Lifestyle Habits and Exposure to BPA and Phthalates in Women of Childbearing Age from Northern Italy: A Pilot Study

Ilaria Di Napoli, Sara Tagliaferri, Eduardo Sommella, Emanuela Salviati, Debora Porri, Benedetta Raspini, Hellas Cena, Pietro Campiglia, Cinzia La Rocca, Rosa Maria Cerbo and Rachele De Giuseppe
Additional contact information
Ilaria Di Napoli: Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Sara Tagliaferri: Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
Eduardo Sommella: Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Emanuela Salviati: Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Debora Porri: Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Benedetta Raspini: Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Hellas Cena: Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Pietro Campiglia: Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy
Cinzia La Rocca: Gender Prevention and Health Section, Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy
Rosa Maria Cerbo: Neonatal Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Rachele De Giuseppe: Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: Background: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that interfere with aspects of hormonal signaling. Considerable attention has been paid to their biological effects especially in women of childbearing age or during pregnancy as EDCs have been reported to cross the placenta becoming concentrated in the fetus’ circulation. Lifestyle habits, daily consumption of packaged foods and use of healthcare/cosmetic products are associated with increased EDCs levels. This cross-sectional research examined the EDCs levels and the lifestyle determinants of EDC exposure in a cohort of reproductive-age women from Northern Italy. Methods: Forty-five women (median age: 36, IQR: 30–38) were evaluated for urinary bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates levels and also studied for EDCs’ major determinants of daily exposure; food frequency/dietary, physical activity, smoking habits and weight status. Results: Although 100% of women seemed to have been exposed to common sources of EDCs, they reported a healthy lifestyle. The multivariable model described a positive and significant association between consumption of sauces/dressings in plastic containers and monoethyl phthalate exposure ( p = 0.037). Conclusions: Since reproductive age encompasses a critical window for future health and functioning of the “mothers-to-be” and their children, future studies on prenatal dietary BPA and phthalate exposure and the role of consumer product choices in reducing such exposure are recommended.

Keywords: endocrine-disrupting chemicals; bisphenol A; phthalates; lifestyle; eating habits (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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