| Clear Summaries of Scientific Reports on Phthalates
Phthalates are additives that are widely used in plastics and other materials, primarily to make them soft and flexible. They are used in industry as well as in medical and consumer products.
There is public concern about phthalates because of their widespread use and occurrence in the environment. What is known about possible effects on environment and health?
Possible effects of five of the most widely used phthalates
(DEHP, DBP, DINP, DIDP, and BBP) have been reviewed by the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB).
See also Chemical substances.
By 2004, three phthalates had been assessed by the ECB:
DBP is mainly used in PVC and other plastics. Other applications besides inks, paints and adhesives, include nail polish, perfumes, sealants, and lubricants.
Main conclusions: At some industrial sites, exposure of workers and emissions to air should be reduced More...
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DIDP and DINP are two very similar phthalates. They are mainly used in PVC and other plastics, but also in some inks, paints and adhesives.
Main conclusions: DIDP in toys may pose a risk; more research may be needed on the environmental effects of DIDP and DINP. More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr] In 2008, two additional EU assessments have been released:
The Risk Assessment Reports (not yet summarised by GreenFacts) are available on the website of the European Chemicals Bureau:
 DEHP (mainly used in PVC and other plastics, but also sealants, adhesives, paints, lacquers, printing inks, and ceramics.
Main conclusions: There is a need for limiting the risks to workers, consumers, and the general public, as well as to ecosystems near industrial sites using DEHP.)- BBP (mainly used in PVC - particularly in flooring - and other plastics, but also sealants, adhesives, paints, coatings, and inks.
Main conclusions: To protect human health, there is no need for risk reduction measures beyond those which are being applied already.)
Specific uses of phthalates
Some school supplies, such as erasers, contain phthalates – substances that are added to plastics to make them soft.
Can regularly chewing on such articles cause harmful health effects? More...
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