Eight organophosphate esthers (OPEs), used as plasticisers and/or flame retardants, were tested in 393 food product samples in the UK: TCEP, TCIPP, TDCIPP, TBOEP, TnBP, TPHP, EHDPP, TMPP. The highest detected total OPE was below 20 µg/kg wet weight in milk products but concentrations in animal-derived foods were not significantly different from those in plant-derived foods or in processed foods. Cereals and fruits were the main dietary contributor for adults. Dietary intakes were well below health-based limit values (RfDs) and were similar to data reported from other countries. If dietary intake was combined with estimated dust inhalation and dermal intakes for infants, high exposure scenarios were close to RfDs, suggesting a narrow margin of safets in some cases.
“Organophosphate Esters in UK Diet; Exposure and Risk Assessment”, M. Gbadamosi et al. SSRN 2022 in press http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4141108