A PERVASIVE CHEMICAL AND ITS EFFECTS
PTHALATES
ELOHOR EFFIONG
B.SC; MBBS; (PHC) PGCS; MPH (JOHNS HOPKINS)
INTRODUCTION
Phthalates are a ubiquitous group of industrial
chemicals used to increase the flexibility of
plastics and make them more difficult to
break.
They are commonly referred to as plasticizers
and are present in a variety of items used by
humans.
WHERE ARE PHTHALATES FOUND?
 Food
packs: plastic containers used for food
storage
 Children’s items: infant formulas, lunch/back
packs, toys, teethers, pacifiers, rattles
 Household items: garden hoses, detergents,
adhesives, plastic clothing (rain coats),
shower curtains
WHERE ARE PHTHALATES FOUND?
 Building
& Construction: energy efficient
roofing, interior finishes
 Manufacturing & Cars: lubricating oils,
automotive plastics, vinyl flooring)
 Hospital Equipment: blood bags/containers
and medical tubing
THERE’S NO ESCAPING PHTHALATES?!
 Personal
care products (eye shadows, soaps,
shampoos, nail polishes, hair sprays, and
perfumes)
 Sex toys!
 Insecticides
PHTHALATES ARE EVERYWHERE!!!
CHEMISTRY AND COMPOSITION
 Phthalate
esters are the diakyl or
alkyl arylesters of phthalic acid which is also
called 1,2-benzenedi-carboxylic acid.
 Phthalic acid is a derivative of Naphthalene
(an aromatic hydrocarbon).
 Phthalates are typically classified as High and
Low, based on their molecular weight.
HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT PHTHALATES
 These
contain a higher number of carbon
atoms (7-13C) and are more durable.
Examples include:
 Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
 Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
 Dipropylheptyl phthalate (DPHP)
USES OF HIGH MOL. WEIGHT PHTHALATES
 PVC
products such as wire and cable,
 Flooring,
 Wall covering
 Self-adhesive films
 Synthetic leather
 Roofing and automobile applications.
LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT PHTHALATES
 Low
molecular weight phthalates contain fewer
carbon atoms (3-6C)
Examples include:
 Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
 Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
DEHP is anticipated to be a human carcinogen!
And is a constituent of medical tubing/devices!!
USES OF LOW MOL. WEIGHT PHTHALATES
 Medical
devices: Catheters, transfusion
devices
 General purpose PVC: Floors (Hospital floors)
 Adhesives and inks
Low molecular weight phthalates are of
medical concern!
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
 While
EU authorities have ruled that High
molecular weight phthalates pose no threat in
current applications,

Low molecular weight phthalates have been
classified as Substances of Very High Concern
(SVHC)
PERSONS AT RISK FOR PHTHALATE TOXICITY
 Dialysis
patients,
 Hemophiliacs,
or people who received blood
transfusions from sources that use tubing or
containers made with phthalates
 Painters,
Printers
 Workers
exposed to phthalates during the
manufacture, formulation, and processing of plastics.
 Children,
Fetus/Unborn child
ROUTE OF INGESTION
 The
main route of exposure to phthalates is
through ingestion of food and drinks that have
been contaminated while contained in
containers containing phthalates.
 Because they are not chemically bound to the
plastic, phthalates can percolate into foods
heated in plastic containers, especially within
the microwave.
INGESTION AS A ROUTE
 Chewing
children)
of toys (as practiced by
 Sources
include: Pacifiers, toys, feeding
bottles, lunch packs, infant formula
 Other
are: breast milk, retail cow’s milk,
foods contained in plastic packaging,
feeding Items such as cups and bowls,
indoor air, & medical devices.
OTHER ROUTES
Absorption
through the dermal route while
using lotions and fragrances
Inhalation of phthalate vapors or dust
Parenteral (intravenous): through medical
tubing
METABOLISM
Phthalates are rapidly absorbed and eliminated
following ingestion.
After ingestion, the di-esters are rapidly
cleaved to monoesters in the digestive tract.
The monoesters are the metabolites responsible
for the toxic effects of the chemical.
