The Federal Office for Environmental Protection has detected the presence of a dangerous softener in the urine of numerous people in Germany. The substance has been subject to strict regulations for many years and is largely banned.
During the current 6th German Environmental Health Survey, the organic compound (metabolite) MnHexP was detected in 28 percent of samples, said toxicologist Marika Kolossa of the Federal Environmental Protection Office.
It is a breakdown product of the softener dihexyl phthalate (DnHexP). This reproductive toxicity metabolite was first detected in urine samples in 2023. – There should not be such a substance in the body, but we find it – said Marika Kolossa.
Unclear origin
The results of testing urine samples from North Rhine-Westphalia were recently announced. According to the toxicologist, “this is a larger problem.” The origin of this softener is still unknown.
– This is a real detective puzzle. Now we are conducting a full-scale investigation in Germany, the expert added. The Federal Office for Environmental Protection is also working closely with EU agencies to find the source.
Animal studies show that the MnHexP metabolite is a reproductive toxicant. It acts primarily on the sexual organs of male fetuses in the mother’s womb. However, it can also be harmful to adults and increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
Concentrations “so high that a health risk cannot be ruled out” were found in some people, Marika Kolossa said.
Dihexyl phthalate (DnHexP) has been heavily restricted or banned in the EU for many years. “However, this substance may be present in the EU, for example in imported products,” said chemicals expert Lars Tietjen from the Federal Office for Environmental Protection. It may also be present in older products made in the EU. – I do not have any information about larger amounts processed, but it cannot be ruled out – said the expert.
Softener in children’s urine
In North Rhine-Westphalia, experts from the Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection (LANUV) analyzed old urine samples from preschool children. The result: Over the study period, the percentage of samples indicating the presence of the MnHexP h metabolite increased from 26 percent (2017/18) to 61 percent (2020/21), according to a Jan. 31 release from Lanuv.
Concentrations in children increased approximately tenfold. The reason for this is completely unclear. According to a LANUV spokeswoman, these results are not related to place of residence. Significantly elevated values occur throughout the entire federal state.
According to LANUV, the plasticizer dihexyl phthalate (DnHexP) has been on the EU list of substances of particular concern since 2013. Phthalate is no longer permitted as a softener in cosmetics, food contact materials and toys.
Source: Gazeta
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