Phthalate

Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds primarily used as plasticizers, substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are used in a wide variety of products, including vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, plastic clothes (raincoats), and personal-care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays, and nail polishes).

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Positional isomers of potassium hydrogen phthalate 2D skeletal

History

Phthalates were first synthesized in the 1920s, and production increased dramatically in the years following World War II. They quickly became popular due to their stability and versatility, and by the 1960s, they were being used in a wide range of consumer products.

Production and Use

Phthalates are produced by reacting phthalic anhydride with alcohol(s) that range from methanol and ethanol (C1/C2) up to tridecyl alcohol (C13), either as a straight chain or with some branching. They are divided into two distinct groups, with very different applications, toxicological properties, and classification, based on the number of carbon atoms in their alcohol chain.

Health Effects

There is some evidence that exposure to phthalates can have a variety of adverse health effects, including endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenicity. However, the exact risks and mechanisms of action are still not fully understood, and more research is needed in this area.

Regulation

Due to concerns about their potential health effects, the use of phthalates in certain products, particularly those intended for use by children, is regulated in many countries. In the European Union, for example, the use of certain phthalates in toys and other children's products has been restricted since 1999.

See Also

• Endocrine disruptor
• Plasticizer
• Phthalic anhydride
• Toxicology

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