What are Phathalates
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Family of chemical that
does no occur naturally in the environment and is s use d in plasticizers, with
numerous industrial commercial applications and are often added to vinyl
plastic to make it more malleable and soft. 8
Having become popular in the 1950s Diethyl phthalates pronounce “thah-lates” are mainly applied to plastics that are brittle and crack easily so they last longer. 8 Because they are not chemically adhered to the plastics phthalate are constantly being released into the air, food, and liquid around us.9 It is also found in other consumer products such as toiletries, cosmetics (Eg. Hair sprays, nail polish, and perfumed), it is also found in medical treatment tubing. In air fresheners DEP is used as a solvent for fragrances along with other ingredients such as alcohol denaturant. 9 They help fragrances in air fresheners penetrate the skin and materials around us (fabric or sofas, pillows, drapes), so that the scent lasts longer. They also increase the air fresheners spread ability. 9 DEP can also be used as wetting agent; plasticizer is rocket propellants, dye application and suface lubricant in food. 10 Known also as dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1,2 benezenedicarboxylic acid. 10 Most common phthalate found in air freshners: diethyl phthalate (LMW) also known as DEP. 10
Having become popular in the 1950s Diethyl phthalates pronounce “thah-lates” are mainly applied to plastics that are brittle and crack easily so they last longer. 8 Because they are not chemically adhered to the plastics phthalate are constantly being released into the air, food, and liquid around us.9 It is also found in other consumer products such as toiletries, cosmetics (Eg. Hair sprays, nail polish, and perfumed), it is also found in medical treatment tubing. In air fresheners DEP is used as a solvent for fragrances along with other ingredients such as alcohol denaturant. 9 They help fragrances in air fresheners penetrate the skin and materials around us (fabric or sofas, pillows, drapes), so that the scent lasts longer. They also increase the air fresheners spread ability. 9 DEP can also be used as wetting agent; plasticizer is rocket propellants, dye application and suface lubricant in food. 10 Known also as dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1,2 benezenedicarboxylic acid. 10 Most common phthalate found in air freshners: diethyl phthalate (LMW) also known as DEP. 10
Chemical Name
Diethyl Phthalate 10
Chemical Formula
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C12H14O4 10
Physical State
Colourless, oily liquid
Health Risks
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· During a study conducted by Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) 14 air fresheners were evaluated, 12 of the 14 were found to have considerable amounts of a substance known as phthalates. 11 Pthalates is the main chemical ingredient in air fresheners that is used to dissolve and carry fragrances. 11 It also softens plastics, as well as act as a sealants and adhesive, and can be found in numerous other household products such as: nail polish, toys made for children, cosmetics and paints. 11
Recent studies that uses rats as human replacements shows that high exposure to phthalates can leads to cancer, developmental and sex-hormone abnormalities mainly a decrease in testosterone and sperm levels and abnormally formed reproductive organs in infants. 11 It has also been linked to affect fertility. 11
In many countries, such as the US don’t require companies to label phthalate content on consumer products, as they are not viewed as high risk. 11 Though in 2004 the European Union and 14 other countries banned several types of phthalates in cosmetic products and placed bans on the chemical use in children’s toys.11 Phthalate often found in air fresheners are known as DEP which are currently listed under the California EPA office of Environmental Health Hazard assessment as a developmental toxin and femald and male reproductive toxin. 11
Phthalates can be absorbed by the skin and then into the blood stream, and can also be present in breast milk.12 This is a concern if a mother is feeding because phthalates have been linked to asthma (Respiratory disease) and childhood obesity due to it’s affect on the timing of puberty in children. 9 DEP has also been known for causing irritation of the eyes, throat and nose when inhaled. 13 Based on animal studies long-term exposure may also cause liver and kidney damage. 12
Main health risks:
Recent studies that uses rats as human replacements shows that high exposure to phthalates can leads to cancer, developmental and sex-hormone abnormalities mainly a decrease in testosterone and sperm levels and abnormally formed reproductive organs in infants. 11 It has also been linked to affect fertility. 11
In many countries, such as the US don’t require companies to label phthalate content on consumer products, as they are not viewed as high risk. 11 Though in 2004 the European Union and 14 other countries banned several types of phthalates in cosmetic products and placed bans on the chemical use in children’s toys.11 Phthalate often found in air fresheners are known as DEP which are currently listed under the California EPA office of Environmental Health Hazard assessment as a developmental toxin and femald and male reproductive toxin. 11
