5. ConclusionThis is the first study, to our knowledge, that examines the release of phthalates into sweat. Some parent phthalate compounds and metabolites appear to be readily excreted in sweat; others third do not. As all participants had evidence of the potentially toxic metabolite MEHP, the parent compound DEHP appears to be a ubiquitous contaminant in some population groups. Considering that in a number of individuals, some phthalate compounds appeared in sweat but not in serum suggests that bioaccumulation of selected phthalate compounds such as DEHP and DBP may be occurring with uncertain human toxicity. Furthermore, the toxic metabolite MEHP appears to be well eliminated in sweat.

For these reasons, there may be advantage to inducing perspiration through methods such as sauna use as a means (i) to eliminate some potentially toxic phthalates and (ii) to collect samples to possibly diagnose the presence of bioaccumulated phthalate compounds such as DEHP.With the recognition that various persistent pollutants may be determinants of chronic illness, increasing attention is being directed toward research and study of potential techniques and interventions designed to facilitate removal of persistent toxicants from the human body [82�C86]. Emerging evidence in the scientific literature suggests that various persistent pollutants may be excreted through induced thermal depuration techniques such as sauna therapy, use of steam rooms, or exercise within heated quarters [87�C91].

As caloric restriction appears to mobilize toxicants from storage sites [84, 92] and the skin may act as an alternative storage compartment in the face of decreasing fat stores [92], measures to facilitate loss of adipose tissue may act synergistically to enhance toxicant mobilization through the skin. Recognizing the potentially toxic effect of DEHP and MEHP, regular depuration through sweating may offer health benefits by precluding sequelae associated with bioaccumulated phthalates and toxic metabolites.6. Key FindingsDEHP and/or its metabolite MEHP were found in all participants, suggesting that exposure to potentially toxic phthalate compounds is very common.Some parent phthalate compounds and some metabolites appeared to be readily excreted Carfilzomib in sweat; others did not.In several individuals, DEHP was found in sweat but not in serum, suggesting the possibility of some degree of phthalate retention and bioaccumulation.Some toxic phthalate metabolites such as MEHP were eliminated comparatively well in sweat.Several phthalate metabolites were evident in urine with no evidence of the parent compound in either serum or sweat.Conflict of InterestsThere is no conflict of interests.