The ASBP has developed this interactive report to explore the impacts of plastics in construction on human health. It highlights key sources of exposure, the evidence, and presents practical alternatives. Navigate directly to specific health impacts or report sections, each featuring summaries, relevant research, and useful resources. The report also includes detailed product tables outlining plastic and chemical content, potential release pathways, and alternative material options. This report was developed by the ASBP as part of its Reducing Plastics in Construction Group.
Interactive contents (click on a heading or health impact)
ASBP’s position on plastics in construction
ASBP’s position on plastics in construction is one of reduction, not elimination. We recognise that plastics have genuine and, in some cases, irreplaceable applications in the built environment. Intelligent airtightness and vapour control membranes, for example, perform functions that currently have no viable natural alternative and are key components of the high-performance, low-energy buildings ASBP champions. Similarly, many natural and bio-based insulation products, including those made by ASBP members, incorporate plastic binders, typically recycled PET fibre, to aid durability, dimensional stability, and ease of handling.
What we oppose is the unnecessary use of plastics where better alternatives exist, and continued reliance on materials whose chemical additives, particularly phthalates, PVC plasticisers, and bisphenols, carry well-evidenced health and environmental risks.
These risks are not static. They arise through dynamic processes, abrasion, wear, UV exposure, and off-gassing, that progressively release chemical additives and microplastic particles over a material’s service life. A stable, well-maintained product disturbed only by normal use presents a different risk profile to one that is ageing, heavily abraded, or open to the elements.
This report focuses on those risks. It is not a case against plastics in general. Its scope is deliberately narrow, centred on plastics and additives considered among the most harmful and polluting, together with the microplastics they generate.
Introduction
Leading industry organisations, government, research bodies, and the scientific community have raised concerns about the health impacts of certain plastics used in building materials and products. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has warned that the global health impacts of plastic systems could double by 2040.[1] While research continues to develop, there is a growing body of peer-reviewed evidence that the overuse of particular plastic materials, and the chemical additives they contain, is associated with potential health risks to building occupants.
Some building clients will require low VOCs containing products, Health Product Declarations, PVC free flooring, low emissions adhesives and sealants as well as compliance with the WELL Standard. The WELL Building Standard is a global certification system focused on how buildings affect human health, wellbeing, and performance. Other building standards include the Living Building Challenge which has a Red List, prohibiting the use of certain chemicals, as well as BREEAM and LEED which have criteria related to indoor air quality. At a product level, there are schemes such as Natureplus, Cradle to Cradle, Health Product Declarations and various country level Ecoloabels which will look at aspects such as restrictions of chemicals, transparency and low VOCs.
Key industry publications have highlighted the issue within a construction context. A 2023 article by RICS [2] notes that while basic plastic polymers are not inherently harmful, the additives incorporated into construction plastics can pose significant health risks. The report Disposable Plastic Buildings by Habitable and Perkins and Will [3] similarly documents that plastic building materials contribute to health risks throughout their lifecycle, from production to disposal.
Key substances of concern include PVC, phthalates, bisphenols, and the microplastics generated by their degradation, all of which are found in a range of common construction products. The risks are not uniform across all plastic types. This report focuses specifically on those where the evidence base is strongest.
Plastic-related health impacts are not the only indoor air quality concern in buildings. VOCs and other chemical compounds from a range of sources contribute to indoor air quality problems. However, given the ubiquity of specific plastic materials in the typical building, and the volume of evidence linking their additives to measurable health outcomes, the case for reducing unnecessary use of these materials is well supported by the science.
This report reviews academic and industry research to identify the key health impacts of specific plastic-based building products, the pathways through which exposure occurs, and the product alternatives available where they exist.
Methodology
This report draws on a review of academic literature and industry research linking building products, construction materials, and indoor environmental conditions to potential health outcomes. For the purposes of this study, this is considered the most practical approach to understanding how building-related plastic materials may affect the health of occupants.
