Effects of phthalate inhalation on airway immunology: a controlled human exposure study

The indoor environment is important for health and well-being of the general population, but the health impact of a number of indoor pollutants is poorly characterised. In the proposed project we focus on phthalates, a group of chemicals that leak out fro m plastics and are present in most indoor environments. Epidemiological studies concerning both indoor environment and occupational exposures have linked phthalates to development and exacerbation of asthma and allergy, but the involved mechanisms are lar gely unknown. To investigate the effects of phthalates on airway immunology we will perform a controlled human inhalation study. The focus will be on the upper airways (bronchi, trachea and nose) and effects on recruitment, activation and functionality of immune cells. We will recruit allergen-sensitized individuals which will allow us to investigate if the phthalate inhalation modulates the inflammatory response after a nasal allergen challenge. The project will provide new knowledge concerning earl y effects of phthalate inhalation on airway immunology and contribute to identification of immunological biomarkers for phthalate exposure. Important outcomes of the project will be its contribution to risk assessment, identification of potential biomarke rs for human inhalation exposure to phthalates, and deeper understanding of the overall toxicology of phthalates.