Phthalates+(Dukes,+Wallace,+Smith,+Torrance)



=Background: =


 * Phthalates are chemicals that are added to plastics to make them more flexible and resilient. There are numerous products that contain phthalates such as adhesives, automotive plastics, and detergents, just to name a few. There is a big concern for Phthalates because they are considered to be a carcinogen. Europe has restricted the use of phthalates in their imported and exported products. While Canada is having a voluntary phase-out for phthalates, the US has no restrictions or voluntary measures for the chemicals.**

=Chemistry: =

//How is it made? //

 * The name phthalate derives from phthalic acid, which itself is derived from the word "napthalene". When added to plastics, phthalates allow the long polyvinyl molecules to slide against one another. The phthalates have a clear syrupy liquid consistency and low water solubility. Phthalates are a family of compounds whose primary use is as a vinyl softener. They are colorless, odorless liquids that do not evaporate easily.**

//What is it in? //

 * Because phthalates are primarily used as a plasticizer due to cost, durability, and overall product sustainability benefits, it is in many products that US consumers use everyday. There are numerous products that contain phthalates such as** **adhesives, automotive plastics, detergents, lubricating oils, some medical devices(iv bags), plastic raincoats, solvents, vinyl tiles and personal-care products, such as soap, shampoo, deodorants, lotions, fragrances, hair spray, and nail polish**.



//**The structure of phthalates**//
 * This is a phthalate's chemical structure, which consists of a benzene ring which has a backbone of 6 carbons and 6 hydrogens.**

//Phthalates and the Environment //


 * Phthalates are one of the most studied chemical compounds in the world. Phthalates are relatively persistent in the environment and have been found in drinking water, soil, household dust, wildlife, fatty foods (meat and dairy products) and in the blood and breast milk of humans. Scientific research has shown that phthalates disrupt hormones, and can cause birth defects of male reproductive organs. This is a reason why there is a lot of debate going on about the safety of phthalates in consumer products.

**

=Human Health =


 * Phthalates have been shown to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems when studied in animals. There has also been high amounts of phthalates found in the urine of young children. Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Scientists at government agencies in both the U.S. and Canada agree that exposure to the chemicals could cause a wide range of health and reproductive problems in humans. Phthalates have been shown to have contrasting effects on the testis and the liver, causing testicular degeneration and promoting cancer.**

=Environmental/Economic/Political Implications =

//**Specific human or environmental systems with which it reacts? **//
**Here is a chart showing the exposure of Phthalates into humans in the US.**
 * Phthalate Exposures Based on Fourth CDC National Exposure Report** ** a **** Expressed as Micrograms per Kilogram of Body Weight per Day **** b **


 * Although this chart only shows the exposure that humans get from phthalates, the environment is also exposed to phthalates as well. CDC (Center for Disease Control) studies that have been published show that phthalates are widespread in the environment, however because of biological degradation, their levels are low. Also, water treatment plants help regulate and lower the amount of phthalates found in water.**

//**What happens when it degrades? **//

 * Because phthalates have no covalent bond, they are easily released into the environment. When the plastics that they're in age, degrade and break down, they're releasing phthalates. Also, some phthalates can evaporate into food, the atmosphere or water. When these chemical are released, humans, water, and any other organisms can absorb the phthalates**.

//**How long does it take to degrade? **//

 * The amount of time that it takes the plastics to degrade and release into the environment depends on which type of plastic it is and the type of phthalate. For example, Di-n-butyl phthalate does not evaporate easily, but it does enter into the air as a gas in small amounts. However, studies done by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have shown that once released into the environment, most phthalates quickly biodegrade. **

//**How is it disposed of? **//

 * Due to the fact that phthalates are a family of compounds whose primary use is as a vinyl softener and are colorless, oily liquids, they are easily absorbed into the air, environment (soil/water) and skin of animals and humans. This is generally how they're disposed.**

//**What if it were banned? **//

 * Phthalates are banned in Europe, however they haven't been banned in the US. If they were banned then it would mean, less amounts of phthalates being found in the urine of children, safer toys for children to play with, and millions of Americans wouldn't have to worry about the daily exposure they'd be getting from phthalates releasing into the environment by common household products. **

//Cost of Alternatives?// = = // What products would we not have if it were banned? //
 * For the alternative in my opinion I believe we, as in America should ban it**.
 * Mainly we would not have many children's toys that we today such as rubber ducks, and many other common household products .**

//**<span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 220%;">What countries export this product? **//
Some of the countries that exports phthalates are china, the U.S, and South Korea. **

//<span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 220%;">How/If a ban affects you ( or the average American) //

<span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif;">
 * A ban would help the average American because it would limit the amount of phthalate causing health problems, because they've been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental harm, and organ damage. It would also mean safer plastics to enjoy and use. **

//<span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 220%;">What are the political ramifications of banning this chemical? //


 * The American government must produce information on safe alternatives to specific chemical uses. Also they should model policies and and develop programs related to these alternatives as they provide technical assistance to businesses and consumers on safe chemical alternatives. **

=<span style="color: #00ff00; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 220%;">Summary =


 * If phthalates were banned in the US, then the plastics in everyday products that millions of consumers come into contact with everyday, would not only be safer, but environmentally friendly as well. There are many reasons why the US should ban phthalates. Not only are the health effects detrimental to society, but they also hurt the environment and harm the planet that we live on. If America wishes to become more green and wants to focus on improving the health of it's people, then we should follow behind Europe and ban these dangerous chemicals and put a stop to the madness.**

<span style="color: #00b1ff; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 220%;">Check our our PSA!

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uYQY3pm5nU