Population and age groups

We aimed to compile HBM data which may be representative of the exposure levels for the general population in a country. Therefore, we did not collect data from more highly exposed groups, such as a) occupationally exposed workers, b) population from reported “hotspot” locations (i.e. including phthalate manipulation sites), and c) transfused patients. We also excluded data from subjects with confirmed or suspected reproductive pathology (e.g. couples undergoing infertility treatment) or chronic disease (e.g. obesity). For studies where a specific group of population, not representative for the general population, was compared with a control group, data from the controls were compiled. Finally, we did not compile data for pregnant women, since pregnancy may have an impact on phthalate pharmacokinetics [43].

We classified the data by age group [27, 44]. Specifically, the following groups were defined, depending on the average age (age) of the subjects: “adults” (18 years < age < 60 years), “children” (4 years <= age <= 12 years), “teenagers” (12 years < age <= 18 years), “seniors” (60 years <= age), and “younger children” (age < 4 years). The main age groups for which HBM data for phthalates were found were those of adults, followed by children (cf. Results, PhthaLit database). Therefore, we considered both age groups as a priority for our study.