Phthalates can be absorbed by the skin and then into the blood stream, and can also be present in breast milk.12 This is a concern if a mother is feeding because phthalates have been linked to asthma (Respiratory disease) and childhood obesity due to it’s affect on the timing of puberty in children. 9 DEP has also been known for causing irritation of the eyes, throat and nose when inhaled. 13 Based on animal studies long-term exposure may also cause liver and kidney damage. 12
Main health risks:
- Abnormal reproductive development 13
- low sperm count 14
- water and air pollutants 14
- early onset of puberty 15
- endocrine system abnormalities 15
- cancers (liver, breast, prostates, testicular) 15
- autoimmune diseases (lupus) 15
- Asthma 15
- obesity, insulin resistance 15
Environmental Concerns
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DEP can enter the
atmosphere during production and through use (spraying air freshener in the
air). 15 Phthalates can also be released into water bodies through waste and
sewage systems, as humans excrete the chemical through urine. 15 Sewage discharge
can wash phthalates into streams and rivers, polluting water bodies and
affecting wildlife. 15
Having been used as plasticizers for over 40 years researchers have found some lakes and rivers have high phthalate content due to ill disposed industrial material.15 This contaminates the water, as essentially speaking unnatural chemicals that are used in plastics are now being found in water. 15 Phthalate levels can cause deformations and abnormalities in aquatic animals and also decrease the aquatic life in a water body – as the chemicals change the environment of the water and make it harder for some species to survive. 15 Phthalates can also reach wildlife through the use of pesticides and industrial lubricants. Phthalates which are found in the environment can affect endocrine-signaling pathways in the bodies of wild animals and cause deformities in their appearances.15
Having been used as plasticizers for over 40 years researchers have found some lakes and rivers have high phthalate content due to ill disposed industrial material.15 This contaminates the water, as essentially speaking unnatural chemicals that are used in plastics are now being found in water. 15 Phthalate levels can cause deformations and abnormalities in aquatic animals and also decrease the aquatic life in a water body – as the chemicals change the environment of the water and make it harder for some species to survive. 15 Phthalates can also reach wildlife through the use of pesticides and industrial lubricants. Phthalates which are found in the environment can affect endocrine-signaling pathways in the bodies of wild animals and cause deformities in their appearances.15
References:
8. "Common Menu Bar Links." Phthalates Regulations. N.p., 18 Jan. 2011. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2011/2011_07fs-eng.php>.
9. "Phthalates: What You Need to Know." Babycenter. BabyCenter L.L.C, Apr. 2008. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.babycenter.ca/baby/safety/phthalates/>.
10. Integrated Laboratory Systems.Inc. Chemical Information Profile for Diethyl Phthalate. Research Triangle Park, NC: Integrates Laboratory Systems Inc., Nov. 2006. PDF.
11. Masters, Coco. "How "Fresh" Is Air Freshener?" Time. Time Inc., 24 Sept. 2007. Web. 6 Nov. 2012. <http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1664954,00.html>.
12. Environment Australia. "Air Toxics and Indoor Air Quality in Australia."Environment.gov.au. Australia Government Department of Sustainability, 2001. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. <http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/publications/sok/phthalates.html>.
13."Common Menu Bar Links." Phthalates Regulations. N.p., 18 Jan. 2011. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2011/2011_07fs-eng.php>.
14. "Phthalates." EWG Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. <http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/480>.
15. "ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS." Water Quality Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water_quality/quality2/envtoxin-phthalates1-quality.htm>.
8. "Common Menu Bar Links." Phthalates Regulations. N.p., 18 Jan. 2011. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2011/2011_07fs-eng.php>.
9. "Phthalates: What You Need to Know." Babycenter. BabyCenter L.L.C, Apr. 2008. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.babycenter.ca/baby/safety/phthalates/>.
10. Integrated Laboratory Systems.Inc. Chemical Information Profile for Diethyl Phthalate. Research Triangle Park, NC: Integrates Laboratory Systems Inc., Nov. 2006. PDF.
11. Masters, Coco. "How "Fresh" Is Air Freshener?" Time. Time Inc., 24 Sept. 2007. Web. 6 Nov. 2012. <http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1664954,00.html>.
12. Environment Australia. "Air Toxics and Indoor Air Quality in Australia."Environment.gov.au. Australia Government Department of Sustainability, 2001. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. <http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/publications/sok/phthalates.html>.
13."Common Menu Bar Links." Phthalates Regulations. N.p., 18 Jan. 2011. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2011/2011_07fs-eng.php>.
14. "Phthalates." EWG Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. <http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/480>.
15. "ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS." Water Quality Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water_quality/quality2/envtoxin-phthalates1-quality.htm>.