Title:Potential Health Hazards for Cumulative Exposures to Phthalates and Ionizing Radiation in High-Risk Pediatric Population
Volume: 17
Issue: 16
Author(s): Giuseppe Latini*, Lucia Dipaola, Marika Massaro, Maria Grazia Andreassi, Silvia Rocchiccioli and Eugenio Picano
Affiliation:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Perrino Hospital Brindisi,Italy
Keywords:
Ionizing radiation, DEHP, human health, neonates, phthalates, polyvinyl chloride.
Abstract: Objective: Ionizing radiation has been shown to impact and possibly alter the normal structure
and function of living cells and is dangerous for human health, especially when exposure occurs
early in life. Additionally, radiation can interact with other dangerous substances in the same environment,
such as phthalates. Phthalates are a group of multifunctional molecules used in a wide range of
consumer products, as plasticizers to impart flexibility, durability and strength to otherwise rigid polyvinyl
chloride. They are not chemically bound to polyvinyl chloride, and thus migrate into the environment
with time and use, becoming ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
Conclusion: There is a growing concern about the effect that exposure to ionizing radiation and phthalates
can have on human health, and the biological effects of this cumulative exposure are particularly
troubling in infants due to children’s inherent sensitivity. Pediatric patients are exposed to numerous
plastic medical devices and often require multiple radiologic examinations for their complex medical
conditions. Risk assessment requires a more complete evaluation of the effects of simultaneous and
cumulative exposure, especially in high-risk patients.
