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http://dx.doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2016.42.3.169

Estrogenic and Androgenic Potential of Phthalates and Their Alternatives  

Kwon, Bareum (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yongin University)
Ji, Kyunghee (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yongin University)
Publication Information
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences / v.42, no.3, 2016 , pp. 169-188 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives: Although information on the toxicity of phthalate diesters is readily available, little is known about phthalate alternatives. The present article provides a summary of available information on the toxicity of phthalate diesters and their alternatives, with a special focus on estrogenicity and androgenicity. Methods: We collected a battery of in vitro and in vivo assay data from the literature to assess the estrogenicity/anti-estrogenicity and androgenicity/anti-androgenicity of 15 phthalate diesters and 21 phthalate alternatives. Results: A number of in vitro studies show that certain phthalate diesters can bind to estrogen receptors and have a weak estrogenic potential. However, this potential was not seen in in vivo studies. Phthalate diesters produced anti-androgenic effects in animals by reducing testosterone production. Among them, di-(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the most potent. While almost all phthalate alternatives have a lower toxic potential than does DEHP, evidence of reproductive toxicity and estrogenic potential were found in several substances. Conclusion: Significant data gaps exist for phthalate alternatives regarding reproductive endocrine disruption, requiring further investigation.
Keywords
Alternatives; anti-androgenicity; endocrine disruption; estrogenicity; phthalate;
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