Phthalates form a family of synthetic chemicals with a wide variety of uses, ranging from consumer to industrial products. There are different kind of phthalates and they are commonly used as softeners to make plastics, such as PVC, more flexible and durable.

Due to their wide use, phthalates can be found almost everywhere in our environment. All phthalates have not been thoroughly studied, but there is evidence that some of them are harmful to our health as they can, for example, interfere with our hormonal systems and cause allergies. As a result, the use of certain phthalates is already regulated both in Europe and globally.

Want to learn more? Visit the website of the European Chemicals Agency