Phthalates

Invented in the 1930s, phthalates (tha–lates) are found in many everyday products, from cosmetics to flexible plastics used to make food wraps, toys, and building materials. Studies of suggest exposure to phthalates increases the risk of reproductive system birth defects and hormonal alteration in baby boys, and reproductive problems and hormonal changes in men. Though phthalates are considered hazardous waste and are regulated as air and water pollutants, they are unregulated in food, cosmetics, and consumer and medical products.

EWG Research on Chemicals in Phthalates

• 12.18.07 Protecting Public Health from Phthalates Will Require Consideration of Cumulative Risks (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate ...)
• 9.26.07 Cosmetics With Banned and Unsafe Ingredients (Chemical Concerns in Cosmetics)
• 9.25.07 Investigation Finds More Than 400 Cosmetic Products on U.S. Shelves Unsafe When Used as Directed: Based on Industry Ingredient Assessments (Chemical Concerns in Cosmetics)
• 7.12.07 Down the Drain (Chemicals' toxicity debated, Cosmetics linked to problem in infant sons, Chemicals found to impair baby boys' genitals ...)
• 5.24.07 Skin Deep (Chemicals' toxicity debated)
• View All »

Related News Clips on Chemicals in Phthalates

• 10.31.07 'Endocrine Disruptor' Won't Be on Label (Chemicals' toxicity debated, Cosmetics linked to problem in infant sons, Chemicals found to impair baby boys' genitals ...)
• 10.16.07 Group's Suit Alleges Toxin In iPhones (diethyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate ...)
• 10.13.07 Consumer Group Finds Lead In Lipstick (Chemicals' toxicity debated, Cosmetics linked to problem in infant sons, Chemicals found to impair baby boys' genitals ...)
• 10.11.07 Interest Group Claims Test Proves Safety Of Phthalates (diethyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate ...)
• 9.18.07 Sex Education (Chemicals' toxicity debated)
• View All »

Health Effects related to Phthalates: Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Endocrine system, Reproduction and fertility, Birth or developmental effects, Persistent and bioaccumulative, Brain and nervous system, Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)

Routes of Exposure related to Phthalates:

• Air: industrial air pollution
• Consumer products: adhesives, detergents, flooring, inks, paints and coatings, plastics, rubber
• Environment: agriculture, industrial water pollution
• Found in people
• Miscellaneous: medical tubing, rocket propellent
• Personal care products: deodorant, fragrances, hand lotion, insect repellent, shampoo, soap
• Water: sewage sludge, tap water, water treatment

Related Chemicals

monoethyl phthalate, monomethyl phthalate, mono-butyl phthalate, mono- (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl), mono- (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, view all...