Risk Assessment of Agricultural Plastic Films Based on Release Kinetics of Phthalate Acid Esters
Yu Wang, Fang Wang, Leilei Xiang, Chenggang Gu, Marc Redmile‐Gordon, Hongjie Sheng, Ziquan Wang, Yuhao Fu, Yongrong Bian, Xin Jiang
Abstract
. The seven commercially available film types included were polyvinylchloride (PVC), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefin (PO), and three mulch films. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was detected in most of films, and its release fitted well into the first-order kinetic model. The release rate of DEHP was negatively related to the film thickness. The potential carcinogenic risks of DEHP in the air of six kinds of plastic greenhouses to human health were estimated. We found that the carcinogenic risks associated with PVC and mPE greenhouse films warrant greater attention. Though EVA, PO greenhouse, and mulch films were lower risk, we advise keeping plastic greenhouses well ventilated during the first month of use to reduce direct human exposure to volatile PAEs.