Dermal Exposure to Organophosphorus Compounds in Home Video Game Controllers

Abstract

Organophosphorus compounds, widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers in plastic products, present significant health risks due to their potential adverse effects. While inhalation and ingestion are well-studied exposure pathways, dermal exposure remains underexplored. In recent years, the growing popularity of gaming─driven by extended home stays during the COVID-19 pandemic and the inclusion of e-sports in international competitions─has led to prolonged contact with gaming devices, particularly among young people and professional gamers. This study investigates dermal exposure to triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) from 37 home-use video game controllers. TPhP was detected in 5 first-party and 22 third-party controllers, with concentrations reaching up to 530 μg g^–1. Using artificial skin (EPISKIN), we measured a TPhP skin permeation rate of 0.42 ng cm^–2 h^–1. Monte Carlo simulations were used to estimate daily dermal intake rates; professional gamers (5th percentile–50th percentile–95th percentile, 9.0–22–45 ng kg^–1 day^–1) and e-sports students (5.3–8.5–18 ng kg^–1 day^–1) were identified as the most exposed groups due to prolonged gaming sessions. Remarkably, dermal exposure from the controller was found to rival or exceed other pathways, including dust ingestion and inhalation. This study highlights the urgent need for strategies to mitigate dermal exposure risks from gaming devices.