Environmental pollution from plasticiser compounds: Do we know enough about atmospheric levels and their contribution to human exposure in Europe?

The information available for the levels of plasticizers in urban air for the European region was reviewed. Wide variability in phthalates and BPA concentrations between differently urbanised areas emerged, due to the influence of vehicular traffic, waste management practices and presence of buildings, from which plasticizers are emitted. The ambient air levels measured have not shown a significant influence on human exposure, confirming that other pathways play a fundamental role. Anyway, given their toxicity, it would be important to intensify measurements campaigns, at least for DEHP and BPA, to monitor and improve air quality, and, finally, limit the health risks deriving from the exposure to a mixture of air toxic molecules.