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
More:
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)
