Human Toxicokinetic Study with Phthalates after Inhalation Exposure (IPA2)

Our project aims to adapt an aerosol delivery system to a phthalate currently present in the European market and to perform a toxicokinetic study with healthy participants exposed by inhalation. Phthalates are common plasticizers that can be released into the air during the production, use and elimination of plastic products. Phthalates are found in dust and as airborne chemicals, with dust easily resuspended in air making inhalation an important route of exposure. The absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of phthatates during inhalation exposure are unknown. One reason for this lack of toxicological data is likely the absence of a specific device capable of generating control dose of phthalates for inhalation studies. 

Unisanté has successfully adapted a commercial aerosol delivery system (ADS) for the generation of di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP). Our system is portable, easy to use, and can therefore be used readily in toxicokinetic studies with participants. 

DEHP is now banned in several countries, including Switzerland due to its reprotoxic effects. Toxicokinetic studies with DEHP cannot be performed anymore with participants, although this phthalate is still the most commonly found in indoor dust.