Phthalates-Sawapolski

Phthalates-are a group of man-made chemicals that are structurally related to the organic acid, phthalic acid with a chemical formula of C6H4. An example of a formula with phthalates is C6H4(COOCH3)2, which is the formula of dimethyl phthalate. http://www.gasdetection.com/news2/Phthalates.jpg


Properties;
Phthalates are a clear liquid, with a slight odour, has a melting point of -69C and a boiling point of 340C, it is insoluble with water. Phthalates are not flammable, they do not have explosive properties, nor oxidizing properties.

Primary Uses;
Phthalates are primarily used to make soft and flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for the automotive industry, building and construction material, medical devices and toys. Phthalates are also found in cosmetics because they have to ability to hold colour and scents. They are found in nail polish to prevent chipping as well as being found in insect repellents. Phthalates are mostly found in hair spray, deodorants, plastic softeners and in many other different consumer products.

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DANGER!

In animal studies scientists have discovered damage in the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems. It was also proven that phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 5% of women between age 20 and 40 had up to 45 times more phthalates in their bodies than researchers initially imagined. In 2003, Europe banned phthalates in cosmetics sold. Some studies have shown that children that are exposed to high levels of phthalates may experience developmental delays or reproductive problems. Long term exposures to some types of phthalates can cause cancer. Research also indicates that boys exposed to phthalates may be more likely to develop smaller genitals and incomplete descent of testicles. Boys who are born with undescended testicles are 2-11 times more likely to develop testicular cancer as teenagers or young men. Here is a video link showing more hazards related to phthalates; http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6512528n

Prevention;

Ways to prevent harmful exposure to phthalates includes choosing products that are phthalates low or free and treating those products with phthalates with care. For example; instead of buying vinyl based toys that contain PVC's (a phthalates product) you could buy more organic products. Here is an article that leads you to other preventative techniques, http://www.chemicalbodyburden.org/cs_phthalate.htm

IN CONCLUSION products should NOT have phthalates included because they are destroying not alone the egos of children going through puberty but their chances of living a relatively heathy life. It is causing more risks and is not helping we as people through our every day lives. All in all it is ruining our chances of living our lives relatively free of health issues.

Works Cited:

Joint research centre, JRC. (2003). Green facts: scientific facts on pthalathe. Retrieved from http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenfacts.org%2Fen%2Fdbp-dibutyl-phthalate%2Fabout-dbp-dibutyl-phthalate.htm&h=7fd57

Korea, SK. (n.d.). Chemicalland21: dioctyl phthalate. Retrieved from http://chemicalland21.com/industrialchem/plasticizer/DOP.htm

West, LW. (2009). Phthalates in cosmetics: “not too pretty”. About.com, 1

Dr. Ginsberg, GG (Videographer). (2006-2011).How To Avoid Exposure To Dangerous Phthalates In Consumer Products [Web]. Available from http://www.videojug.com/interview/how-to-avoid-exposure-to-dangerous-phthalates-in-consumer-products

Stahl, LS (Videographer). (2010). Phthalates: Are They Safe? [Web]. Available from http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6506618n

Brown, PB, & LastKrennHrubec, KK. (2009, november). Phthalates and children’s products. Retrieved from http://www.stopcancerfund.org/posts/176