Why are phthalates dangerous

Ortho-phthalates, commonly referred to as phthalates, are synthetic chemicals that are used to manufacture plastic. They help make plastic more flexible and harder to break. Despite their abundance in many products, phthalates can be harmful to pregnant women and their children. Studies suggest that can lead to pregnant women delivering their babies early.

Other studies have found that children born to mothers exposed to high levels of phthalates can have a lower IQ and poorer social communication development, and that these children are also more likely to develop ADHD and behavior problems.

Recent studies in human populations confirm some of the adverse impacts of DEHP on male reproductive tract development first identified in many experimental animal studies. A systematic review also finds that higher exposures to DEHP are associated with sperm abnormalities and lower testosterone levels. Recent studies also show that prenatal exposure to phthalates is associated with adverse impacts on neurodevelopment, including lower IQ, and problems with attention and hyperactivity, and poorer social communication.

Medical devices made of flexible PVC, such as IV bags and tubing, can leach the phthalate DEHP into patients, resulting in some of the highest exposures to this toxic chemical.

Several government agencies have concluded that some patients are likely to be exposed to potentially unsafe amounts of DEHP while receiving medical care.

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have found that sick infants treated in neonatal intensive care units can have high exposure levels to this reproductive and development toxicant. For example, there are other chemicals that you can use as plasticizers to soften vinyl plastic, and manufacturers have already made substitutions in some products. With personal care products, there are other chemicals that can be used besides phthalates. I think the goal of phthalate elimination from consumer products is achievable.

Skip to content News. News Menu. The Task Ahead. Environment International, pp Get Updates. Learn About Chemicals of Concern. Reports Car Seats, Dec. Nonstick Pan Study Floored by Phthalates. Summary Product Test Results. Detailed Test Results. Press Release. Phthalate Hazards. Testing Methodology. Retailer Policies. Introduction Phthalates pronounced "thal-ates" are a group of industrial chemicals that add flexibility and resilience to consumer and building products, particularly those made out of polyvinyl chloride PVC or vinyl plastic.

The researchers identified PVC flooring as the source of chemicals in the air. These researchers pointed to other recent epidemiologic studies in children conducted in Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Russia that also found links between PVC, phthalates, and respiratory problems.

Children who lived in homes with vinyl floors were more likely to develop asthma than children who lived in homes with other types of flooring.

The association was strongest for children whose parents had vinyl flooring in their bedrooms during pregnancy. The year follow-up showed that children with vinyl PVC flooring in their bedroom were 1.

If their mothers had vinyl flooring in their bedrooms while pregnant, children were twice as likely to develop asthma compared to other flooring types. Our Exposure to Phthalates Phthalates are semi-volatile compounds that are not chemically bound to the product.

State, National and International Restrictions on Phthalates Regulatory pressure — including bans and reporting — continues to mount against phthalates based on the growing body of credible scientific evidence.