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How Does Phthalates Poisoning Occur?

by Contributing Writer

How Does Phthalates Poisoning Occur?
About Phthalates

Phthalates are derivatives of the chemical phthalic acid. They are frequently used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastics, particularly polyvinyl chloride. Since phthalates are also used in lubricants and gelling and emulsifying agents, they can be found in personal care products (lotions, soaps, make-up, perfumes), paints, adhesives, textiles, pharmaceuticals and even food products. They are colorless and odorless.

Means of Exposure

Phthalates are commonly ingested, but may also be absorbed through the skin. Absorption is a particular concern with infants, as phthalates can be found in baby care products like shampoos, lotions and powders, and their developing metabolic systems may not be able to safely clear the chemicals from their systems. Inhalation is another means of exposure. Phthalate molecules may break from the plastics' polymer chains and migrate into dust particles, allowing for inhalation.
Possible Effects

Research into the toxicity of phthalates is still in the early stages. While the CDC found that most healthy adults have phthalate metabolites in their urine, exposure during infancy and childhood could have endocrine effects. In the European Union, 6 different phthalates have been restricted for use in children's toys because of these concerns. Similarly, the US Congress passed a law in 2008 putting varying restrictions on the usage of 6 different phthalates in children's toys. Exposure to high levels of phthalates during fetal development may lead to hormone disruption in male infants, as shown by a decrease in anogenital distance in a 2005 study. However, while anogenital distance is widely used to measure endocrine abnormalities in bay animals, it has only recently been applied to human beings, so the results were questioned by a National Toxicology Program panel. A 2006 study of boys with undescended testes found a correlation between the condition and exposure to phthalates and certain pesticides. Studies in rodents have found changes in hormone levels and an increase in birth defects due to high levels of phthalte exposure. A Swedish-Danish study in 2004 found a strong correlation between phthalates and allergies in children, and a 2008 meta-analysis of available reserch found a link between phthalte exposure and childhood asthma. A 2007 study found a link between phthalate exposure and abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in adult men, but the authors of the study note the need for more research.