Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products, such as toys, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, blood bags and tubing, and personal care products, such as nail polish, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos, perfumes and other fragrance preparations.

History[edit | edit source]

Phthalates were first introduced in the 1920s and quickly replaced the volatile and odorous camphor. In 1931, the plastics industry was revolutionized with the announcement of the ability to plasticize PVC, which would not become brittle in winter or soften in summer.

Production[edit | edit source]

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.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Phthalates are used in a large variety of products, from enteric coatings of pharmaceutical pills and nutritional supplements to viscosity control agents, gelling agents, film formers, stabilizers, dispersants, lubricants, binders, emulsifying agents, and suspending agents.

Health effects[edit | edit source]

Research has shown that exposure to certain phthalates can lead to reproductive issues, including decreased fertility and reproductive abnormalities. Studies have also linked phthalates to asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In the European Union, phthalates are under the REACH regulation. Many countries have passed legislation requiring phthalate-free products in their market.

References[edit | edit source]

Phthalates Resources
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