Phthalates+(Silver+Class)

**Abstract ** Ashirah Rollins

 Phthalates (pronounce thalates) are chemicals that are used as “plasticizers” in a variety of products. You can find phthalates in cosmetics, wallpaper, shower curtains and furniture. Certain phthalates allows nail polish from chipping when applied to the nails. Phthalates makes the perfume’s scent last longer and keeps tools from breaking easily (rusting).

For years man has known Phthalates to be harmless chemicals that is present in many household items worldwide. Recently, studies have shown otherwise and more tests are conducted on this particular chemical. The results show that phthalates cause damage to the liver, lungs and kidneys when ingested in the human body. Not only are they harmful to adults but to many baby and toddlers too. Since phthalates are present in many baby care products and toys, it puts children at a higher risk to ingest them. Certain studies have shown that products containing phthalates, can lead to deformities among infants if ingested by the mothers during their pregnancy.

Based on press releases and sources on the web, I see a huge problem with the chemical being used. Yes, it has been banned in many places but I believe that other countries should take action to ban it as well. Phthalates are widely used in making baby products and personal hygiene items and I think it’s a problem. This is putting pregnant women at risk by allowing companies/factories to continue to use them. One thing is to push countries to fight harder to ban certain phthalates from being used in the production of items distributed around the world. Another thing is to work on stricter laws that prohibit companies to use phthalates in their facilities. Unfortunately, there are plenty of companies that lie about phthalates being used among their products in order to increase profits. Remember just because that particular product doesn’t state phthalates on the back doesn’t mean that it’s not in there. **  Background **  Phthalates are chemicals made from oil and the most commonly used chemicals in plasticizers in the world. They have been used for 50 years in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) to make it soft and flexible. Phthalates can be found in laundry detergents, soaps, deodorants, air sprays etc. Although Phthalates are mainly used in plasticizers, there are other uses as well. Some keeps nail polish from chipping, tools from breaking easily and makes perfume’s scent last longer. Ninety percent of phthalates are widely used in Europe. Although most phthalates are harmless to human health, there are some that have been under the watchful eye of the EU. In Europe, three phthalates (DEHP, DBP and BBP) have been banned from use in cosmetics due to their relations to CMR substances. These substances have been found to be carcinogenic.


 * Human Health/ Environment Implications **

When ingested into to the body, Phthalates can cause kidney, lung and liver damage. It also harms the developing testes, the reproductive system and causes sexual developmental abnormalities. Phthalates can be responsible for disrupting the endocrine system. Recently, studies have shown that certain phthalates that are found in baby care products links to infant deformity. One thing about phthalates is when entered into the human body, the chemical does not build up. The reproductive system is mostly damaged by phthalates. When phthalates are released into the environment, the results are harmful. Dibutyl phthalates are extremely toxic to aquatic life.


 * Economical/Political Impact **

If phthalates were banned everywhere (currently banned in Europe and 14 other countries) then all basic everyday items would have to be modified to change the use of phthalates. For example, nail polish might not have the same affect if an alternative replaces phthalates. Although phthalates have been found to be extremely harmful to humans, children especially alternatives are more expensive. Summary **
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Phthalates were known to be harmless in products that are being produced in Europe and the U.S. Recently; there have been specific tests that prove this statement to be false. Studies have been shown that Phthalates can cause damage to certain organs in the human body. They can also cause abnormalities and defects in pregnant women. Although phthalates are very harmful, it is known that alternatives are way more expensive to use and produce. There are some benefits to using alternative such as health benefits. With alternatives being used, the rate of birth defects would decrease. On the other hand, using alternative phthalates will take the affect out of some products. For example, if alternatives are used in nail polish then it’s going to change the chemical makeup. Yes, maybe certain alternatives are a lot more expensive than just using phthalates but I think it’s worth it. If numerous companies continue to use the original plasticizers, it would cause many health problems/issues for many people including mothers-to-be. Companies should definitely spend the extra money on other less harmful alternatives because it would save many lives. With every phthalate being removed, one life is saved.

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