Plasticizers: A consideration of their impact on health and the environment

Plasticizers have been used for centuries to improve the processability and flexibility of a variety of materials. At the dawn of civilization water was used to plasticize clay for the production of pottery and clay tablets and the Ark was reputedly waterproofed with pitch plasticized with oil. Today the most common plasticizers are phthalates, adipates, and similar esters the majority of which are used to produce flexible PVC products. The widespread use of plasticizers in these applications over the last forty years has resulted in their toxicology being extensively researched and understood. As a consequence of these investigations many official bodies and legislative authorities have concluded that plasticizers pose no significant hazard to man or the environment. Plasticizers will, therefore, continue to be used to enhance all our lives through the production of a wide variety of PVC items ranging from medical components to waterproof clothing and floor coverings.