Release Date: 2024-01-16

Phthalates in Food

Mustafa Dasman (Author), Cagatay Oltulu (Author)

Release Date: 2024-01-16

Phthalates, also known as phthalic acid esters, are a group of chemicals extensively used to enhance the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics. Since their introduction in the 1920s, they have become integral components in a wide range of consumer products, including toys, medical devices, packaging materials, cosmetics, and personal care items. Phthalates are [...]

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    Work TypeBook Chapter
    Published inFood Safety
    First Page195
    Last Page210
    DOIhttps://doi.org/10.69860/nobel.9786053358787.14
    Page Count16
    Copyright HolderNobel Tıp Kitabevleri
    Licensehttps://nobelpub.com/publish-with-us/copyright-and-licensing

    Phthalates, also known as phthalic acid esters, are a group of chemicals extensively used to enhance the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics. Since their introduction in the 1920s, they have become integral components in a wide range of consumer products, including toys, medical devices, packaging materials, cosmetics, and personal care items. Phthalates are synthesized through the esterification of phthalic acid with various alcohols, resulting in different properties based on the length and type of the alkyl chain. They are broadly classified into low molecular weight and high molecular weight phthalates.Despite their widespread use, phthalates pose significant health concerns due to their ability to leach out of products and enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Once in the body, they are metabolized into more active compounds that can disrupt endocrine function, leading to reproductive and developmental issues, hormonal imbalances, and other adverse health effects. Research has linked exposure to phthalates with conditions such as premature puberty in girls, reduced sperm quality in men, and various developmental disorders in children.
    Environmental contamination is another major concern. Phthalates can leach into food and water from packaging materials, with levels increasing under certain conditions such as higher temperatures and prolonged storage. This widespread contamination underscores the necessity for stringent monitoring and regulatory measures to minimize human exposure and safeguard public health.
    In this chapter, we will explore the mechanisms of phthalate exposure, their impact on human health, and the regulatory authorities needed to address these challenges.

    Mustafa Dasman (Author)
    Res. Asst., Trakya University
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0556-8845
    3Res. Asst. Mustafa Daşman graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Trakya University in 2021. Following two years of experience in a retail pharmacy, he pursued a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Toxicology at Istanbul University’s Institute of Health Sciences in 2022. Since 2023, he has been working as a Research Assistant in the Pharmaceutical Toxicology Department at Trakya University Faculty of Pharmacy.

    Cagatay Oltulu (Author)
    Asst. Prof., Trakya University
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6051-3479
    3Asst. Prof. Dr. Çağatay Oltulu completed his PhD program in Toxicology at Trakya University Institute of Health Sciences. He is currently working as an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Trakya University. He has published 19 international original research articles and presented 13 papers in international congresses and completed 9 research projects. He has publications focus on cytotoxicity, metal toxicity and toxicity of antineoplastic drugs.

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