Definition:
Phthalates are very prominent chemicals in the lives of American consumers. They help make plastic flexible, extend the life of fragrances and help prevent nail polish from chipping.
Animal testing has indicated phthalates are harmful to mice in high doses. Whether phthalates pose a health risk to humans is not universally agreed upon by consumer groups and government agencies. Although phthalates are banned from all personal care products in Europe, the FDA permits the use of phthalates in cosmetics because of insufficient evidence that they're harmful to humans.
For more detailed information, please read "Phthalates and Cancer."
Also Known As: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dioctyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate (DEP), ethylhexyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate (DMP), di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
Common Misspellings: phtalates, pthalates, thalates