The report also draws on ASBP’s own work on health and wellbeing, including expert presentations, seminars, and discussions at the annual ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference. These sources provide a broad evidence base and diverse professional perspectives.
The scope focuses on the most extensively researched health impacts associated with specific plastic materials and their additives: principally PVC, phthalates, bisphenols, and the microplastics these materials generate. It does not attempt to cover all plastic types used in construction, nor all possible chemical exposures in the built environment. The primary emphasis is on health effects arising from everyday building occupancy.
ASBP acknowledges additional health risks arising from construction activities and from the combustion of materials in fire events. These fall outside the central scope of this study.
Summary of key points
- Certain plastics and their chemical additives are widely present in common building products including flooring, wall coverings, furnishings, paints, pipework, and sealants.
- There is broad agreement across research and industry that specific plastic additives, principally phthalates, bisphenols, and the microplastics generated by PVC and synthetic textiles, are associated with potential health risks. The exact health impact of individual products is difficult to quantify.
- Not all plastics carry the same risk profile. This report focuses on materials where the evidence of harm is clearest and does not treat all plastic products as equivalent.
- Key substances of concern are PVC with phthalate plasticisers, bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF), polyurethane flame retardants, and microplastics derived from synthetic carpets and PVC surfaces.
- Exposure occurs through multiple pathways: inhalation of airborne particles and fibres, ingestion of settled dust, and direct skin contact.
- Indoor environments can contain significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than outdoor environments. People in developed countries spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, making ongoing exposure likely.
- Evidence links these exposures to respiratory conditions, allergic responses, cognitive and developmental effects, endocrine disruption, and potential cancer risks. Most evidence concerns long-term, low-level exposure rather than acute events.
- Infants and children are particularly vulnerable due to higher relative exposure, floor-level activity, hand-to-mouth behaviour, and greater biological sensitivity during critical developmental windows.
- Lower-plastic and plastic-free alternatives are available for many of the applications discussed. Where alternatives exist they are noted. Where viable alternatives do not currently exist, this is acknowledged.
- Reducing reliance on plastics with problematic additive profiles is a practical step towards improved indoor environmental quality and healthier buildings.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Indoor air quality has been a core theme of ASBP’s work. In a 2020 presentation to ASBP, Dr Marcella Ucci, Professor in Healthy and Sustainable Buildings at the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment and ASBP Board Member, highlighted that emissions from building materials, interior finishes, and furniture are among the major contributors to indoor pollution. [4]
Many of these materials contain or are derived from plastics, making them potential sources of chemical pollutants across all building types. The RCPCH/RCP review[5] similarly highlights that indoor air can contain multiple chemical pollutants associated with respiratory problems, eczema, cognitive impacts, and other health effects in children.
Recent research indicates that indoor air can contain up to eight times more suspended microplastics than outdoor air, and that settled indoor dust can hold concentrations approximately 30 times higher than outdoor equivalents. [6][7] Given that people in developed countries spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, the likelihood of ongoing microplastic inhalation is significant.
These findings position plastic-related emissions as part of a broader and well-recognised indoor air quality challenge. Infants and children are disproportionately exposed due to their proximity to floor surfaces and hand-to-mouth behaviour, and are biologically more sensitive during critical developmental windows.
Allergies and Respiratory Health
There is a substantial body of research linking indoor air quality to respiratory health outcomes. While issues such as mould and damp have received considerable attention, including through the recent introduction of Awaab’s Law,[8] the contribution of plastic materials to respiratory and allergic conditions is less widely discussed among building professionals.
Asthma
Plastic building materials including PVC flooring, vinyl wall coverings, synthetic carpets, and plasticised furnishings release phthalates and shed microplastic fibres that accumulate in dust and air. A study from Hull York Medical School (2021) [9] found that approximately 90% of particles in household air were plastic fibres, predominantly from carpets and soft furnishings, confirming widespread inhalation exposure.
