Phthalate Exposure and Long-Term Epigenomic Consequences: A Review
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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Collection of Alfalfa Root Exudates to Study the Impact of Di2-ethylhexyl Phthalate on Metabolite Production
Published on: June 2, 2023
Sudipta Dutta1, Diana K Haggerty2, Daniel A Rappolee3,4
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.
Abstract:
Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid which are used in cosmetics and other daily personal care products. They are also used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics to increase durability and plasticity. Phthalates are not present in plastics by covalent bonds and thus can easily leach into the environment and enter the human body by dermal absorption, ingestion, or inhalation. Several in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that phthalates can act as endocrine disruptors and cause moderate reproductive and developmental toxicities. Furthermore, phthalates can pass through the placental barrier and affect the developing fetus. Thus, phthalates have ubiquitous presence in food and environment with potential adverse health effects in humans. This review focusses on studies conducted in the field of toxicogenomics of phthalates and discusses possible transgenerational and multigenerational effects caused by phthalate exposure during any point of the life-cycle.
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