Analysis of potentially toxic phthalate plasticizers used in toy manufacturing.

A plasticizer is a substance normally incorporated to a PVC resin or some other materials such as paints, to improve some of its properties as flexibility or processability. Phthalates, adipates, phosphates and some others are the main compounds used as plasticizers. Some of these compounds, as bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP), are being questioned worldwide because of their potential toxicity to humans and the environment (Menzel et al, 1990). Thus, DOP has been included in the carcinogen list and a classification in the European substance list (Annex I of the Council Directive 67/548) has been demanded. On the other hand, public health authorities, supported by expert opinions, recommend a prudent use of plasticizers. According to Barber (1987), an increased liver tumor rate was found in rodents. The mechanism of tumor initiation by phthalic acid esters is thought to involve peroxisome proliferation, which is the large increase of subcellular microbodies which cause oxidative degradation of metabolites. Some other plasticizers, as di-isononyl-phthalate (DINP) and di-isodecyl-phthalate (DIDP) have shown a similar behavior, but straight-chain phthalates have only a minimal effect.