Phthalates (US: /ˈθæleɪts/,[1] UK: /ˈθɑːleɪtsˌ ˈfθælɪts/[2][3]), or phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid. They are mainly used as plasticizers, i.e., substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are used primarily to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Note that while phthalates are usually plasticizers, not all plasticizers are phthalates. The two terms are specific and unique and cannot be used interchangeably.
Lower-molecular-weight phthalates are being replaced in many products in the United States, Canada, and European Union over health concerns.[4][5] They are being replaced by higher molecular-weight phthalates as well as non-phthalic plasticizers.
- ^ "ACC Addresses Phthalates Safety" on YouTube: video of Steve Risotto of the American Chemistry Council, uploaded by user AmericanChemistry on 23 October 2009, retrieved 23 December 2011.
- ^ "phthalate". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
- ^ "phthalate" in Collins English Dictionary
- ^ Commission Regulation (EU) No 143/2011 of 17 February 2011 amending Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (‘REACH’)
- ^ "Phthalates | Assessing and Managing Chemicals Under TSCA". www.epa.gov. 21 September 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2017.