A 2004 Swedish study by Bornehag et al. [10] found that children in PVC-floored homes had almost double the risk of asthma compared to children without PVC flooring. Canada’s CHILD cohort study (2021) found that infants with the highest DEHP levels in household dust had nearly four times the odds of developing asthma by age five. [11] A 2015 white paper by Perkins and Will [12] also identified certain phthalate plasticisers as potential asthmagens.
Allergic Rhinitis
The 2024 Endocrine Society report [13] concludes that plasticisers are consistently associated with higher rates of rhinitis. International studies report approximately 1.5 to 2 times increased odds of rhinitis in high-exposure groups.
Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis
A 2004 Swedish study (Bornehag et al.) [14] found that children exposed to higher indoor phthalate levels had a 50% higher prevalence of eczema. Laboratory research from the University of Birmingham (2024) [15] showed that chemicals associated with microplastics, including flame retardants and plasticisers, can be absorbed through sweat at up to approximately 8% of the applied dose, supporting a plausible dermatitis risk from household exposures.
Table of materials / products
| Building Material / Product | Plastic / Chemical Content | Release Pathway | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PVC flooring |
PVC, phthalate plasticisers |
Abrasion during cleaning and wear releases PVC microplastics and phthalate-laden dust into the indoor environment |
Timber flooring, natural fibre carpet (wool, jute, sisal), stone or tile, linoleum (note: linoleum is a natural material, distinct from vinyl) |
|
Vinyl wall coverings |
PVC, phthalates |
Abrasion and degradation releases microplastics into indoor dust |
Natural paints, mineral paints, lime renders, clay plasters |
|
PVC windows |
PVC, phthalates |
Abrasion during cleaning; degradation over time releases microplastics |
Timber windows. Note: aluminium windows avoid PVC but carry significantly higher embodied carbon |
|
Synthetic carpets |
Nylon, polyester, PVC backing, styrenic adhesives |
Fibre wear and friction releases microfibres and microplastics into air and settled dust |
Natural fibre carpet (wool, sisal, coir, jute), timber flooring, stone or tile |
|
Furniture and soft furnishings |
Polyurethane foam, synthetic fabric coatings, phthalates |
Shedding from foam and synthetic covers adds to indoor microplastic burden |
Natural fibre upholstery (wool, cotton, linen), untreated leather, solid timber frames |
|
Paints and coatings |
Acrylics, isocyanates, plasticisers |
Weathering and flaking leads to microparticle pollution; off-gassing during application and curing |
Natural paints, mineral paints, lime renders (see ASBP Paints and Finishes Group for further guidance) |
|
Sealants |
Acrylics, silicones, isocyanates |
Weathering and flaking releases microparticles over time |
Low-VOC sealants where available. Note: some sealing applications have no current natural or plastic-free equivalent |
Cognitive and Neurological Health
Cognitive Impairment
While UK-specific cognitive data are limited, global studies link prenatal plastic chemical exposures to neurodevelopmental harm. A 2014 Mount Sinai study (Factor-Litvak et al.) [16] found children born to mothers with higher phthalate exposure scored 6 to 8 IQ points lower by age seven. A 2021 study (Bornehag et al.) [17] identified prenatal BPF exposure as a concern, and the 2024 Endocrine Society report [18] synthesises multiple cohort studies showing consistent reductions in memory and processing speed linked to phthalate and BPA exposure.
Behavioural Disorders
Mount Sinai researchers [19] reported that higher phthalate levels were linked to statistically significant increases in aggression and attention problem scores in children, with patterns consistent with ADHD-like symptoms. A study by Oh et al. (2024) [20] associated early childhood exposure to a phthalate mixture with ADHD symptoms.
Neurodevelopmental Delays
Project TENDR [21] found that prenatal exposure to certain phthalates was associated with altered neurodevelopment in children. PVC is the primary construction material source of this exposure.
