Potential sources and environmental fates of certain phthalates

Phthalateesters are a group of synthetic organic chemicals that are most commonly used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride(PVC) materials. Common end uses for PVC, and therefore phthalates, include tubing, blood bags, medical devices, clothing, flooring, packaging, toys, automobile parts, flooring, and roofing. Phthalateshave been found to be recalcitrant, ubiquitous within the environment, and in many cases, detrimental to human and animal health. This project represents an important collaboration between three research centers (DCU, ASU, & NIVA) with support from local Irish utilities, to assess the potential sources and environmental fates of priority phthalatesin Ireland.