Human Milk Phthalate Diester Levels in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Newborn and infants are among the most susceptible age groups to endocrine disruption due to potential environmental toxins like phthalates. Differing results have been found on phthalate exposure through human milk from different geographic parts of the world. In this study, we aim to evaluate six different phthalate diesters in human milk samples. Methods: In this part of the Human Milk Artificial Pollutants (HUMAP) study, human milk samples were analyzed using GC-MS to indicate the presence of bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-“isononyl” phthalate (DINP), di-“isodecyl” phthalate (DIDP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP). Results: This study included 72 mothers aged 18 to 41 years; human milk samples were taken from the mothers who gave their consent to participate within 7 to 79 days after birth (mean 34 ± 20 days). We did not detected phthalate esters as DEHP, BBP, DBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP in 72 human milk samples. Discussion: In this study, we did not find phthalate diesters in human milk samples in Turkey. Different results of previous studies about human milk phthalate levels might be related to geography, maternal factors, or analytical methods. In conclusion, potential further studies should continue for potential chemical contamination of human milk.