Table of materials / products
| Building Material / Product | Plastic / Chemical Content | Release Pathway | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PVC flooring |
PVC, phthalate plasticisers |
Abrasion during cleaning and wear releases PVC microplastics and phthalate-laden dust into the indoor environment |
Timber flooring, natural fibre carpet (wool, jute, sisal), stone or tile, linoleum (note: linoleum is a natural material, distinct from vinyl) |
|
Vinyl wall coverings |
PVC, phthalates |
Abrasion and degradation releases microplastics into indoor dust |
Natural paints, mineral paints, lime renders, clay plasters |
|
Furniture (foam upholstery, synthetic upholstery) |
Polyurethane foam, phthalates, PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers used as flame retardants) |
Shedding from foam and synthetic covers adds to indoor chemical and microplastic burden |
Natural fibre upholstery (wool, cotton), leather, foam products using non-halogenated flame retardants where available |
|
Plastic piping and plumbing |
PVC, phthalates |
Degradation and cutting releases particles; potential migration into the water supply |
Copper plumbing (note: significantly higher cost and embodied energy than plastic; where full replacement is impractical, consider point-of-use water filtration) |
Hormonal and Endocrine-Related Health Issues
Reproductive Health and Fertility
Phthalates and bisphenols are well-established endocrine disruptors. Reviews synthesised in the 2024 Endocrine Society report [22] show that men with higher phthalate exposures had 20 to 30% lower sperm counts and reduced motility, while women showed hormonal disturbances and reduced fertility across multiple cohort studies.
Thyroid Function
A 2011 study (Meeker and Ferguson) [23] observed reduced circulating thyroid hormone levels associated with higher phthalate exposure. Thyroid disruption carries downstream effects on metabolism, growth, and cognitive development.
Metabolic Disorders
A 2016 study (Buckley et al.) [24] found that higher maternal DEHP levels were associated with increased BMI z-scores in children by age 12, equivalent to a shift toward overweight categories. A 2023 meta-analysis (Kim et al.) [25] found that adults with high phthalate exposure had approximately a 25% higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Table of materials / products
| Building Material / Product | Plastic / Chemical Content | Release Pathway | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PVC flooring |
PVC, phthalate plasticisers |
Abrasion during cleaning and wear releases PVC microplastics and phthalate-laden dust into the indoor environment |
Timber flooring, natural fibre carpet (wool, jute, sisal), stone or tile, linoleum (note: linoleum is a natural material, distinct from vinyl) |
|
Vinyl wall coverings |
PVC, phthalates |
Abrasion and degradation releases microplastics into indoor dust |
Natural paints, mineral paints, lime renders, clay plasters |
|
Furniture (foam upholstery, synthetic upholstery) |
Polyurethane foam, phthalates, PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers used as flame retardants) |
Shedding from foam and synthetic covers adds to indoor chemical and microplastic burden |
Natural fibre upholstery (wool, cotton), leather, foam products using non-halogenated flame retardants where available |
|
Plastic piping and plumbing |
PVC, phthalates |
Degradation and cutting releases particles; potential migration into the water supply |
Copper plumbing (note: significantly higher cost and embodied energy than plastic; where full replacement is impractical, consider point-of-use water filtration) |
|
Epoxy resin coatings and adhesives |
Bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF) |
Off-gassing during curing; potential migration from coated surfaces over time |
Low-bisphenol or bisphenol-free alternatives where available; confirm with manufacturer |
Immune Health
Allergic Sensitisation
A 2004 Swedish study (Bornehag et al.) [26] found that higher urinary phthalate metabolites were associated with increased IgE sensitisation in children, a marker of heightened allergic response and a precursor to asthma and eczema. UK indoor air studies from Hull York Medical School (2021) [27] confirm widespread plastic fibre exposure in UK buildings, reinforcing the relevance of this pathway.
