What are phthalates?

Phthalates are a family of chemical compounds primarily used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl
flexible and pliant. Phthalates are used in hundreds of products in our homes, hospitals, cars and
businesses.

The phthalates widely selected to soften vinyl are used because of their strong performance, durability
and stability. Because they are used to soften vinyl and make it flexible, in these applications they are
called “plasticizers.” These phthalate plasticizers are bound into the material in which they are added;
they do not easily migrate out of the product or evaporate.

Phthalates are the most commonly used plasticizers in the world and are categorized as high and low,
depending on their molecular weight.
What are high phthalates?

High phthalates include those with 7-13 Carbon atoms in their chemical backbone, which gives them
increased permanency and durability. The most common types of high phthalates include diisononyl
phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and dipropylheptyl phthalate (DPHP). High phthalates are
commonly used in PVC products such as wire and cable, flooring, wall coverings, self-adhesive films,
synthetic leather, coated fabrics and roofing and automobile applications.

What are low phthalates?

Low phthalates include those with 3-6 carbon atoms in their chemical backbone. The most common types
of low phthalates include di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Low phthalates
are commonly used in medical devices, general purpose PVC, adhesives, inks, and cosmetics.

What are phthalates used in PVC?

Phthalates are used in PVC to soften the vinyl, making it more flexible and durable. In these applications,
phthalates are called “plasticizers. These phthalate plasticizers are bound into the PVC material in which
they are added; they do not easily migrate of the product or evaporate.

Uses & Benefits

Colorless, odorless phthalates are not only cost effective, but also highly suitable for use in a multitude of
consumer and industrial products that demand high performance, long-lasting wear and durability.

While they can be used in a variety of applications, phthalates are not necessarily interchangeable. The
characteristics of an individual phthalate often make it well suited to a specific product, allowing
manufacturers to meet unique requirements for its use (function and safety specifications), appearance
(texture, color, size and shape) and durability and wear. For this reason, substitutions could sacrifice the
functionality, quality, longevity, cost or performance of a product.

High phthalate plasticizers are used in the following applications to make products that are long-lasting
and high quality:
Building and Construction

From energy-efficient roofing, to flexible adhesives and sealants, to durable interior finishes, phthalates
are used in building and construction applications to make a wide range of vinyl surfaces last longer and
easier to maintain. Major uses of flexible PVC in buildings include: vinyl roofing membranes, resilient
flooring, wall coverings, acoustical ceiling surfaces, waterproofing membranes and electrical cord
insulation.

Wire and Cable

Durability, low volatility, heat resistance and electrical resistivity make vinyl softened with phthalates a
material of choice for protecting wires that run through homes and offices to power computers, appliances
and electronics. Wires and cables sheathed with flexible PVC prevent potentially dangerous electrical
accidents.

Automotive

Interiors, seat covers and interior trim in automobiles use vinyl softened with phthalates because of its
ability to withstand high temperatures. PVC coatings and components in cars help prevent corrosion from
water and weather. Flexible vinyl is also used in cars and trucks to make them durable and economical.
Outdoor Products

Because phthalates help make flexible PVC perform better in changing weather conditions – maintaining
flexibility in cold conditions and resisting degradation in high temperatures – they are found in many
outside products, including: swimming pool liners, garden hoses, waterproofing for roofs, and footwear,
such as rain boots.
Medical

In hospitals, flexible PVC is used in hospital flooring because it is affordable, durable and easy to clean,
helping to meet sterility and safety standards.

Phthalates have been thoroughly studied and reviewed by a number of government scientific agencies and
regulatory bodies world-wide and these agencies have concluded that phthalates used in commercial
products do not pose a risk to human health at typical exposure levels. Information collected by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the last 10 years indicates that, despite the fact that
phthalates are used in many products, exposure is extremely low—significantly lower than any levels of
concern set by regulatory agencies.

Phthalates have been thoroughly studied and reviewed by a number of government scientific agencies and
regulatory bodies world-wide and these agencies have concluded that phthalates used in commercial
products do not pose a risk to human health at typical exposure levels. Information collected by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the last 10 years indicates that, despite the fact that
phthalates are used in many products, exposure is extremely low—significantly lower than any levels of
concern set by regulatory agencies.

Removing phthalates from products could mean the loss of essential properties that consumers rely on.
For example, without phthalate plasticizers, electrical cords would not have the flexibility that allows
them to bend and twist without cracking.
Phthalates make up 90 percent of the plasticizer market, and while some substitutes are in use and others
are under development, there are no drop-in substitutes; each application has to be evaluated for the
particular properties required from a plasticizer. In addition, suitable alternatives are not available for
some high performance applications.