Phthalates, called “plasticizers,†are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible or resilient and also as solvents. Phthalates are nearly ubiquitous in modern society, found in, among other things, toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo.
Humans are widely exposed to phthalates because vinyl is a ubiquitous plastic used to make anything from home furnishings (for example, flooring, wallpaper), medical devices (for example, catheters, IV- and blood bags), children's items (for example, infant feeding bottles, squeeze toys, changing mats, teethers) to packaging (for example, disposable bottles, food wrap).
Beyond vinyl, humans are further exposed to phthalates in cosmetics and scented products such as perfumes, soaps, lotions and shampoos. Phthalates are also added to insecticides, adhesives, sealants and car-care products.
http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/480http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/newscien ... alates.htmhttp://www.thedailygreen.com/environmen ... a-47091707http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/ ... 6892.shtmlPhthalates in building products:Healthy Building Network,
http://www.healthybuilding.netContact: Bill Walsh, 202-232-4108,
bill@healthybuilding.net Phthalates in cosmetics:Coming Clean,
http://www.come-clean.orgContact: Bryony Schwan, 406-543-3747,
swan@womenandenvironment.orgPhthalates in medical devices:Health Care Without Harm,
http://www.noharm.orgContact: Stacy Malkan, 202-234-0091, ext. 14,
smalkan@hcwh.orgPhthalates in nail polish:Environmental Working Group,
http://www.ewg.orgContact: Mike Casey, 202-667-6982,
mcasey@ewg.orgPhthalates in toys:
Greenpeace Contact: Lisa Finaldi,
lisa.finaldi@dialb.greenpeace.orgWebsites:For more information on phthalates, see:
The Our Stolen Future website
For more on the health effects of phthalates and evidence of body burden, see:
Recent report on phthalates from Health Care Without Harm and
The 2001 Centers for Disease Control report on body burden monitoring
http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport For more on phthalates in cosmetics, go to:
Recent report on phthalates in cosmetics and
http://www.ewg.org/pub/home/reports/bea ... chap3.html For more on phthalates in medical devices, go to:
http://www.noharm.org/library/docs/Use_ ... Medica.pdfhttp://www.noharm.org/library/docs/Goin ... e_Medi.pdfFor more on phthalates in vinyl toys and home furnishings, go to:
http://www.myhouseisyourhouse.org