phthalate

[ thal-eyt, fthal- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a salt or ester of phthalic acid: phthalates are used mainly, and profusely, as plasticizers and solvents, but growing concern over their environmental impact has led to interest in developing biological alternatives.

phthalate

/ ˈθælɪt; ˈfθæl- /

noun

1. a salt or ester of phthalic acid. Esters are commonly used as plasticizers in PVC; when ingested they can cause kidney and liver damage

phthalate

/ thăl′āt′,fthăl′- /

1. Any of a group of esters of phthalic acid, widely used in manufacturing plastics and as a synthetic additive in perfumes and cosmetics, that have been linked to reproductive and hormonal abnormalities in humans and other animals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phthalate¹

First recorded in 1860–65; phthal(ic) ( def ) + -ate ²( def )

Example Sentences

A 2020 study sampled 12 tampons and found phthalates in all of them.

From Popular-Science

Many aluminum free deodorants are free of other potentially questionable substances, such as paraben and phthalates.

From Popular-Science

These include substances like phthalates – better known as plasticizers – as well as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, toxic gases and other synthetic materials.

From No Straight News

Believe it or not, frequently dining out or getting takeout is associated with higher levels of phthalates in the body, thanks to food-packaging materials.

From Washington Post

During processing, foods come in contact with phthalates, such as DEHP and DBP — or BPA in the plastic or lining of cans — and because these chemicals aren’t bound to these materials, they can leach into the food.

From Washington Post