Histological and Ultrastructure Changes Induced by Di {2-ethylhexyl} Phthalate (dehp) in the Alveolar Tissue of Adult Albino Rats and the Possibility of Recovery

Phthalates are materials with a wide spectrum of industrial applications. High molecular weight phthalates are primarily used as plasticizers in the manufacture of flexible vinyl. Low molecular weight phthalates are used in personal-care products, as solvents for cellulose acetate, and in making lacquers, varnishes, and coatings [1]. A quarter of the plasticizers produced are made of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). DEHP is a commonly used phthalate plasticizer in polyvinylchloride (PVC) formulations. It has a wide variety of applications from cosmetics and food packaging to medical devices, and it makes PVC tubing soft and flexible. PVC is used in a range of medical devices from intravenous (IV) fluid containers, blood bags to medical tubing (enteral feeding tubes, respiratory tubing) and catheters [2].