Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals that are structurally related to the organic acid, phthalic acid. The most important use of phthalates is in plastics, especially PVC, where they act as plasticisers.

Source: based on the GreenFacts Digest on phthalates

Phthalates are also present in a wide range of industrial, household and consumer products, including personal care products, such as pipes, vinyl wall and floor coverings, roofing materials, safety glass, car parts, lubricating oils, detergents, food packaging, adhesives, paints, inks, medical tubing, blood bags, pharmaceuticals, footwear, electrical cables, stationery, nail polish, hair sprays, soaps, shampoos, perfumes, moisturisers and (until recently) in toys (Table with main phthalates and their applications).

Specific phthalates have been banned in the EU from certain uses, for instance in toys and childcare articles (see European Directive 2005/84/EC) and in cosmetics (see European Cosmetics Directive)

Source: GreenFacts Digest

Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) - Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) - Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) - Di-n-octylphthalate (DNOP) - Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) - Phthalic acid - Plasticiser

GreenFacts Summary on Phthalates in school supplies:

• 5. What daily exposure levels to phthalates are considered safe?

GreenFacts Summary on Phthalate Di-butyl phthalate:

• 0. Introduction: What are phthalates?

Deutsch: Phthalate
Español: Ftalatos
Français: Phtalates

DBP

DINP-DIDP

DEHP

Endocrine disruptors risks

Safety of Cosmetics