Introduction
Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are chemicals used in the manufacturing of plastics that are gaining widespread attention from the media and the general public.
Phthalates generally provide flexibility in plastics, and are used in products such as soft tubing. BPA is found in hard plastics, such as baby bottles and water bottles. It is also used in the lining of cans. Given their use in so many products, phthalates and BPA are now ubiquitous in the environment. Pediatricians are often faced with questions related to environmental exposures because the plastic compounds are a growing concern for some parents.
Both phthalates and BPA have been the subject of much research, most of it in animals and in vitro. These studies have demonstrated that the agents have estrogen-mimicking properties. Now, a growing body of literature is emerging that explores possible adverse effects in humans, particularly in children. It should be emphasized that human data are only beginning to be collected, and that not all animal studies show the same effects.
This article will discuss the sources of phthalates and BPA in our environment, briefly summarize the toxicology, and introduce the reader to the research findings associated with these chemicals. Because more than 800 research papers on phthalates and BPA exist, this brief review can only highlight some of the findings related to the potential for toxicity to children. For more exhaustive information, see the cited review articles on BPA and the technical report on phthalates from the American Academy of Pediatrics.