Beyond static loading: a dynamic, multifactorial assessment of dermal exposure to organophosphate esters
). Children aged 2 - 6 years exhibited the highest dermal burden. A strong positive correlation linked skin OPE levels to those on smartphones, identifying phones as a key interface for OPE transfer to skin. Outdoor activity and lower body mass index (BMI) were associated with higher dermal loads, while exercise-induced sweating promoted OPE transfer to the skin surface. Calculated daily intake via dermal absorption was highest in young children (the total dermal exposure of OPEs: 3295 pg/kg bw/day), significantly exceeding that of older children and adults (837 - 1679 pg/kg bw/day). Although subsequent risk assessment indicated low carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks under current guidelines, the elevated exposure in vulnerable groups underscores the need for precautionary measures. These findings reveal dermal OPE exposure as a dynamic process shaped by behavior, physiology, and personal item use.
Authors
- Xun Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3586-9921)
- Yi-Xiang Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4021-4228)
- Chuanming Zhao
- Ruirui Zhang
- Tiantian Meng
Institutions
- Qilu University of Technology (CN)
- Shandong Academy of Environmental Science (CN)
- Shandong Academy of Sciences (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Environment International
- Published
- 2026-04-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2026.110257
- Primary Topic
- Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province