Abstract
Phthalate ester plasticizers, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and
di-
n-
butyl phthalate (DBF), were measured in the atmosphere of the Gulf of Mexico. Significant amounts of the phthalate esters were found both in the vapor phase and associated with particulate matter. PCB and DDT residues measured on the same samples were found primarily in the vapor phase. The levels of the phthalate esters and chlorinated compounds are one to two orders of magnitude lower than those reported for continental and urban air.
