Endocrine disrupting chemicals in commercially available cling film brands in South Africa

Abstract

Cling films comprise of plasticizers which are known endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Cling films are commonly used for food packaging and EDCs may leach into food, increasing exposure, leading to adverse health outcomes. We determined the levels of common selected EDCs expected in commercial cling film brands sold in South Africa. We tested for para-nonylphenol (p-NP), bisphenol A (BPA), bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), and phthalates [di-2-ethyhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and dibutylphthalate (DBP)]. We selected eight brands of cling film and used standard chromatography methods to extract compounds. We found p-NP in one brand (2.06 µg/kg) and BPA in two brands (1.48 and 1.61 µg/kg). Five brands contained DEHP (2.1–2.59 mg/kg), DBP (0.62–1.21 mg/kg) and DEHA (165.89–674.07 mg/kg). Levels of DEHA and DEHP in the cling film are associated with potential human health risks. The maximum level of DEHA ranged from 1.6 to 16 times the safe level, with a calculated hazard quotient of 1.4. The two cling film brands made from low density polyethylene (LDPE), both endorsed by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), had target chemicals below the detection limit.