At home, at work, and in hospitals, people are repeatedly exposed to phthalates - a family of industrial chemicals that are used as softeners in PVC plastic and as solvents in cosmetics and other consumer products. Phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive system, particularly the developing testes, according to animal studies.

Medical devices made of flexible PVC, such as IV bags and tubing, contain and can leach the phthalate DEHP. Several government agencies have concluded that some patients are likely to be exposed to potentially unsafe amounts of DEHP while receiving medical care, and researchers at Harvard School of Public Health have found that babies in neonatal intensive care units have high exposure levels to this reproductive toxicant. HCWH is working with health care providers and manufacturers to identify products that contain DEHP and replace them with safer, affordable alternatives.

Outside the health care setting, people are exposed to DEHP and other phthalates from a variety of sources, including beauty products, PVC toys, vinyl shower curtains, car seats, wallpaper and many other consumer products. HCWH has compiled a comprehensive report about the risks associated with aggregate exposure to phthalates (pdf).

For recent news and emerging science on phthalate risks and exposure, see our resources page.

HCWH and partners have also conducted product testing and found phthalates in many top-selling beauty products. Test results are compiled in the reports: Not Too Pretty: Phthalates, Beauty Products and FDA (pdf); and Pretty Nasty: Phthalates in European Cosmetic Products (pdf).  For more information about phthalates in cosmetics, please see www.NotTooPretty.org. 

Key Resources

The Weight of the Evidence on DEHP (pdf)

6/05 Harvard study on DEHP exposure in NICU

Lists of PVC-free Alternatives

Aggregate Exposure to Phthalates (pdf)

 U.S. Centers for Disease Control report on chemical exposure

PVC/DEHP Audit Tool (pdf)

Recent news & emerging science