Predisposizione e valutazione critica di scenari di esposizione in ambito REACh: sostanze ad attività disendocrina (Ftalati).

The new REACH legislation formally introduces the control and development of exposure scenarios for substances deemed capable of altering the hormonal system. Example of compounds that alter the endocrine system (endocrine disruptors) and subject of this thesis are the phthalates. Phthalates are organic chemicals derived by esterification of phthalic anhydride. They are used to make soft and flexible a variety of products, including toys. These articles are used by children, most likely subpopulation. The main objective of the project is to conduct a risk assessment for these substances. The first phase of the evaluation was to determine the toxic properties of these substances (by literature search), after that, taking into account the most likely population, we have been developed hypothetical scenarios of exposure (using the software ConsExpo) for 3 classes: Babies (4.5 months), newborn (7.5 months), children (13.5 months). Finally, to perform the risk characterization, was made in connection the dangers of these substances with the exposure and was rated the likelihood or occurrence of adverse effects on children. The results obtained from the risk assessment (using as a method the Margin of Safety), lead to the conclusion that there is a negligible risk in the use of toys containing phthalates even if concentration was above legal limits (DEHP: 43.3%, and DINP: 49.9%). Although the results are encouraging, in the future will need to conduct further analysis and risk assessment for phthalates, taking into account the cumulative effect of the different phthalates and the effect of phthalates and other substances with the same mechanism of action or the same target organs.