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Phthalates in food and medical devices

Journal of Medical Toxicology volume 2, pages 126–135 (2006)Cite this article

Summary

Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental chemicals with a broad range of potential adverse health effects. Exposure pathways include air, water, packaged food and household products. Biological effects include disruption of the balance of sex hormones, allergic reactions, and enzyme inhibition. Carcinogenicity is seen in animals. In human studies, phthalates have been associated with poorer sperm quality, the symptomatology of asthma, and shortened AGD. Given the widespread use of phthalates in industrialized countries, further research, particularly on birth outcomes, endocrine disruption and child development are greatly needed.

Abbreviations

BBP:

Butyl benzyl phthalate

BiBP:

Butyl isobutyl phthalate

BBzP:

Butyl benzyl phthalate

BW:

Body Weight

DBP:

Dibutyl phthalate

DEHP:

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

DEP:

Diethyl phthalate

DiDP:

Di(isodecyl) phthalate

DINP:

Diisononyl phthalate

DIOP:

Diisooctyl phthalate

DiBP:

Di(isobutyl) phthalate

DMP:

Dimethyl-phthalate

DnNP:

Di-n-nonyl phthalate

DnOP:

Di-n-octyl phthalate

ECMO:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

GIT:

Gastro-intestinal tract

IT:

Tolerable intake

MBP:

Mono-n-butyl phthalate

MBzP:

Monobenzyl phthalate

MCL:

Maximum Contaminant Level

MCPP:

Mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate

MEHP:

Monoethylhexyl phthalate

MEP:

Monoethyl phthalate

MEHHP:

Mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate

MEOHP:

Mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate

MiBP:

Monoisobutyl phthalate

MMP:

Monomethyl phthalate

TPN:

Total parenteral nutrition

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  1. Department of Animal Science Environmental Science and Policy Program, Michigan State University, USA

    Karen Chou

  2. Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass

    Robert O. Wright

  3. Harvard School of Public Health, USA

    Karen Chou & Robert O. Wright

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Chou, K., Wright, R.O. Phthalates in food and medical devices. J. Med. Toxicol. 2, 126–135 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03161027

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Keywords

  • Phthalate
  • DEHP
  • Phthalate Ester
  • Medical Toxicology Volume
  • Phthalate Exposure