What are Phthalates?

• Context (TH): A recent study has linked daily exposure to phthalates specifically di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) to approximately 3.5 lakh deaths globally from heart disease in 2018.

• India recorded the highest number of these deaths (103,587), followed by China and Indonesia.

About Phthalates

• Phthalates, also referred to as plasticizers, are chemicals commonly used to make plastics flexible and durable.
• Phthalates are colourless, odourless, oily liquids, also referred to as plasticisers.
• they are often referred to as “everywhere chemicals”, they are widely present in everyday items such as:
  • Plastic Products: PVC pipes, vinyl flooring, garden hoses, medical tubing, rain- and stain-resistant materials, children’s toys etc.
  • Personal Care Products: Shampoos, soaps, hairsprays, perfumes, and cosmetics (to extend fragrance longevity) etc.
• They do not permanently bind to plastic surfaces to which they are applied.
• They can break down into microscopic particles that enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

Health Impacts

• Phthalates can break down into microscopic particles that enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
• Studies have linked them to obesity, fertility issues, cancer, hormonal imbalances, increased risk of asthma and allergies in children etc.
• It can trigger inflammation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes over time.
• It can disrupt endocrine system.