Clinical associate professor Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea
Background: Phthalates, parabens, and bisphenols are environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals widely used in food packaging, kitchenware, and consumer products. Children are particularly vulnerable to these exposures due to their physiology and behaviors. Objective: This study examined whether everyday cooking and dietary habits are associated with blood concentrations of these chemicals in children and adolescents. Design/Methods: From September 2022 to June 2025, 63 participants aged 0–19 years attending the Children’s Environmental Health Clinic at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital were enrolled. A structured questionnaire collected information on cooking utensil use (coated frying pans, pots, ovenware, air fryers), transparent hard plastic utensils (ladles, spatulas, spoons), plastic cups, and food storage containers. Blood samples were analyzed for phthalate metabolites (MEHHP, MEOHP, MBzP, MECPP, MnBP), parabens (methyl-, propyl-, ethylparaben), and bisphenol-F using LC-MS/MS. Concentrations were log-transformed, and associations with behaviors were examined using multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and socioeconomic status. Results: Use of transparent hard plastic cooking utensils was significantly associated with propylparaben (P = 0.044). Transparent plastic spoon use was associated with higher levels of MEHHP (P = 0.024), MEOHP (P = 0.037), MBzP (P = 0.015), and MECPP (P = 0.026). Plastic cup use was associated with propylparaben (P = 0.038), and food container use with bisphenol-F (P = 0.012). Frequent use of coated frying pans (4–6 times/week) was associated with higher propylparaben levels (P = 0.035). Coated pot use was linked to methylparaben (P = 0.011), and coated ovenware/air fryer use (2–3 times/week) to MEHHP (P = 0.012), MEOHP (P = 0.029), MnBP (P = 0.023), MECPP (P = 0.016), and ethylparaben (P = 0.013).
Conclusion(s): Everyday cooking behaviors and the use of plastic or coated kitchen utensils were significantly associated with blood levels of phthalates, parabens, and bisphenols in children. Common food-contact materials may represent important exposure sources, emphasizing the need for safer household practices and exposure reduction strategies during childhood.
.jpg "Ji Hyen Lee (she/her/hers) photo")
