Ants Absorb Detectable Levels of Phthalates

 

Researchers have found that ants’ exoskeletons absorb phthalates from the surrounding environment.

By Erin Weaver

Scientists in France suggest that ants can serve as bio-indicators of phthalate pollution, after finding the plasticizers in the insects’ exoskeletons and internal tissues. In the study, published in Science of the Total Environment, ants from various locations in Europe and Africa tested positive for the presence of phthalates even when the insects were known never to have had direct contact with plastic.

Ants kept in a closed, phthalate-free box showed steady amounts of the chemicals over time, while those kept in open boxes showed increasing quantities of phthalates. This indicates the chemicals were absorbed from the surrounding air; phthalates are known to enter the environment as the plastic items containing them—such as vinyl flooring—deteriorate. The researchers found similar results when testing crickets and honeybees.

February 1, 2013
DISCUSSIONS

There are no comments for this page yet.

Log in to add comments - Help with comments
[ top of page ]
RELATED ARTICLES

Phthalates Linked to Lower IQ Scores in Children
EBN: Newsbrief - September 2010
PVC and Phthalates Linked to Respiratory Illness
EBN: Newsbrief - February 2009
[ top of page ]
IMAGE CREDITS:
1. Photo: Mathias Krumbholz
DISCUSSIONS
There are no comments for this page yet.

Log in to add comments
RELATED ARTICLES
Image 1 Phthalates Linked to Lower IQ Scores in Children
EBN: Newsbrief - September 2010
More related articles