Languages:

Phthalates

Definition:

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)

Source: GreenFacts Digest

Related words:

Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) - Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) - Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) - Di-n-octylphthalate (DNOP) - Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) - Phthalic acid - Plasticiser

To read about this term in context:

GreenFacts Summary on Phthalates in school supplies:

GreenFacts Summary on Phthalate Di-butyl phthalate:

Translation(s):

Deutsch: Phthalate
Español: Ftalatos
Français: Phtalates

Related publications:
FacebookTwitterEmail
  • ABC - DEF - GHI - JKL - MNO - PQRS - TUV - WXYZ
  • Themes covered
    Publications A-Z
    Leaflets

    Get involved!

    This summary is free and ad-free, as is all of our content. You can help us remain free and independant as well as to develop new ways to communicate science by becoming a Patron!

    PatreonBECOME A PATRON!