Objective To examine the components of organic matters and the levels of phthalates (PAEs) exposure in the whole blood of pregnant women in Harbin.
Methods Whole blood (2 mL) was sampled from each of 100 healthy pregnant women randomly selected from urban and suburban areas in Harbin.A face-to-face interview was conducted to collect information on general demographic characteristics and plastic exposure using questionnaires.Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was applied for qualitative analysis of organic components and quantitative analysis of phthalates.
Results Seventy types of organic matters were detected in the pregnant women's whole blood samples,including four kinds of PAEs,i.e.dibutyl phthalate (DBP),di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP),diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP),and dimethyl phthalate (DMP).There were no statistical differences in the four phthalates concentrations between the urban and the suburban areas (P > 0.05),nor between the 20's and the 30's age groups (P >0.05).The concentrations of DBP and DIBP in those who often used and heated plastic food containers were higher than those did not (DBP,P=0.041;DIBP,P=0.004).
Conclusion The pregnant women's whole blood contain various types of environmental organic pollutants.The usage of plastic products for heating or packing food may elevate exposure to DBP and DIBP in pregnant women's blood.
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