METABOLISM/ELIMINATION
Phthalates are not stored in the body but
because humans are constantly exposed, it is
possible to measure their presence in body.
They are excreted in the sweat, urine and
feces.
The sweat content of phthalate is two times that
of urine.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE
 Phthalates
display a variety of toxic effects.
 These effects include damage to the liver, kidney,
heart, and lungs as well as adverse effects on
reproduction, development, and blood clotting
 They act as Endocrine disruptors, possessing
estrogenic activity which affects the hormonal &
genito-urinary system.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE
 While
the entire human population
is prone to phthalate ingestion and
toxicity, it is alarming to note that children,
particularly babies are the most prone to
ingestion of the chemical because of the
varying media of exposure.
EFFECTS ON THE UNBORN
There are links between phthalate exposure and
the incidence of premature births.
According to a recent study by Kelly K. Ferguson
et al, exposure to phthalates during pregnancy
increases the odds of a preterm delivery.
Babies may also be born with increased
anogenital distance (between genitals & anus).
ADVERSE EFFECTS IN CHILDREN
 The
toxic effects in children include:
 Asthma, eczema, rhinitis
 ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder)
 Decreased motor and mental development,
associated with high prenatal urinary
phthalates
 Chopra
et al in 2013 gave evidence of a
causal relationship between phthalate and
attention deficit disorder among American
children aged 6-15years.
 This was replicated among Korean children
aged 8-11, when Kim et al demonstrated that
urinary DEHP (LMWP) metabolites were
associated with increased levels of attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
ADVERSE EFFECTS ON ANIMALS
 Studies
have demonstrated diverse reproductive
and developmental effects in animals exposed to
the chemical.
 Some of the defects in male rat reproductive
organ development following prenatal exposure
include increased incidence of undescended
testicles, hypospadias (urethra on the underside
of the penis) & other anatomical differences.
EFFECTS ON ADULT HUMANS
 High
levels of Di-n-butyl phthalate, may
adversely affect human reproduction or
development.
 Phthalates can lead to the development of
breast cancer. The effect of the chemical is
additive, so even very small amounts can
interact with other chemicals to have
cumulative, adverse effects.
WITH THESE DANGERS, HOW DO WE AVOID LMWP?
CAUTION: MYTHS & TRUTHS
 Many
plastic wraps, packages and containers
are specially designed to withstand microwave
temperatures.
 Be sure yours is one of them by checking the
item or its label.
 DEHP is released into water refrigerated in plastic
bottles, but at a lower concentration than that
obtainaned through heating.
BISPHENOL-A (BPA)
 BPA
is a carbon-based synthetic compound
used in making plastic clear (transparent) and
tough (shatter-resistant).
 BPA was used in manufacture of infant formula
packaging and baby bottles. Although this has
been reviewed by the American FDA, many
bottles in the market still contain the
compound.
BISPHENOL- A (BPA)
 BPA
is currently notorious for its use in the lining
of the inside of tins/containers used for canning
food; examples include tomato paste, canned
vegetables, corn, peas, etc.
 BPA has adverse effects on the brain, behavior
and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and
children and alters human development.
USES OF BPA
PHTHALATES AND BPA RELATED?
Just like phthalates, BPA is an
endocrine disruptor with estrogenic
activity, resulting in developmental
and organ defects.
BPA-FREE MAY MEAN OTHER CHEMICAL!
CAUTION: TRUTHS & MYTHS
 Despite
many labels claiming to be “BPA”
free, studies have found that their products still
leach the endocrine disruptor into food, water
and the environment.
 The ability of a plastic container to leach off
harmful disruptors of the endocrine system is
increased by human activity such as dish
CAUTION: TRUTHS & MYTHS
-washing and microwaving
 Fatty, salty or acidic foods also increase the
ability of plastic to leach off into foods
 Leaching off means a bit of the plastic is
dissolved into our food, water & environment.
 Humans/babies consume contaminated foods
through direct feeding or breastmilk
PRECAUTIONS: TRUTHS
 Use
glass, ceramic or stainless steel
containers for hot foods & liquids instead of
plastic containers.