Airway Inflammation
Inhaled microplastics can irritate airway tissues. The University of Birmingham 2024 laboratory study [28] showed that flame retardants and plasticisers leaching from microplastics are absorbed into the body, providing a plausible mechanism for chronic airway inflammation and worsened asthma control.
Autoimmune Risk
While UK-specific autoimmune studies are limited, the 2024 Endocrine Society report [29] highlights increases of 20 to 40% in immune biomarkers associated with chronic plastic chemical exposures across international cohorts.
Table of materials / products
| Building Material / Product | Plastic / Chemical Content | Release Pathway | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PVC flooring |
PVC, phthalate plasticisers |
Abrasion during cleaning and wear releases PVC microplastics and phthalate-laden dust into the indoor environment |
Timber flooring, natural fibre carpet (wool, jute, sisal), stone or tile, linoleum (note: linoleum is a natural material, distinct from vinyl) |
|
Vinyl wall coverings |
PVC, phthalates |
Abrasion and degradation releases microplastics into indoor dust |
Natural paints, mineral paints, lime renders, clay plasters |
|
Synthetic carpets |
Nylon, polyester, PVC backing, styrenic adhesives |
Fibre wear releases microfibres into air and settled dust; carpets act as a reservoir for other chemical pollutants |
Natural fibre carpet (wool, sisal, jute), timber flooring |
|
Furniture (foam upholstery, synthetic upholstery) |
Polyurethane foam, phthalates, PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers used as flame retardants) |
Shedding from foam and synthetic covers adds to indoor chemical and microplastic burden |
Natural fibre upholstery (wool, cotton), leather, foam products using non-halogenated flame retardants where available |
|
Plastic piping and plumbing |
PVC, phthalates |
Degradation and cutting releases particles; potential migration into the water supply |
Copper plumbing (note: significantly higher cost and embodied energy than plastic; where full replacement is impractical, consider point-of-use water filtration) |
Skin and Contact Health
Skin and contact health impacts from plastic building materials are largely associated with phthalates and other chemical additives migrating from flooring, adhesives, and furnishings. While the most significant occupational exposures occur during installation and construction, evidence supports ongoing exposure from plastic-rich interiors across all building types.
Dermatitis
The 2024 University of Birmingham study [30] confirmed that chemicals associated with microplastics, including flame retardants and plasticisers, can be absorbed through sweat at up to approximately 8% of the applied chemical dose. This supports a plausible dermatitis risk from everyday contact with plastic building surfaces.
Contact Allergy
A 2015 study (Kawamoto et al.) [31] found that workers exposed to phthalates in construction contexts had a higher risk of allergic contact dermatitis compared to unexposed groups. Occupational exposures are typically at considerably higher concentrations than those experienced by building occupants; this evidence should therefore be treated as indicative of mechanism rather than as a direct measure of occupancy risk.
Table of materials / products
| Building Material / Product | Plastic / Chemical Content | Release Pathway | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PVC flooring |
PVC, phthalate plasticisers |
Abrasion during cleaning and wear releases PVC microplastics and phthalate-laden dust into the indoor environment |
Timber flooring, natural fibre carpet (wool, jute, sisal), stone or tile, linoleum (note: linoleum is a natural material, distinct from vinyl) |
|
Synthetic carpets |
Nylon, polyester, PVC backing, styrenic adhesives |
Fibre wear releases microfibres into air and settled dust; carpets act as a reservoir for other chemical pollutants |
Natural fibre carpet (wool, sisal, jute), timber flooring |
|
Furniture and soft furnishings |
Polyurethane foam, synthetic fabric coatings, flame retardants |
Direct skin contact; shedding of chemical-bearing fibres onto skin surfaces |
Natural fibre upholstery, untreated leather, solid timber |
Further Reading
For readers seeking further detail, the following resources provide broader context:
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health: The Inside Story (2020) – https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/inside-story-health-effects-indoor-air-quality-children-young-people
- Endocrine Society: Plastics and Health Report (2024) – https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/plastics-health
- World Health Organization: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (2013) – https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241505031
- World Health Organization: Microplastics in Drinking Water (2019) – https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241516198
- Habitable (Healthy Building Network): Disposable Plastic Buildings – https://habitablefuture.org/resources/disposable-plastic-buildings/
- Perkins and Will: Precautionary List – https://transparency.perkinswill.com/
- Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health (2023) – https://annalsofglobalhealth.org/articles/10.5334/aogh.4056
Glossary
Allergen Sensitisation: A process where repeated exposure to a substance primes the immune system to overreact, contributing to asthma, rhinitis, and eczema.
