Phthalates
Human Health Risk
Ecological Risk
M
L
Socioeconomic Risk
There are a number of manufactured chemicals that can mimic or inhibit the action of
natural hormones in humans and wildlife (see also the report on endocrine disruptors).
Phthalates are a category of these substances used in the production of a variety of
consumer goods including many plastics and lubricants. Because of their widespread
use, phthalates have become one of the most abundant industrial pollutants in the
environment. Phthalates concentrate in body fat, and have been associated with adverse effects to the reproductive organs.
What’s at risk?
Because of their abundance in the environment,
virtually all populations are exposed to some
extent and phthalates are detected in ground
water, rivers, and drinking water. Human subpopulations may be exposed to greater amounts
due to geographic location or atypical diets.
Phthalates move easily in aqueous systems,
placing a particular stress on aquatic systems.
STRESSOR SUMMARIES
What are the human health impacts in
New Jersey?
The risks from phthalates in New Jersey is
unknown. Several phthalates are known testicular
toxicants. While virtually everyone is exposed, the
severity of effects at given environmental levels
has not been established. Subpopulations exposed to high concentrations may experience a
wide range of developmental effects from mild
and temporary to severe and life long. Effects
depend on the properties of the specific chemical as well as the timing of the exposure relative
to developmental stages. There are substantial
uncertainties associated with the effects of
endocrine disrupting chemicals in general.
What are the ecological impacts in New
Jersey?
Sampling conducted for phthalates in or near
contaminated sites during 1996-1999 documented sediment concentrations at levels far
greater than benchmark values established for
ecological health. There has been very little
research on the effects of phthalates on environmental systems. Potential ecological impacts
implied by observed phthalate levels include
changes in reproductive capacity, which is critical
to biological integrity, biodiversity, habitat and
ecosystem health.
What’s being done?
Because of their abundance in consumer products and manufacturing processes, there are
potentially harmful quantities of phthalates
released with little or no control. Current regulations that affect the production, use, and discard
of chemicals may not be effective in protecting
ecosystems from the effects of very small
quantities that subsequently magnify throughout
the food chain. Research is being conducted to
better assess the risks to human and wildlife
populations from environmental concentrations
of endocrine disruptors.
168
Final Report of the New Jersey State Comparative Risk Project