Winter 2008
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Plasticizers found in PVC increase risk of asthma and allergies among children

Compiled by Mary Beth Doyle
October/November Issue, 2004

A Danish study of children aged six and under has found that their risk of developing asthma and allergies increased by a factor of three with exposure tosoftening agents from PVC flooring and other “plastic products in the indoor climate.”

Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark examined almost 11,000 children from the town of Värmland, Sweden. The town was selected because of its relatively low levels of outdoor air pollution. Following the initial evaluation, they chose 198 allergic children and 202 healthy controls for a nested case-control study. Along with health questionnaires, extensive clinical investigations and exposure measurements were made. Building inspectors investigated the homes and collected dust and air samples for analysis of chemical and microbial agents.

The researchers found that the concentration of several plasticizers were higher in the dust from the homes of the children with allergic diseases. The risk of developing asthma was three times higher for children from the homes with the highest concentration of the plasticizer di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in comparison with children from the homes with the lowest concentration. Another plasticizer, butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), similarly increased the risk of developing hay fever and eczema. No associations were found between health effects and four other plasticizers.

“Plasticizers in the indoor environment represent the largest risk factor for developing asthma and allergy among the environmental factors that we have information about, larger than maternal smoking, absent of breastfeeding or pets,” said the study’s lead researcher. The researchers recommend limiting the use of soft plastic products in homes and increasing the ventilation rates, which are low in many newer homes.

Bornehag, CG, et al. “Allergic symptoms and asthma among children are associated with phthalates in dust from their homes: a nested case-control study,” Environmental Health Perspectives. [Online 15 July 2004]

 


Cleaning products and air fresheners in the home may contribute to asthma in young children

Australian researchers measured the levels of chemicals, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in the homes of children with asthma (all under three years old). VOCs are given off by commonly used cleaning products, polishes, and air fresheners as well as paints, floor adhesives,fitted carpets, and cigarette smoke.

Their study, published in the journal, Thorax, says that although the number of children in the study was relatively small -- 88 toddlers with asthma and 104 without -- it showeda marked increase in asthma risk among those children with higherlevels of VOCs in their homes.Yet, the levels measured were below the levels generally recommended as acceptable indoors.

More children were allergic (77%) among those with asthma than among those without (50%), as would be expected, but the significant finding was that levels of indoor pollutants were higher in the homes of children with asthma.The highest risk was for thechemical benzene, followed by ethylbenzene and toluene. Forevery 10-unit increase in tolueneand benzene, the risk of asthma increased by almost two times and three times, respectively.

Rumchev, K, et al. “Association of domestic exposure to volatile organic compounds with asthma in young children,” Thorax, Sept. 2004.

 

Compiled by Mary Beth Doyle, M.P.H.,
Ecology Center Environmental Health Campaign Director

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