Key Messages
Phthalates have known adverse effects on the respiratory and immunological systems. However, the mechanisms by which they promote asthma, impaired lung function, and airway inflammation are unknown because few studies have thoroughly examined this topic. We found that exposure to low-molecular-weight phthalates was significantly associated with airway dysfunction, and this effect is partially attributable to increased serum periostin level. Our results suggest that periostin might stimulate Th2 cell-mediated inflammation and thereby cause pulmonary dysfunction in children exposed to phthalates.