Microbial production and vaporization of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate by microorganisms inside houses

Laboratory workers were bothered by an irritation that caused coughing during the cultivation of microorganisms that degraded di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The authors found that mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), a known cause of asthma, was released during the degradation of DEHP. At its highest production and vaporization rate, the amount was almost equal to that of the DEHP starting material. It appeared that transport into the atmosphere depended on its adsorption on dust particles. The authors attempted to cultivate several microorganisms from house materials, especially those composed of rotting polyvinyl chloride. And microorganisms produced MEHP in the culture medium. In addition, MEHP was produced from DEHP by several stock microorganisms. Thus, MEHP could easily be produced from DEHP by microorganisms in the environment. In Japan, there are many cases of asthma with unknown causes. If MEHP is one of causes, then preventive measures against some cases of asthma could be taken.