Phthalate Toxicity

Phthalates are esters of Pthalic acid, compounds mainly used as plasticisers. Phthalates are widely used chemicals which are of significant research interest as their exposure causes various consequences for human health. There are several categories of phthalates extensively used in many commercial productions with diverse uses, physicochemical properties and toxicological effects. This chapter discusses the toxicity of Phthalates and its potential risks to human health.


Introduction
Some commonly used phthalates are DEHP used as sealants, solvent fragrance , detergents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints and Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBzP) used as adhesives in vinyl materials (K. M. Rodgers, 2014). The widespread use of phthalates leads to its distribution in general environment as well as in raw food materials, contamination can also occur during processing of food. Larger volume of phthalates are used in edible products (above 40%) in order to get high plasticizing effect. Some toxicologically relevant phthalates in food industry are DEHP, BBP, DnBP, DiBP etc. Another source of phthalates is paper and cardboard materials generated from recycled fibre (O. Kappenstein, 2012). The major cause of exposure of phthalates in human occurs through inhalation and ingestion, DEHP is the major phthalate that is present in hygienic materials such as shampoo, conditioners etc. Phthalates are cancerous for animals and can lead to fatal death and particularly reproductive toxicity in animals ( G. Latini, 2005). In this chapter an effort has been made to analyse the phthalates toxicity in various sources.

Toxicity of Phthalates
In recent decades, belief over the adverse impacts of phthalates on human beings has been taken into consideration by the researchers despite the fact phthalate toxicity is already acknowledged since 1950s. Studies performed on animals have revealed the fundamental side effects including reproductive system toxicity. The physical and chemical properties of phthalates differ with the molecular structure which may comprise of a vapour phase with a low vapour pressure. Phthalates are typically fat soluble, which affect their leaching and segmentation. The exposure of phthalate in human can also arise as a result of materials encompassing phthalates across one product to other as can happen with food packaging material or intra cutaneous fluids, or through surrounding environment. Phthalate assimilation can occur through food comprising pharmaceuticals and other nutritional supplement (Ted Schettler, 2005). DEHP is one of the most common plasticizers used to make plastic flexible.
DEHP having chemical formula of C24H38O4 and molecular weight equal to 390.56gmol -1 consists of a pair of eight carbon esters linked to a benzene carboxylic acid ring.

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Phthalates
Phthalates acquires endocrine-disrupting properties and their exposure to high concentrations will lead to fatal death, cancer, deformations, liver and kidney damage and reproductive toxicity in animals. In human beings, major problem have been arisen related to detrimental effects. Consequent exposure to phthalates during their development, phthalates can be transferred from maternal blood to developing foetus and into infants through breast milk and these exposures may impact the endocrine system which is critical for various biological functions involving reproductive functions. In addition phthalates were also found in breast milk, seminal fluid and placenta. Phthalates may also unfavourably affect other functions such as metabolic processes, thyroid signalling and immune system. (Jan L. Lyche et al, 2016)

Phthalate Toxicity in Food
Food is the major source of exposure of phthalates in humans, European Food Safety Authority

Phthalate Toxicity in Water
The aquatic environment is a significant reservoir of phthalates receiving the waste water discharge, landfill leachate and rainfall. There has not been any estimation available regarding the presence of Phthalates at a national scale for recognizing their hazardous risk levels. In

Phthalate Toxicity in Cosmetics
Phthalates are widely used in many applications such as skin care products (skin moisturizer, skin softeners), nail polish and sealants. There are number of phthalates reported to be found in cosmetics for example, DEHP, DEP(diethyl phthalate), DBP and DBB (dibutylbenzyl phthalate). Diethyl phthalate was noted to be present in 67 skin care products. 309 patents have been held including 120 nail polishes and enamels and 27 manicuring formations. These products may have adverse health impacts on human body through direct contact with skin, hair, nails and mucous membrane (Hyun Jung Koo, 2004).

Phthalate Toxicity in Soil
The