[Phthalic acid esters and the human body]

Phthalic acid esters have been used for its softening and plastification effects as additives to various kinds of products: colours, paintings, glues, cosmetic products, inks, repellents, films, PVC-derived products including medical disposable PVC products. The authors present a basic review of literature on toxicologically important sources including medical disposable products. They refer about the deleterious effects on the mammalian organism, possibilities to replace phthalic acid esters by other softening and plasticizing remedies as well as the use of such kinds of materials, which do not require these additives.