Phthalates:

Phthalates are a collection of chemical substances which are based on the compounds of phthalic acid, and are used mainly as additives which make the plastic more flexible. They are incorporated in different products and industries including: consumer, industrial and environmental. This is an in-depth perspective of phthalates covering various issues such as chemical structures, classifications, product applications, since they have become a health risk, their legislation and ecological effects.

Chemical Structure:

Basic Structure: Phthalates aren’ t manufactured as straight chain polymers but are compared to o-phthalate containing two acyl groups mounted on one core, o-phthalate.

Chemical Formula: , C₈H₄O₃R₂

Types of Phthalates

Phthalates can be subdivided into chemical structure considered their properties:

Low Molecular Weight Phthalates:

• Examples: Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Dioctyl phthalate (DOP).
• Characteristics: More volatile hence these types can easily migrate from products and contaminate the surrounding.

High Molecular Weight Phthalates:

• Examples: Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), Dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
• Characteristics: These are less volatile and in most cases used where more durability and flexibility is needed.

Uses of Phthalates:

Phthalates are noted to have a great impact on the food processing and packaging industry, among other areas, such as:

• Plastics: The major activity in the use of phthalates is their application as plasticizers for the composite material polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products. They make the plastics more flexible and workable.
• Products: Flooring, wall coverings, toys, medical devices, and food packaging.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:

 Used as ingredients in fragrances and as diluents/solvents in cosmetics, shampoos and lotions.

• Illustrations: DBP and DEP respectively are often present in products like polish for nails and sprays for hair.
• Domestic Items: Available in intended usages such as bath stalls, plastic carpets, and air filled plastic items.
• Exiguous and International Sectors: Incorporated in car parts, coatings, bonds, and sealants increase their flexibility and strength.
• Health Care Instruments: Flexible and strong phthalates used in IV bags, tubing and other such medical aids.

Health Issues:

Phthalate concerns regarding health safety have been heightened by reports suggesting its endocrinological alteration and other associated health problems.

• Disruption of Hormonal Functions: Phthalates are capable of causing changes to the normal functions of hormones, thus causing adverse effects on reproduction and development. Phthalates could decrease levels of Testosterone, and studies have found fertility problems in men and women.
• Effects on infant’s health: The use of phthalates in pregnant women has been linked to babies being born with phthalate syndrome and other issues like compromised neurodevelopment and attention level.
• Health Effects Associated with Phthalate Exposure: In children, levels of phthalate metabolites in urine have been associated with respiratory and allergic symptoms in inhalation exposure studies.
• Concern over Adverse Health Effects: Long term exposure limits these phthalates which some health organizations have deemed as possible carcinogenic.

The Current Legal Situation

Due to health-related issues, a number of jurisdictions have imposed restrictions on the use of specific types of phthalates.

European Union (EU): The Member states of the EU have prohibited the marketing of certain phthalates in toys and childcare articles covered by the REACH regulation, namely DEHP, DBP and BBP butyl benzyl phthalate.

United States: The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) has prohibited the use of some phthalates in toys and child care articles. There are also stricter phthalate regulations in some states.

International Campaigns: WHO and EPA are doing studies and phthalate assessments to issue health and safety operational standards of advisable levels to be used.

Environmental Impact:

Phthalates have the ability to remain in the surroundings for a prolonged period resulting in some negative effects on the ecosystem.

• Water Pollution: Phthalates are chemical pollutants of the water bodies and therefore harmful to the water organisms as they can diffuse through plastic or other constructions. They are a part of wastewater effluent and may be harmful to animals living in highly polluted waters.
• Bioaccumulation: Certain types of phthalates are so toxic that they can build up within the tissues of animals within the food chain causing the poisoning of certain species.
• Regulatory Actions: Numerous government organizations and non-profits, as well as WHO, are currently implementing measures aimed at prevention of phthalate ring compounds entering the environment and causing pollution with the purpose of making people’s lives safer and protecting the flora and fauna.

Anti Phthalate

There has been a heightened concern towards the use of phthalates, hence many industries are seeking ways to replace them with less harmful materials: 

• Plasticizers: Phthalates have been replaced with more acceptable compounds, in use are benzoate esters, adipates, and trimellitates, among others.
• Nature Based Substitutes: Eco-friendly formulations are also using plant based plasticizers like soybean oil and castor oil.
• Biodegradable Polymers: There are some plastics being worked on by manufacturers that are able to still be flexible yet are biodegradable and do not incorporate the use of phthalates.

Conclusion

As a group of chemical compounds, plasticizers are very useful phthalates and today’s market is full of various products which use them. Proper use of phthalates in product performance raises health concerns including risks posed by the compounds and their degradation products. Hence, there are emerging regulations and development of safer alternatives. However, there is a need for more attention and education on the scope of understanding the effects and the ways to use and make it in a safe manner.