PVC polymer chains are attracted to each other by strong attractive force and therefore, they usually form a rigid structure. Adding plasticizers would help them slide against each other, weaken the forces between them and then make them softer. Because of its ability to increase the flexibility, ductility and durability of a material, phthalate plasticizers, such as di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP) are ubiquitously used in toys, food packages, construction materials, cosmetic products and even medical and surgical products. Various phthalates are used in different aspects depending on their molecular weight. Phthalate are made from alcohols and phthalic anhydride. They are colorless and almost odorless liquids with low volatility. They can be easily released from plastics as they are not chemically bound to polymers. In addition, they are insoluble in water but lipophilic which means miscible in most organic solvents. In 2011 Taiwan scandal, manufacturers used phthalates as clouding agents because of these traits.
What is the health risk?.
From some animal studies, phthalates are proven to be endocrine disruptor. It is revealed that if there is chronic large-dose phthalate exposure on males, their reproductive system would be eight times more at risk to be adversely affected. It implies that they may suffer from feminization, incomplete testicular descent, shorter penis, shorter anogenital distance and reduced sperm count. For females, it is possible that they may suffer from premature development of sexual organs because of phthalate exposure. However, more researches need to be conducted. .
It may also lead to higher chances of birth defect and developmental abnormalities. Some animal studies revealed that chronic phthalate exposure may result in cleft palate, skeletal malformations, thyroid dysfunction, low birth weight and increased sperm DNA damage.
