Phthalates Publisher



Saeidnia S¹ ; Denoon T² Show Affiliations
Source: Encyclopedia of Toxicology# Fourth Edition: Volume 1-9 Published:2023

Abstract

Phthalic acid esters, well known as phthalates (3198-29-6), are a chemical group derived from ortho-phthalic acid and are used in numerous industrial and consumer products. The major use of these compounds is as plasticizers, where it adds softness and flexibility to commercial plastics commonly used in personal care products, toys, consumer products, flooring and wall coverings, food containers, pharmaceutical coatings, and medical devices. Because phthalates are ubiquitous persistent environmental contaminants, exposure can result from multiple sources such as air, food, water soil, sediments and biota. This precipitates great concern as long term exposure to phthalates can negatively impact the endocrine system as well as other organ systems. In this article, uses, metabolism, toxicology, pharmacology, and pathways of exposure to phthalates are reviewed. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.