEHP exposure. Results. Overall, DEHP dust concentrations were higher for lower-income families. Homes with vinyl flooring in the kitchen and bathroom showed higher levels of DEHP than those without vinyl flooring. The quantity of vinyl furniture and the presence of mold were associated with higher DEHP concentrations, while the use of mattress covers reduced concentration. No other significant associations were found. DEHP concentrations in dust were consistent over 6 months, although the correlation between dust and DEHP metabolites in urine was low. Conclusion. DEHP in house dust persisted over multiple months, contributed to infant internal exposure, and was associated with specific housing characteristics. These findings may inform the public on their choice of building materials and products, as well as future policies, aimed at reducing the health risk associated with exposures in the indoor environment especially for children.

Automated summary

This study found that DEHP concentrations in house dust were higher in lower-income families and in homes with vinyl flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. The presence of vinyl furniture and mold were also associated with higher DEHP concentrations, while the use of mattress covers reduced concentration. DEHP persisted in house dust over multiple months, contributed to infant internal exposure, and was associated with specific housing characteristics. These findings can guide the public in choosing building materials and products, as well as inform future policies aimed at reducing health risks for children in indoor environments.