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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

/ ˈfθæl-; ˈθælɪt /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


phthalate

/ thălāt′,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.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of phthalate1

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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PHSEphthalein