Exposure, risk, and potential sources of phthalates, alternative plasticizers, and phenolic compounds in Thai children: A two-region comparison study
2
Issued Date
2026-07-01
Resource Type
ISSN
14384639
eISSN
1618131X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105044516040
Journal Title
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
Volume
276
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health Vol.276 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Jo A.R., Laor P., Jung J., Park N.Y., Park S., Kliengchuay W., Niampradit S., Park H., Lee G., Lee I., Covaci A., Kho Y., Tantrakarnapa K., Choi K. Exposure, risk, and potential sources of phthalates, alternative plasticizers, and phenolic compounds in Thai children: A two-region comparison study. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health Vol.276 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2026.114861 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/118078
Title
Exposure, risk, and potential sources of phthalates, alternative plasticizers, and phenolic compounds in Thai children: A two-region comparison study
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Phthalates and phenolic compounds are ubiquitous consumer chemicals, and children are particularly vulnerable to their potential health effects. In Thailand, however, information on children's exposure and regional variation remains limited. We recruited 250 children from two distinct regions of Thailand (Suphan Buri and Chiang Rai) in 2023, measured urinary concentrations of major metabolites of phthalates and alternative plasticizers as well as parent phenolic compounds, and administered questionnaires. The highest median concentrations were observed for the sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (∑DEHP, 73.2 ng/mL), followed by mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP, 72.2 ng/mL) and the sum of diisononyl phthalate metabolites (∑DiNP, 22.6 ng/mL). These levels were 1.4–3.4 times higher than those in German children (GerES V, 2014–2017) and 2.5–5.7 times higher than those in U.S. children (NHANES, 2017–2018). Significant regional differences were identified, with 16 of 26 metabolites showing higher concentrations in Chiang Rai children. These included metabolites of diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), DEHP, DiNP, and di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) as well as benzophenone-3 and bisphenol S. Notably, DiNP metabolite levels in Chiang Rai were 1.9–2.6-fold higher than the highest levels reported elsewhere. Risk assessment showed 69.3% of children in Chiang Rai and 16.4% in Suphan Buri exceeded a cumulative hazard index of 1. Regardless of region, DnBP, DEHP, DiBP, and di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) were the primary contributors to risk. Sauce consumption and medication use were associated with higher phthalate levels. These findings highlight the need to develop targeted exposure-reduction strategies and regulatory interventions for Thai children.