 Reduce consumption of canned foods as
most cans are lined with BPA-containing resin.
 Even soft drink cans are lined with BPA!
PRECAUTIONS: TRUTHS
 Do
not heat up foods in plastic containers
inside the microwave
 Do not wash plastic bottles or plates in the
dishwasher
 Do not heat up baby bottles in a warmer
 Teething rubbers, pacifiers, etc. are not a great
idea!
SHOCKING TRUTHS!
 BPA
& Phthalates are so common, it has
become worrisome
 Researchers at the Harvard School of Public
Health found that sick infants treated in
neonatal intensive care units have high
exposure levels to Phthalates!
 Nearly every human has a bit of plastic in their
body!!
INDUSTRIAL LIMITATIONS
 Colorless,
odorless phthalates are cost
effective means of producing industrial goods
with high performance, long-lasting wear and
durability.
 Using substitutions could sacrifice the quality,
durability, functionality, or cost of a product.
 Biphenol-S, the chemical used in BPA free
bottles may be more hazardous than BPA!
REFERENCES
 A.
Afshari et al. (2002). Emission of phthalates from
PVC and other materials: Indoor Air, 14(pp. 120–128)
 Albro
PW, Thomas RO (1973) Enzymatic hydrolysis of
di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate by lipases. Biochimica et
Biophysica Acta 306: 380-390.
 B.N.
Kim et al. (2009). Phthalates exposure and
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in school-age
children. Biol. Psychiatry, 66 (pp. 958–963)
 Braun
JM, Sathyanarayana S, Hauser R. (2013).
Phthalate exposure and children's health Curr Opin
Pediatr.. 25(2):247-54.
 Center
for Disease control and Prevention. National Bimonitoring program. Factsheet: Pthalates.
http://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html
 Chopra
V, Harley K, Lahiff M, Eskenazi BEnviron
Res. (2013). Association between phthalates and
attention deficit disorder and learning disability in U.S.
children, 6-15 years. Elsevier. doi: 10.(1016).
 Environmental
Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth.
JAMA Pediatr. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.
 Genuis
SJ, Beesoon S, Lobo RA, Birkholz D. (2012).
Human elimination of phthalate compounds: blood,
urine, and sweat (BUS) study. Scientific World Journal.
2012:615068
 Joseph
DiGangi, PhD; Ted Schettler MD, MPH;
Madeleine Cobbing; Mark Rossi, MA. (2002).
Aggregate exposures to phthalates in humans. Health
care without harm. (1-30)
 Kelly
K. Ferguson, MPH1; Thomas F. McElrath, MD, PhD2;
John D. Meeker, ScD
 Michael
A. Babich. (2010) Overview of phthalates
toxicity.
ww.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/114514/phthalover.pdf
 R.M.
Whyatt et al. (2012). Maternal prenatal urinary
phthalate metabolite concentrations and child
mental, psychomotor, and behavioral development at
3 years of age. Environ. Health Perspect., 120( pp. 290–
295)
 U.S.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry. 1997. "Toxicological Profile for Di-n-Butyl
Phthalate."
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp135.html.
 U.S.
EPA, Toxicity and Exposure Assessment for
Children’s Health: Phthalates.
http://www.epa.gov/teach/chem_summ/phthalat
es_summary.pdf
 Vidita
Chopra; Kim Harley; Maureen Lahiff; Brenda
Eskenazi. (2013). Association between phthalates
 and
attention deficit disorder and learning disability in
U.S. children, 6–15
IMAGES SOURCES
Alliance for a clean & healthy Maine
Arch1design
Ekimeeza
Fashion winter/summer
Happybabyusa
Inhabitots
Motherearthnews
Nutralegacy
Singlemindedwoman
St.Johns School
Thurswell Law
Viewzone
HOW MUCH OF YOU OR YOUR FAMILY IS PLASTIC?
 Decrease
your consumption today!!
 THANK
YOU FOR READING!!!
 SPREAD
THE WORD!