Organophosphate esters in ecosystems: environmental migration, bioaccumulation, and human health risks

The article provides a review of current data on a group of organophosphate esters, widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers. It systematizes information on their sources, pathways of entry into ecosystem components and the human body, as well as the toxic effects they cause, ultimately leading to ecosystem sustainability disruption. Based on the synthesis of primary data, conclusions are drawn regarding the constant emission of organophosphate esters from most polymer-containing materials, in addition to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and high toxicity to living organisms at different trophic levels. The necessity of studying the migration of organophosphate esters in various ecosystems is emphasized, as well as systematic monitoring of their levels in agricultural products and consumer goods.