Download or read book Phthalate Esters written by Charles Staples and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2003-08-25 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Phthalate esters are an important class of chemicals widely used in commercial applications, primarily as plasticizers to soften vinyl, but they are also used in consumer products. This book reviews the state of the scientific knowledge of phthalate esters in the environment. Key information reported includes: analytical methodologies; a compilation of concentration measurements in water, sediment, soil, air, dust, and food; plus an assessment of critical exposure pathways. In addition, key physical properties data and fate characteristics that control exposure are reviewed. Also included are pertinent ecotoxicity data and mammalian toxicity and human health information. Finally, the monograph addresses potential environmental risks.