Plasticizers reproductive effects

Limited data are available on effects in humans, consisting of an occupational study of workers exposed to mixtures of plasticizers and dermal sensitization studies conducted to evaluate the effects of di- -butyl phthalate in cosmetic products. Data from animal studies are more extensive. As a result of early findings on testicular effects of di- -butyl phthalate, most studies have tended to concentrate mainly on developmental and reproductive effects. A few studies provide data on systemic effects, but since these appear to be minor, research in this area has not been extensive. No data are available on the chronic effects of di- -butyl phthalate, or on its carcinogenic potential. 

Toxicology Suspected reproductive effects and teratogen TSCA listed Uses Biocide for adhesives, coatings, metalworking, cosmetics, plastics Manuf/Disthb. Aldrich http //www.sigma-aldrich.com... 

Toxicology LD50 (oral, rat) 7 g/kg, (IP, rat) 6889 mg/kg mildly toxic by IP eye irritant experimental teratogen, reproductive effects mutagenic data TSCA listed Precaution Combustible Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Heated to decomp., emits acrid and irritating fumes Uses Plasticizer for PVC, in food-contact coatings, dental adhesives film-former in cosmetics plasticizer migrating from food pkg. in food-pkg. adhesives... 

The rapid movement in the global phthalates market away from using plasticisers 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in favour of alternative products was underscored recently when BASF revealed plans to close its 2-EH and DEHP plants in Germany. The restructuring in Europe will have no effect on BASF s plasticiser portfolio in Nafta and Asia, however, where the company will continue to offer 2-EH and DEHP. About 70% of the plasticiser maiket volume is phthalates, and plasticisers make up about 60% of the plastic additives maiket. PVC accounts for 80-90% of global plasticiser consumption. In October 2003, California added DEHP to the state s list of more than 750 chemicals known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm. Previous studies had shown that the chemical can leach from plastic bags that contain intravenous fluids, blood, tube feedings or other medical treatment, and thereby enter the bodies of patients. 

Jain, G.C. Joshi, S.C. (1991) Effects of plasticizer di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on reproductive function of mice. Z. Angew. ZooL, 4, 465 70... 

In addition to the food contaminants that have been discussed, there are also man-made chemicals that can inadvertently enter the food chain or water, for example pesticides, industrial chemicals, and substances fed to animals like antibiotics and anabolic steroids. Some of these have been discussed in Chapter 5. In addition, there are also contaminants that are derived from the packaging or processing of the food. An important example is the phthalates, chemicals that are added to plastics, some of which are used in packaging food or drink. These substances may leach out of the packaging and into the food. As they are beheved to have effects on the reproductive system (endocrime disruption) there is clearly concern about their potential appearance in food. This type of substance has also been discussed in Chapter 5. 

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