Bioaccumulation: The process by which chemicals build up in the human body over time, seen with POPs, flame retardants, and some plastic additives.
Bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF): A group of chemicals used in polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, and some coatings. Endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues, cognitive effects, and metabolic disease. BPS and BPF were introduced as BPA substitutes but have similar endocrine-disrupting properties.
DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate): One of the most common phthalates used as a plasticiser in PVC. Strongly linked to asthma, developmental effects, and endocrine disruption.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): Chemicals that interfere with hormone systems. Many plastic-related chemicals fall into this category, including phthalates, bisphenols, and some flame retardants.
Flame Retardants: Chemicals applied to materials including foam furniture, carpets, and textiles to slow fire spread. Some classes, including PBDEs and certain organophosphate flame retardants, have documented health effects.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): A measure of the condition of air inside buildings. Influenced by emissions from building products, ventilation rates, and occupant activities.
Linoleum: A natural flooring material made from linseed oil, cork, wood flour, and jute backing. Not the same as vinyl or PVC flooring, and a genuine natural alternative for many floor covering applications.
Microfibre: Fine synthetic fibres shed from carpets, textiles, and furnishings. A major component of indoor microplastic pollution.
Microplastic: Plastic particles under 5mm in size. In buildings, primarily shed from synthetic carpets, PVC flooring, and paints.
Nanoplastic: Plastic particles smaller than 1 micrometre. May penetrate deeper into lung tissue or cross biological barriers. An emerging area of health concern.
Off-gassing: The release of chemicals from materials into surrounding air. Common in new building materials and plastics, particularly shortly after installation.
PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers): A class of flame retardants formerly used widely in furniture foam and textiles. Restricted in many jurisdictions but still present in existing building stock. Linked to thyroid disruption, developmental issues, and cancer.
Phthalate: A class of plasticisers used in PVC flooring, vinyl wall coverings, synthetic leather, and other flexible plastics. Known endocrine disruptors associated with asthma, developmental effects, and metabolic disease.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A widely used plastic in flooring, wall coverings, windows, and pipes. Often contains phthalate plasticisers and other additives. The primary plastic of concern in this report.
SVOCs (Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds): Chemicals that migrate slowly from products into indoor dust, including plasticisers, flame retardants, and some adhesives.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): A broad class of chemicals that readily become vapours. Commonly emitted from paints, sealants, furnishings, and plastics, contributing to indoor air pollution and respiratory irritation.
