Many of the chemicals in various plastics, especially PVC, can be harmful to children, according to several new reports. Certain chemicals known as phthalates are used as plasticizers, which serve to make the plastic more flexible. Below are 2 recent studies showing dangers of 2 different types of phthalates.

DEHP

Although research is currently ongoing on the toxicity of plasticizers that are commonly blended with PVC products, Italian researchers fear that they may pose a danger to babies.

In a recently published review of existing studies, Dr. Giuseppe Latini, a Pediatrician, notes some interesting points concerning the most common plasticizer, di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP):

• Many plastic items are made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) blended with plasticizers, with DEHP being the most frequently used.

• DEHP migrates at a constant rate from plastics to the environment.

• It has been detected in water, soil and food and is therefore considered as a widespread environmental contaminant.

• Over the past several years, a number of publications concerning toxic effects of DEHP on animals and humans have been reported.

Dr. Latini notes that "long-term exposure, especially in human beings at risk such as pregnant women and children, requires more in-depth studies."

He concludes that if future studies confirm the dangers of DEHP, "it would be advisable in the future to replace current PVC plasticizers, especially if they come into contact with babies, with better-quality materials."

BBP

DEHP is not the only plasticizer or phthalate to show toxic effects. Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), another plasticizer, has been shown to have estrogenic qualities, have toxic effects on the testicles, and to cause birth defects.

Now, researchers from Japan have found that the toxic effects of BBP exposure can extend into the next generation, at least in lab animals.

Investigators found that oral doses of BBP in rats had the following effects:

In the parent animals:

• Increase in kidney weight in rats (both sexes)

• Increase in liver weight (males)

• Decrease in the weight of the ovaries (females)

• Decrease in body weight gain (males)

• Decrease in testosterone levels

• Increase in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

In the offspring:

• Decreased body weight

• Decreased anogenital distance (AGD), or the distance from genital tubercle to the anus, in males

• Increased AGD in females

• Genital development of male fetuses was delayed

• Macroscopic and microscopic changes of the testes in males

• Decreased serum concentrations of testosterone in males

Biology of the Neonate November, 2000; 78; 269-276 and Reproductive Toxicology 2000 Nov 1; 14: 513-532