Effects of Phthalates on Animal Health

Abstract

In daily life plastics are used widely due to their easy to use characteristics and low cost advantages. Some additives used in the contents of these plastics present more risk compared others. Especially, the plasticizers which soften and add elasticity to plastics form the highest risk. Phthalates, as plasticizers, are the most commonly used compounds used in sectors like food packaging, toys, make up products, medical instruments, textiles and construction materials. Phthalates, which used commonly in daily life, are not only chemically harmful; additionally they endanger the biologic system and also the health of all living creatures and organisms. These compounds are organic contaminants, they do not dissolve in water but dissolve in oil, they do not tie up with covalent bond to plastics. Thus they can easily spread to the environment through the multipath such as water, air and others. These phthalates which are inimical to health and nature, cause adverse effect on animals as well. One of the most commonly used phthalates di--(2 ethylhekzyl) DEHP causes liver, kidney and lung problems in animals when they are exposed to this compound, additionally it was found out that the reproduction systems of animals may be negatively affected, especially those that are exposed to phthalates during the postnatal period. Phthalates used in wide range of industrial scopes are among the chemicals materials that are carcinogenic, and they negatively affect hormonal metabolism. This paper discusses the negative effects of the highly toxic phthalates on animal health.

Keywords: Phthalates, Animal health, Plasticizers

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/7-09-01