References
[1] London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (2026). Global health impacts of plastics systems could double by 2040. https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2026/global-health-impacts-plastics-systems-could-double-2040
[2] RICS (2023). Why we must limit use of construction plastics. https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/journals/built-environment-journal/plastics-construction-materials-health.html
[3] Habitable / Perkins and Will (2024). Disposable Plastic Buildings. https://habitablefuture.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Disposable_Plastic_Buildings.pdf
[4] Ucci, M. (2020). Presentation to ASBP. Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, UCL. https://asbp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ASBP9July-Ucci.pdf
[5] RCPCH / RCP (2020). The Inside Story: Health Effects of Indoor Air Quality on Children and Young People. https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2020-01/the-inside-story-report_january-2020.pdf
[6] Dris, R. et al. (2021). Airborne microplastics in indoor environments. Science of the Total Environment. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389421009717
[7] Zhang, Y. et al. (2023). Microplastics in indoor dust. Heliyon. https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(23)03108-0
[8] UK Government (2024). Awaab’s Law: Guidance for Social Landlords. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/awaabs-law-guidance-for-social-landlords
[9] Hull York Medical School (2021). High levels of microplastics in our homes. https://www.hyms.ac.uk/about/news/2021/new-university-of-hull-research-reveals-high-levels-of-microplastics-in-our-homes
[10] Bornehag, C.G. et al. (2004). Association between asthma and allergic symptoms in children and phthalates in house dust. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15471731/
[11] CHILD Cohort Study (2021). Phthalates in house dust associated with asthma risk. https://childstudy.ca/phthalates-in-house-dust-associated-with-asthma-risk/
[12] Perkins and Will (2015). Healthy Environments: What’s New (and What’s Not) With PVC. https://asbp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/PerkinsWill_PVC_2015_Whitepaper_2.pdf
[13] Endocrine Society (2024). Latest science shows endocrine disrupting chemicals pose health threats globally. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2024/latest-science-shows-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pose-health-threats-globally
[14] Bornehag, C.G. et al. (2004). Association between phthalate exposure and eczema in children. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36791818/
[15] University of Birmingham (2024). Chemicals on microplastics absorbed through sweat. Environment International. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024002216
[16] Factor-Litvak, P. et al. (2014). Persistent associations between maternal prenatal phthalate exposure and child IQ at age 7. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0114003
[17] Bornehag, C.G. et al. (2021). Prenatal exposure to bisphenols and cognitive function in children. Environment International. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412021000581
[18] Endocrine Society (2024). Latest science shows endocrine disrupting chemicals pose health threats globally. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2024/latest-science-shows-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pose-health-threats-globally
[19] Engel, S.M. et al. (2014). Prenatal phthalate exposures and behavioural and emotional problems in children at 4 and 9 years of age. Environmental Health Perspectives. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25493564/
[20] Oh, J. et al. (2024). Early childhood phthalate mixture exposure and ADHD symptoms. Environmental Health. https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-024-01065-3
[21] Project TENDR. Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental Risks. https://projecttendr.org/
[22] Endocrine Society (2024). Latest science shows endocrine disrupting chemicals pose health threats globally. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2024/latest-science-shows-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pose-health-threats-globally
[23] Meeker, J.D. and Ferguson, K.K. (2011). Urinary phthalate and bisphenol A concentrations and serum thyroid measures. Environmental Health Perspectives. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21749963/
[24] Buckley, J.P. et al. (2016). Prenatal phthalate exposures and body mass index among 4 to 7 year old children. Epidemiology. https://journals.lww.com/epidem/abstract/2016/05000/prenatal_phthalate_exposures_and_body_mass_index.21.aspx
[25] Kim, K.H. et al. (2023). Meta-analysis: phthalate exposure and type 2 diabetes risk. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34562484/
[26] Bornehag, C.G. et al. (2004). Phthalates in indoor dust and association with allergic reactions in children. Environmental Health Perspectives. https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/ehp.7187
[27] Hull York Medical School (2021). New research reveals high levels of microplastics in our homes. https://www.hyms.ac.uk/about/news/2021/new-university-of-hull-research-reveals-high-levels-of-microplastics-in-our-homes
[28] University of Birmingham (2024). Chemicals on microplastics, including flame retardants and plasticisers, absorbed through sweat. Environment International. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024002216
[29] Endocrine Society (2024). Latest science shows endocrine disrupting chemicals pose health threats globally. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2024/latest-science-shows-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pose-health-threats-globally
[30] University of Birmingham (2024). Chemicals on microplastics, including flame retardants and plasticisers, absorbed through sweat. Environment International. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024002216
[31] Kawamoto, T. et al. (2015). Phthalate exposure and allergic contact dermatitis. BMC Public Health. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-015-2302-4