Phthalates are chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastics and are found in personal care products, glues, paints, and pharmaceuticals. They have been linked to health concerns and have been phased out in some places. The debate around their safety is ongoing.
The term phthalate refers to a number of chemicals called phthalate esters, which are used in industrial settings to increase the flexibility of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Phthalates are used in a variety of products other than plastics, such as personal care products, glues, paints and pharmaceuticals. There are dozens of varieties of phthalates, first produced in the 1920s. They are made by reacting a chemical called phthalic anhydride with certain alcohols, which can be varied to impart specific characteristics to the final product.
Crude phthalate has the appearance and consistency of a clear vegetable oil, with little or no odor. It biodegrades easily, so it doesn’t accumulate to toxic levels in the environment. Since their introduction, the phthalate group of chemicals has undergone extensive research and testing to find out what, if any, health risks they pose to humans. Some health concerns have been raised regarding the presence of phthalates in baby bottles and other items which could cause people to ingest them.
Concerns about the adverse health effects of phthalates have in some cases led to the phase-out of these chemicals in North America and Europe. Some jurisdictions have banned the use of phthalates in children’s toys and similar products. These concerns have arisen in the wake of effects observed in experimental animals under laboratory conditions. High levels of phthalates have been observed to be related to hormonal changes and birth defects, as well as other damage to the liver and reproductive systems of rodents. A few studies have been conducted which also indicate harmful effects on humans from these substances.
Due to the ubiquitous nature of phthalates, the debate around their use has become somewhat politicized, as evidenced by government regulations restricting their use in some places. Phthalates are used in some but not all types of PVC. PVC that is labeled as Type 3 for recycling purposes sometimes contains phthalates, although there usually isn’t a way to tell for sure, other than by chemical analysis. The presence or absence of phthalates need not be marked on PVC products. However, some manufacturers have done so anyway, in light of the concern many consumers have about these chemicals, especially in baby products.
While some studies indicate that phthalates pose a danger to humans and animals, others have found no such correlation. This fact means that the debate about their degree of safety is still unresolved. Many of the adverse effects of these chemicals have only been observed under unusually high exposure, and further testing and study will be needed to determine their safety.
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