Phthalates - commonly used plasticisers
Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are the most commonly used plasticisers in the world. They are a family of chemical substances that have been in use for about 50 years, primarily to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) soft and flexible. Although the various kinds in use today have some structural similarity, each one is different in the way it performs.
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Applications
More than 90% of phthalates produced in Europe are used to plasticise PVC. We use many PVC products every day but tend to take many of them for granted. They include everything from lifesaving medical devices such as medical tubing and blood bags, to footwear, electrical cables, packaging, stationery, toys and roofIng.
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Links to news articles of interest
Can Plastic Change Your Sex? Forbes Thursday November 19, 2009
Once upon a time--this week, actually--mothers all over the world woke up and wondered whether their little boys were increasingly behaving like little girls. The cause for this sudden concern: a new study claiming chemicals in everyday plastics might be feminising their brains.
Was this a feminist plot to end patriarchy and violence? A cunning plan by doll manufacturers in a hitherto-hidden war with toy-truck makers? A long-term strategy to improve the growth potential of grooming products for men? No, it was just another study that the media rushed into publication without any pause to examine how it was assembled.
Read the full story on Forbes.com ...
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The truth about phthalates ... The American Council on Science and Health, Friday October 16, 2009
There have recently been reports in the media over certain plastic chemicals called phthalates and their potential impact on human health. However, much of the information being circulated on the safety of these chemicals is inaccurate.
Read more on the ACSH website ...
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Poison experts attack 'hysteria' over chemicals The Observer (UK) Sunday September 18, 2005
Britain's leading poison experts united last week to denounce pressure groups for mounting a 'hysterical, scaremongering' campaign about dangerous chemicals in the environment.
Read the full story on the Observer website ...
EU Phthalate Risk Assessments
Five phthalates have undergone EU assessments to determine whether they pose any risk to human health or the environment. Those for diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) show no risks to human health or the environment for any current use. The risk assessment for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) shows no risk to the general population.
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More information on phthalates
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