Potential Health Hazards for Cumulative Exposures to Phthalates and Ionizing Radiation in High-Risk Pediatric Population

Objective: Ionizing radiation has been shown to impact and possibly alter the normal structure and function of living cells and is dangerous for human health, especially when exposure occurs early in life. Additionally, radiation can interact with other dangerous substances in the same environment, such as phthalates. Phthalates are a group of multifunctional molecules used in a wide range of consumer products, as plasticizers to impart flexibility, durability and strength to otherwise rigid polyvinyl chloride. They are not chemically bound to polyvinyl chloride, and thus migrate into the environment with time and use, becoming ubiquitous environmental contaminants.

Conclusion: There is a growing concern about the effect that exposure to ionizing radiation and phthalates can have on human health, and the biological effects of this cumulative exposure are particularly troubling in infants due to children's inherent sensitivity. Pediatric patients are exposed to numerous plastic medical devices and often require multiple radiologic examinations for their complex medical conditions. Risk assessment requires a more complete evaluation of the effects of simultaneous and cumulative exposure, especially in high-risk patients.