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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Robin Whyatt, DrPH, Georges Bergen, MPH, Elizabeth Reitano, BS, Eleanne Van Vliet, MPH, and Jaimeet Chhabra, MPH. Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Avenue, B-1, New York, NY 10032, 973.667.7387, gpb2102@columbia.edu

Di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a high molecular weight compound first patented for use as a plasticizer in 1933. DEHP has numerous industrial applications and may be found in children's toys, pacifiers, shower curtains, vinyl medical gloves as well as various polyvinyl chloride (PVC) medical devices. DEHP does not form covalent bonds with PVC and due to a highly lipophilic nature, has been found to leach out of PVC medical devices. Exposures to DEHP in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are of particular concern resulting from DEHP use as a plasticizer in medical plastics. Neonates may receive significant exposure to DEHP and its toxic monoester metabolite mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) when undergoing a range of treatments. In addition, neonates have increased susceptibility due to their decreased elimination potential of DEHP metabolites stemming from underdeveloped metabolic pathways. This has given rise to a growing concern among some healthcare professionals regarding potential reproductive health consequences of low-level phthalate exposure in neonates, particularly among exposed males. The regulatory climate has provided the impetus for research into alternatives to DEHP and use of DEHP-free or PVC-free healthcare products. Plasticizers alternatives (DEHA, ATBC, TETM) confer flexibility to medical devices and may substitute for DEHP in PVC. Moreover, polymer alternatives (polyurethane, polyethylene, and silicone) are flexible by nature and may replace PVC completely. However, significant data gaps on the potential health effects of these DEHP alternatives on NICU infants remain which underscores the need for further research.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss Risk of Phthalates to Neonates in the NICU.
• Analyze Alternative Products to DEHP-containing Products.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered