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
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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.
